D’addario Pro Steels tension?

[KoalaBass]

Hi everyone, been curious about these strings for a while and was about to order a set in my preferred gauge (40-95) and then noticed that the pack says they’re around 129lbs in tension. I like boomers and rotos in 40-95 (each around 147~lbs), XL work fine too (around 140lbs). Do you pro steels users notice a real difference in tension compared to other hexcore rounds in the same gauges?
Thx!

 

[michael_t]

In terms of overall playing feel (stiffness/flexibility), the ProSteels 40-60-80-100 (EPS190, 144.31 lbs.) would probably be closer to the hex-core Boomers 40-55-75-95 (L3045, 140.8 lbs.).

 

[tindrum]

I used XL nickel for many years….I currently have Pro Steel on a few different basses. They are without question a little more flexible. Not floppy or loose but 100% more flexible than XL’s and way looser feeling than Boomers (which are very stiff feeling).

 

[Geri O]

I used XL nickel for many years….I currently have Pro Steel on a few different basses. They are without question a little more flexible. Not floppy or loose but 100% more flexible than XL’s and way looser feeling than Boomers (which are very stiff feeling).

Hmm, interesting to hear.

Pro Steels are my go-to strings and I've liked them fine. But I would not be opposed to a stiffer string (and this from a player that uses 50, 70, 85, 105, and 135 gauge strings!). I've never really considered the tension of strings when I considered them. I would put them on, play them, and if I liked how they felt and sounded, I went with them. I was using the NYXLs, but I didn't like the character of the B and the E strings. So back to the Pro Steels.

I like the XL Nickels, but I prefer the edge of the Pro Steels. However, I may reconsider the XLs and crank the treble a bit.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

I find that Pro Steels feel roughly the same as Rotosound / Boomers despite having less actual tension.

From the difference in the feel of them I wouldn't have guessed my 50-65-85-110 set of Pro Steels is virtually the same tension as a 45-65-80-105 set of Swing Bass (180 lbs vs 182 lbs)

 

[JKaftertwoxans]

Ive been experimenting with heavy gauge pro steels at standard tuning. The total set comes out to be 199.38 pounds of tension which might seem like a lot, until you realize the avarage set of medium gaguge flat wounds usually has even more tension. The .55 g has been a revelation, going back to a .40 I cant stand the twang anymore.

 

[JKaftertwoxans]