I only used Dean Markley Blue Steel Custom Lites for years and years. After a lengthy discussion on a couple of guitar forums talking about how good balanced tension sets are I decided to try them out.
I like their string tension calculator. Really helped me make a good balanced tension set for my down-tuned 7 string. (26.5" tuned to drop F/F#). After that I was hooked and use their custom balanced tension for all of my strings. They play so nicely I will never go back to sets with tension all over the place again.
They last a good while and the tone is consistent (they don't get progressively shittier sounding as they age).
They are pricey tho...
Horizon Devices are releasing some new coated Balanced tension sets (made by Ernie Ball) any time now - I may give those a try.