Well, my bass came with Belcanto's and I immediately sold them because I didn't like the nasal tone.
Fortunately the only strings I've actually purchased for my new instrument have been 1 new set of Orig. Flexocores.
Pirastro sent me Evah Orchestra's and Evah Weich's to "test" out but I did not care for them.
I have a used set of Permanents which I have not tried and they were a trade for a very old Eudoxa A and D string which I've had for 3 years.
So, I've actually spent less than $250.00 on strings in the past year and a bit, otherwise I'd be in the poor house.