Strings: Value for money

Following my recent fallout with D'Addario, I have been looking at other string brands that won't make a visit to the guitar store more painful than it should be. These are some recommendations if you are equally interested:

• Darco. Darco has a Martin affiliation. The fact that it doesn't say Martin there means 1) It's not as enticing to players 2) It keeps costs down. These are my current go-to brand name but since City Music had moved away to Sims Drive, buying these online means paying for delivery. Darco strings are neither duds nor fantastic. They just get the job done without the extras. The affordability factor here is its main enticement.
• Harmony. I purchased virtually the entire Harmony stash back when Swee Lee's I12 branch did its closing down sale. These are good strings, very much under-rated but it won't be a hit with those of us with an aggressive playing style. These retails for as much as the Ernie Ball Slinky set in the mean time so people are more drawn to the EB name.
• Olympia. One of the most unchartered names in guitar string-dom, people are actually asking if these are legit. Yes they are, Olympia is Korean. The feel of these need a little getting used to. Durability-wise; as good as the Harmony. There are currently three stores selling Olympia strings, one of them is a music school & they are selling this for a little more than the rest. Why? Hmm...

Where to get them:

• Darco - City Music
• Harmony - Swee Lee
• Olympia - Music Theme

Pics: City Music / Swee Lee / Amazon