Yikes, I love elixir strings but I can get 'em for about ten bucks US here... not sure what the exchange rate is right now but that does seem steep at $23 bucks Can. I've actually been writing down when I change them to actually see how much life I'm getting out of them, cause I don't think it's as long as I've led myself to believe- but then my playing habits vary a lot too.

My real thought here is like most everything else- on the relatively smaller stuff like fingerpicks, herco thumbpicks, wide straps, shubb capos- try 'em at least once and form your own opinion. I like the comfort of the coating myself, I find it's easier for my (ahem, probably less than manly) art director's fingers after an hour or so of playing than uncoated ones. But that's just me. I can certainly understand how some people don't like them and find them a bit greasy feeling... all what you like and don't like, you know?

Congratulations on your new purchase! I haven't tried one of these (haven't seen one in real life yet) but it seemed like a heck of a bargain at that price. Should be a great instrument for you!

jim