I like these strings. The coating extends the life of the wound strings and they keep their tone far longer than conventional uncoated strings. The overall covering keeps dirt from the string winding - this is what kills the tone. I was a bit apprehensive about the price, but they last 3 - 4 times longer - and there is the occasional 3 for 2 offer. They are nice and easy on the fingers too. Over my fifty years of guitar playing I have tried many other brands of acoustic strings, big name and budget. Some were great, some were awful, but nothing comes close to maintaining a good tone for a long time like Elixirs. I put these strings on all four of my acoustic guitars - I wouldn't have anything else.