Everything had been said already here, so there is only one thing that I feel like pointing out: hybrid sets could be a lifesaver. Ernie Ball or otherwise.
Let?s be honest here: As rule of thumb, you select your strings based on two general parameters: how they feel (your hand?s size, your fingers strength, your playing style and the like) and that their sound and durability are reasonably ok (let?s be honest again, not everybody could hear the slight difference in sound from brand to brand in sets of same gauge and materials). Ernie Ball fits the bill, no question.
BUT there is something else to consider. Hybrid strings could literally save certain certain guitars. Pay close attention to your guitar. If it sounds skinny, weak or loose in the bass response, hybrids could fix that at little cost and without a huge compromise in terms of action and playability.
For many of you, the afore mentioned is probably redundant and evident, but for novices might find this useful, so it did worth my while to mention this still.
