I like Helicores. They cost about $25 depending on where you go. I tried a Dominant G once when I busted a Helicore, and I DID NOT LIKE the way it sounded on my instrument. But every instrument is different! My teacher did say she used Dominants (except the E) before D'Addario came out with Helicores.

I found out early on that it's difficult to experiment with different violin strings because they do tend to cost a bit.