I got a bad set once- it gave me such bad fret buzz I took my new guitar in for a setup after- but it was only the strings- after 5 sets I got one bad set. I went back to clear tones
I work in music store and it just was not bright enough to do anything for me. In the first set I opened the 3rd string was a wobbly mess and wouldn't intonate right. I'll stick with my daddarios.
I have them on my Charvel–great tone and response but definitely have a different feel. IMO, they didn't feel as "smooth" as regular Ernie Ball slinky strings...almost felt like it was hard to play/slide/move up and down the neck.
changing from regular slinkies I find the cobalts to be as everyone said, brighter, which I like alot. I also like how they feel, so the only downside to me is they rust faster.
don't like em.
for all the reasons mentioned.
my impression was that if you are a shred guy with emgs and still want more clarity, of the plastic souless variety, get Cobalt strings.