Sheesh... I'm born with really acidic hands, and my guitar strings start to show signs of corrosion after a few hours of play. I've tried virtually almost every brand of coated strings and string lubricants in the Singapore market and here are some of my findings. While reading this, do take note that my reviews are simply personal and based on my different experiences with various products. So if you do swear by certain products that i don't quite fancy, don't blame me!
Here goes:
Elixir Strings Nanoweb and Polyweb:
Seems to last reasonably okay. Only thing is I feel that they're a little thicker and heavier than usual strings (compared to strings of the same gauges). And occasionally little "hairs" of string coating comes off. Particularly the Polywebs. The 1st and 2nd string are the ones to corrode first. The rest of the strings do last for quite a while. Quite pricey though.
D'Addario EXP:
Relatively more affordable than the rest of the coated strings, and the tone is actually quite bright in a nice way. BUT the 1st and 2nd string really cannot last! A 3-hour show is all i need to corrode it. The rest of the strings will soon corrode too... few days, maybe? (acid hands, remember...?)
Dean Markley Blue Steel Cryogenic Strings:
This is not really coated strings, but supposed to be quite lasting, but just not lasting enough for me. A bit too metallic for my liking. The corrosiveness is about the same as normal strings. Quite affordable.
DR Strings Extra Life:
This seems to be the best for me so far. Not too expensive, but yet very lasting. Even the 1st and 2nd string are coated. That's what i like about them. And the plus point is, they are hand-made strings.
Dean Markley Alchemy:
Hmm... this is really quite new, and they do last for a good old while. May be a good alternative to DR. And the strings are gold in colour, so they look good with guitars with gold coloured hardware. Quite pricey though.
STRING CLEANERS & LUBRICANTS:
For string cleaners, only DR Extra Stringlife works for me. All the rest string cleaners and lubricants are not really worth mentioning. DR uses a totally different technology from the rest of the products in the market. It has liquid polymer coating properties and it molecularly bonds to the strings after application. Well, it is also MUCH pricier than other cleaners and lubricants.
If anyone out there actually know any products good for sweaty palms, let me know. Would love to try them out.