Help me settle on a set of strings

[ExurKun]

As much as I'd like to try out every set of strings out there, being a poor teenagers limits my options
So I come to you guys to help me decide on a set of strings to settle on!
I play mostly pick and fingerstyle, but will sometimes slap. I play very aggressively and love a percussive, lively, snappy sound and the sound of out of the box strings. I've tried EB Slinkies and hibeams and they seemed to lose that new snap too quickly for my taste, although i mightve had a dud. I love the feel of low action and loose strings that play like silk (because butter's overrated )
I do not like wooly, fat sounds, but rather i like articulation, punch and as much growl as possible. I like Ryan Martinie's tone, and also Flea. I'm playing a MIA Jazz Deluxe mostly, but have a few other basses.
Price value is important to me
Thanks

[jmattbassplaya]

Dunlop stainless steels or nickles.

[darkstorm]

I think Rotosound swing 66 and DR neon can do that real well. The neons have a little better low end difinition and longer life. They do cost more then the Rotosounds. But should give twice the life or more. Which make the neons less expensive in the long run. GHS boomers might also be worth a try.

[mmbongo]

+1 on Dunlops, especially at $18 for two sets.
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/dunlop-strings.html

[ExurKun]

I was actually looking at the dunlops, looks like i was on the right track, but is it worth the risk ordering 4 packs to break the free shipping? haha
now should i get ss or nickel? i've heard these are a little different from the steryotypes (which honestly im not sure i fully understand)
thanks guys!

[ExurKun]

Anyone a comparison between the dunlop nickels and steel??

[ksandvik]

Dunlops or Lo-Riders. Nickels sound a little bit more dull but few will notice at a gig, if any.

[GreenApollo]

I swear by DR High Beams. I came in to a Guitar Center with the intent to sell my bass and walked out with my same bass and a smile. DR's did me well!

[rodl2005]

& being a "poor teenager :-(" (as I was) U know U CAN buy a cheap 1 litre bottle of metho or denatured alcohol, put that into a sealable container -
& put yr USED strings in for no longer than 24 hrs,
hang 'em to dry for 24 hrs & U got a damn near new set again.

I get 3 or 4 'soaks' & therefore 3 or 4 x the life outta 1set of strings.

Boiling 'em leadsto breakages I've found.

I've been using the Alcohol mehtod now for 5yrs with NO ill effects, I been playing live for 30+ yrs.

[SmithLee]

I was a sworn DR customer i play with my fingers and they break! Rotosound Swingbass 66 strings wont let you down. They last longer than DR by not breaking. Look at the list of bass players that use em as well.

[Rockmusician]

I used to use DR. Then I got a deal with Curt Mangan. In August, Bruce Hall (REO Speedwagon) suggested that I try Dean Markley Stainless. I bought a set and like the way they sound.

[canadian_man_44]

I recently changed out my Chromes for a set of D'addario EN71 halfrounds and I'm loving them. They are brighter then the Chromes but because the outside is flat they don't zing on the frets. As well, because of the brightness they slap and pop with an amazing sound. Love them! One thing that shocked me a little was how mellow they are when just playing finger style. Even more so then the Chromes but with a much better sound when getting aggressive or playing slap lines.

[*insertcoolname]

Prosteels. Sound like DR's and they stay very fresh longer than the other stainless steel strings I've tried (Hi-beams, Lo-riders, SS Slinkies, Coated Slinkies, Elixers, Blue Steels). They're rough, kinda sticky and not silky at all, but I find that the rougher the string is the longer it's life is.