I dunno Robert. I've used Dean Markleys, GHS Boomers, D'Addarios and a bunch of others. I really could not tell the difference in a blind "taste" test. I'm sure I prefered one of the brands if I can remember...and actually it must have been the Boomers because thats what I always pick up after all these years. They seem to work just fine and I've never broken any strings ever with them. They sound good...their build is consistent. I use 9s also. Used 10s before and they also sound good. I don't have to use really thick strings for a good tone...the 9s and 10s are fine. I prefer the 9s now because they seem to be a little brighter sounding. Crisper. As long as you have a good amp and you play good enough you'll have killer tone. The GHS Boomers are easy to remember by name I think that's why I've always asked for them! hahahaha j/k
I also change my strings a lot. About once every other month. To some thats a lot...they'll use the same set of strings for 6 months or more! Once they're not bouncing off the fret wire when playing and they start sounding dull then they come off.
Rob
Guitars/Bass - MIM Fender Classic 50s Strat, MIM Fender Standard Strat, Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Epi '56 Gold Top Les Paul, Martin DSR acoustic, Sigma Martin Auditorium electric/acoustic, Squier Jazz Bass.
Amps/Cabinets/Modelers - Model 2558 50 watt Marshall Silver Anniversary Jubilee combo w/ Celestion Vintage 30s, 4x12 Marshall cabinet w/25 watt Greenback Celestions, Fender Blues Junior w/ a couple of Billm mods, Line 6 POD 2.0, Roland Micro Cube
Pedals/Effects - Cry Baby Classic Wah, Boss TU-2, Boss NS-2, Boss RC-2 Loop Station, Ross Compressor, MXR Micro Amp, Danelectro FAB Echo, Danelectro FAB Chorus, Danelectro Chicken Salad, Marshall Guv'nor Plus, Marshall Echohead, Duhvoodooman's Zonkin' Yellow Screamer, Digitech Digiverb, Digitech Bad Monkey, Dunlop Fuzz Face, Homemade Loop Bypass pedal, Duhvoodooman's Sonic Tonic (Maxon SD-9 clone +), Voodoo Labs Superfuzz