I’ve used D’addario 11-49 exl strings for many years and have always liked them, they just feel smoother and more cohesive than other brands. However I now have hand problems (osteoarthritis) so wanted to try lighter strings. But I find 10s too light for my personal taste, they lose too much of the ‘piano-like’ qualities (hard to explain, more sustain, richer?) and stylistically I end up being tempted to bend too much, sound more rock then I rush - plus they break easier.
So I thought I’d try the 10.5 set, and have been very pleased and pleasantly surprised- i thought half-gauges were a bit crazy, too much choice in the modern world kind of thing, but actually I love them - a bit lighter than 11s, so easier on my hand, but retaining the qualities i like to a good degree… I think at the moment for me they feel perfect, so I’m very happy snd now have them on both my guitars (es335, L5ces, playing a sort of funky jazz style)