Let's face it, they cost more vs regular 2227s but when I did the math, they stay fresh longer so it's 1-to-1, unless you like changing strings, Paradigm wins. Sound-wise - pretty much similar. What is worth mentioning, is that I've observed a better stay-in-tune ability, especially when it comes to changing temperature/humidity. I had the same set installed for 1 year, and they were still sounding good enough, plus stayed in tune.