String Tension Question... TI Jazz Flats/Chromes.

[idoker]

I've wanted to switch or try out flat wound strings, but never really had enough input on how it would be of a benefit or not to my overall sound and/or style.

My main question is about the tension of the TI Jazz Flats, as well as that of the Chromes.

It has been said that the tension of the TI Flats is relatively low. Is this in comparison to other Flats or to round wounds also? So would the tension of the TI Flats be less than the tension of, let's say… DR Low-Riders? The DR hex-core string is a relatively standard tension round wound string. But, I could of used many different string models as an example.

As for the Chromes, I've read about their higher tension. Once again, would this be relative to other Flats or to rounds in general?

I realize that most flats are generally higher tension than rounds. But I’m just trying to get a feel for the strings before I buy any. Thanks for the help.

[bongomania]

While I defer to those with more experience when comparing TI's with Chromes, IMO the difference is often overstated. I've been a "stiff" flats player for a good while, mostly LaBellas and Chromes, and I always avoided buying the TI's because I thought they would be too floppy. I recently bought some, and they're not. They have a nice firm resilience and snap. Less tight than the Chromes, yes, but not loose or floppy at all. And that's on 34" 5-string basses.

[bassbully]

I am new to TIs about two months. i like the above post was avoiding TIs due to the fear of wasting good money on strings i wouldnt like. I finally bit. Yes, TIs are low tension for a flat...very low for a flat. I did have to add neck relief to my 51 P bass to allow room for the slack tension and remove open string fretbuzz.This is something i have never done with any string ever. But, compaired to say rounds they feel equal in my book. This is the the great thing about TI jazz flats .They feel great sound great and dont add the tension to the neck and fingers like most flats.They also last so its worth the cost. I like them and it was money well spent.

Chromes i have experience with. I have ran the med sets and now a set of the lights which i prefer.Chromes are much stiffer or higher in tension than TIs. The light gauge set is less tension that the med set so i choose them. Chromes over Fenders and a couple of other flats i have tried are lower tension than most standard flats. I like chromes alot and feel they are a go to set. I have no neck issues with them and can play hard on them. TIs i have to back off a tad and in the first gig with TIs i did honk a few notes and even pulled the E and G string over the fretboard edge playing to aggressively. I now know how to play TIs..you just back off a bit.
TIs are bright with good mids and a woody, uprightish tone. Chromes more punch and thump with decent mids and good bottom. Both are good and worth a try.