For many years I was using Dean Markley Blue steels, they are about 16 years on my bass now. I like old stainless steel string sound. Unfortunately Dean Markley run out of business, because they was making too good product.
I have bought these for my bass students cheap ibanez crap bass... and I am amazed how the instrument sounds - the bass is alive and I could se that cheap Ibanez on the stage.
Whenever I will need new strings - I wil buy these again. String quality seems decent. But I am concerned for other string makers, if you can support legendary string makers, then do so. But for my "teacher bass" and beginner students HB are doing the job well. I will buy them again!