I like the reduced finger noise of the Elixers, and I can see where the different touch these strings have is a positive to some people. I think I actually have a bad habit of using too much muscle when I play - and I think that is why the Elixers feel 'small' to me. The jury is still out on the me, for me and these strings. I used them all last summer on two guitars, but went back to Martins this winter. In Dallas summmers, my sweat seems to burn up strings much too fast ... the Elixers last for me, even then. I may end up trying again to get used to their feel, out of neccessity - otherwise I'll change my strings once or twuce per week!