Flake off

One of the set backs of coated strings is that it flakes off readily at the picking area as depicted above (Guitar: my Ibanez RGR08). Some of us think this is 'bad' but it's expected isn't it? You aren't actually fingering your strings at that area, the pick proves to be a hard material which comes into contact with the coated material & naturally, flaking off occurs. However, we must be objective & remember the role of this coating; to preserve string life more so at the fretted area rather than the picking vicinity.

Of course, some of us just can't stand how this looks...