As stated the Elixer strings are quite nice. Feel good, sound great, and as George stated the coating increases the life of the set..., but they are about twice what the average set of strings will run you.

I would also take into consideration how much playing you're doing with your guitar. Is it just for home play, playing out, recording, ect.

I can't even begin to count the number of strings I've changed over the years, but I will say this though..., one VERY popular brand is the GHS Boomers. They're decent, and pretty darn cheap... Even going into stores today looking at guitars I hear countless people coming in asking for Boomers.

The other brand such as Elixer are also big sellers, but those Boomers fly off the shelves pretty quick too.