I found Elixirs good but expensive on the high street here at €20 or so per 6-string set. I do like to support the local retailer. Texas Guest may just have hit a bad batch? Happenned to me recently with a pack if 3 sets of Martins - all 3 of the high E's broke at the ball. And again, I never break strings. Retailer replaced them, no quibble (got a set of Elixirs and paid the extra cost!!)