Thomastik "Dominant" steel strings are widely used, but it has been recommended to me not to use their E strings, which are weak and quickly lose their sound quality. I use dominants, and for the E, I started using Pirastro, on the recommendation of a fiddler/violin maker I bought a fiddle from. They sound brighter and stronger than dominant E's, and I'm told they're sturdier. That's what I do (I play Irish and Scottish fiddle music) but it also depends on what kind of playing you do - what kind of sound you're after.

chanteyranger