A few weeks ago, I had a string break which hasn't happened in a while though I knew I was pounding my set of strings hard; day in, day out I have been practicing and playing with a few buddies though my set of Ernie Ball hybrids (orange pack) took the beating well.
After which, I decided to try another brand of string and since I was listening to Guthrie Govan a LOT, I thought it may be a good idea to try Rotosound strings. Headed over to my local guitar shop, all they had were Roto 11's. I was contemplating for a good 5 minutes on what to do because I had a horrible experience with a set of D'addario acoustic strings and didn't want that to happen again...but I decided to tempt faith. Bought a pack of EXL110s, went home, and cleaned and set up my guitar as I do with each string change.
Once I put on that new set though, my guitar was SET! They have a different feel to them compared to Ernie Ball strings though I actually found them incredibly easier to play. The strings actually felt like they were ready to play right out of the pack and hardly needed any sort of stretching. They are a tad bright though at the same time have a VERY balanced tone which I liked. With Ernie Ball sets, a difference in gauge can be a difference in tone though the reason for buying hybrid sets (9s on the top, 10s on the bottom) was to accomodate my lead playing with the rhythm. Though with these D'addario strings, I felt like I didn't even need any custom gauges or hybrid sets.
I can't deny that my guitar setup didn't help though considering I adjusted neck relief and action again which helped tremendously though the tone of these strings has been consistent for close to a month now and I've been playing EVERY day for at least 2 hours.
I'd say D'addario did a great job and I must say that Musicians Friend has a great deal on here! Next pay check, definitely getting myself a 3-pack.