DR Strings Dragon Skin+ DEQ-11 Coated

"I’ve been playing guitar for over 15 years, and finding the perfect set of strings for my main electric has always been a balancing act. I love the longevity of coated strings, but I’ve always hated that slippery, plastic 'film' feeling you get with brands like Elixir. After hearing the buzz about the new DR Dragon Skin+ DEQ-11 (11-50) sets, I decided to give them a shot. I am officially converted.
The Sound:
Right out of the pack, these things are incredibly loud and resonant. DR uses a 'Quantum Nickel' wrap, and you can actually hear the difference in output. They have a punchy, mid-range presence and the high end stays completely open and bright. Usually, coated strings sound like they have a blanket thrown over the amp, but these sound just as lively as a premium uncoated set.
The Feel:
This is the biggest selling point for me. DR coats the wrap wire before they wind the string, which means you can still feel the physical texture of the ridges. They don’t feel slick or slimy at all. If anything, the plain steel strings have a tiny bit of extra grip to them, which makes aggressive string bending and heavy riffing feel very secure.
Tuning Stability & Lifespan:
I put these on a guitar with a non-locking tremolo, stretched them once, and they’ve stayed perfectly in tune ever since. Whatever DR does with their 'Accurate Core Technology' to lock the wire in place really works. I’ve had this current set on for about 6 weeks of heavy daily playing, and they still look clean and hold their brightness. Normally, standard strings would be dead and corroded by week three with my sweaty hands.
One Small Caveat:
If you are someone who loves that hyper-lubricated, ultra-slick feel where your fingers slide effortlessly without any friction, these might not be for you. They feel like a traditional, high-quality uncoated string.
Verdict:
If you want strings that last forever but still want your guitar to sound and feel like a real guitar, buy these. The 11-50 gauge has the perfect amount of tension for drop-C tuning or just a beefier standard feel."