Head to head

D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic vs Elixir POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic

The short answer is that they are different gauges (.012-.053 against .010-.047), and only one of them is coated, which is what decides how long it lasts. Below, every specification we hold for both is lined up, with the 14 rows that actually differ marked out.

D'Addario

EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic

Light .012-.053, three sets

The default acoustic string, and the one to buy if you are not sure

7.3/104.7 (38,577)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

Elixir

POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic

Extra Light .010-.047

The slick, warm, easy-playing set for hands that are still toughening up

7.7/104.7 (1,698)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.

Score profile

The editorial axes for strings, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where it gains ground.

D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic7.3
Elixir POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic7.7

Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.

Specification by specification

D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic compared with Elixir POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic
	EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic	POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic
Brand	D'Addario	Elixir
Model	EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic	POLYWEB 80/20 Bronze Acoustic
Type	Strings	Strings
Fretline score	7.3 / 10	7.7 / 10
Value for money	9 / 10	7 / 10
Amazon rating	4.7 / 5 (38,577)	4.7 / 5 (1,698)
Price	$15 - $30	$15 - $30
Gauges	.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053	.010, .014, .023, .030, .039, .047
Alloy	Phosphor bronze	80/20 bronze
Winding	Roundwound	Roundwound
Core	Hexagonal high-carbon steel	—
Coating	Uncoated	POLYWEB, the original and thicker Elixir coating
Strings in the set	6	6
Sets included	3	1
Brightness	7 / 10	6 / 10
Sustain	7 / 10	6 / 10
Durability	6 / 10	10 / 10
Feel	7 / 10	9 / 10
Tuning stability	8 / 10	8 / 10
Suits	Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Professional	Beginner, Intermediate

A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively — which, for most accessory attributes, it cannot be. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish, never estimates.