I haven't tried much of the newer (long life) strings (except on my (daughters ?) baby Taylor acc, they've been on there for 15 years (ish), and finally need changing). After trying lots of electric string brands over the years (45 (ish)) (and many brands come from the same factory BTW), I've settled on DR 10 - 46 tight wounds. They are great strings, good and very consistent. Not too bright when you put them on (e.g. deAdario), have more mass for same thickness (tight wound) so bigger notes, last very well and stay constant (I can attest to now as I change them much less often, but playing much less, they hang in there very well for the often to occasional player (if you play 5 nights/day a week doesn't matter what brand you use I'd need to change them at least every 2nd night)). The DRs also feel really nice under your fingers, and squeal "very" well (in a much better than average way)).
I'm not an Ernie Ball fan either, but some like them, and they are probably the same as many brands, and come off the same machine/batch.
IMHO the DR's are better and they are themselves (I could be wrong
). But hey I like them, use what you like
Some facts: strings go off, you loose life, top end etc (so do tubes but much slower than strings)