Flat-Chrome/Flat-Chromesteel?

[Ken Smith]

I played a great English Bass today made by Charles Theress (c.1860?) and it was strung with Pirastro Flat-Chromesteels. These are Red and White at the Ball end. This Bass Bowed great and the tension was quite low. The Pizz was good as well but I was most impressed with its ease of Bowing down to the E-string. I wonder if this is normal for this set, or the Bass is just loose or the set was a solo gauge.

I am looking for a string with less tension for my 5er as the regular Flexocor 92s are just ok on that Bass but require a bit of work. The tension is on the tight side and the Permanent B is just too much work in comparison.

Perhaps it was the wrong set or combo of strings that made me give up the 5er as quickly as I did playing only one concert with it right after its restoration.

So, tell me more about these Flat-Chromesteels, how they work, feel and perform mainly with the Bow.