I'm only a beginner,so have not tried a large selection if strings, I'm currently using Ernie Ball Super Slinky 9's. I also clean the strings after each practice session in the hope that they will last a bit longer. I recently got my hands on a Les Paul strung with EB Super Slinky 10's, and boy!, were the bends a lot harder!! So I'll stick with my 9's til the strength improves in my fingers.

Take it eazy

Dave