Daddario EXL116

I use these for D-standard, in occasional alteration with the comparable Balanced-tension set. I pick these over the BT when I need a little extra tension on the low end if I am exptecting to go to Drop-C.
the extra 002 on the low end helps keep things taught.

Unlike the BT set, however, the G and C (or A and D if you are standard tuning) strings already have a sizably higher tension than the low D (or E...) which offsets the above advantage in feel a little. It takes some getting used to switching between sets.

By and large I like the set. As always with D'Addario they sound fantastic, are wonderfully low-impact packaged with easily recycled plastic and cardboard in low quantities and seemingly last longer than you might expect. Will definitely buy again in the future - although I may add a thicker low string if I ever decide to keep a guitar permanently in dropped tuning.

As would be expected with D'Addario strings, the main reason I use these is due to their durability. I keep strings on my guitars longer then I really should, and these tend to last months at a time. When new, they sound clear and have a great chime. When old, they lose their sparkle but they stay in tune well and still sound decent. I hardly ever break them in spite of my aggressive picking style. I generally tune down a full step and I sometimes use drop C. These give plenty of tension. They're also really good for E standard tuning on cheaper guitars where 9s or 10s would usually go out of tune. Another feature I like is the coloured ball ends found on all D'Addario strings which makes restringing much easier.