I've always used a Taylor kit to balance the water on re-fills. I also use it periodically, albeit infrequently, like every 3 months or so. Every time I use the Taylor kit, I also use a test strip and compare the results. My approach is basically to "calibrate" the test strips based on the Taylor test kit results, so I know what color to look for on the test strips rather than just trusting the label. Then I can use the test strips to check the water on a weekly basis. I don't have the patience to use the Taylor kit every week, and if I did, some of the chemicals wouldn't last very long, especially the sulfuric acid reagent for the total alkalinity test and the calcium buffer.
FWIW, I've used both the Leisure Time and Aquachek strips. I prefer the Leisure Time, they seem a little easier to read.