Loading 120 film onto reels

I am just getting into 120 format B/W film processesing.  The problem I am 
having is loading the film onto the reel.  I have done a lot of 35 mm 
processing in the past and didn't have a big problem with loading the
reels, 
however I find the 120 format to be a lot more difficult.  The main
problem 
seems to be the paper backing and the stiffer base, or "curliness", of the

120 film.  The reel I am using has a spring type clip.

Anybody have some tips for doing this?  Should I cut the film off of the 
paper reel first?  Would it make sense to unroll the first part of the
film 
and clip it on (in reduced light of course) and then roll on the rest of
the 
reel? If so how do I stop the rest of the spool from unreeling while I am 
clipping the leader on?   Also I have seen the the past these "ratchet"
type 
reels, are these a better alternative?

I suspect the answer is practice makes perfect, I have a sacrificial roll
of 
film I am practicing with, but that first step of clipping onto the reel
is 
a bear!  Even with the lights on it is a pain to do it, in the dark it is 
much worse.