The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus associated with a slip assembly. The slip assembly comprises a plurality of slip segments, wherein each of the plurality of slip segments and a bonding substrate. The slip segments comprise: a first end having a plurality of teeth; a second end opposite the first end; and a transition section between the first end and the second end. The bonding substrate is disposed within the transition sections. The disclosed methods pertain to the manufacture and deployment of such an apparatus.