I nearly always use flatwounds, and I'm always on the try out for new strings. I preffer flats over rounds and nickekl over steel (so you get an idea of my taste). Thomastiks are great (I love them). However, for my Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass, these are the best strings so far. Tension is great (not to stiff neither too floppy). And the sound is flawless, heavy on the low mids, as I like. As for durability I've had them for a long time, and still perfect (the zing from the first hour gone!!) . Very smooth on the touch as well, so absolutely no finger noise.