He's the one who first made me consider using bigger strings. I put .010 on my strat.
 
That was the shortest-lived set on any of my guitars, ever.
 
Some time after I got so fed up of people emulating SRV that I figured it was probably for better, anyway. The bridge/middle pick up combination still makes me sick to this day - as much I abused it myself...

I think I got up to 11's once on my Strat. Also, during my SRV craze. Like you Rain, they didn't last long.

I have been wanting to try the Rotosound flats 45-105 on my Rick Bass, this may have inspired me to follow through on that. I actually looked them up so that I can recognize the package next time I go into GC and have to spot them on the wall of strings.

Seems like several (if not many) of the really great electric and acoustic greats used (or use) "heavy" gauge strings.  Stevie Ray's a great example and, on acoustic, Tommy Emmanuel is another.  You really can get more out of the heavier gauges...if you can actually play them.  I know I can't.  But, dang, they get such great tones.

I think heavy strings are essential if you're a heavy handed guitarist. If I play a guitar with 10's or lighter then my hands just push them out of tune. Personally I quite like the feeling of fighting the guitar, which is why I go for heavier strings and a high action (I also cannot stand open string buzz). 

When I was younger, I used to always go into this local guitar shop where a guy named "Doc T" worked.  Apparently, he used to be in some band or another, but Ernie Ball used to put out a set of "Super Slinky's" with "Doc T" on the label.  I don't remember what the gauges were (except it started with 9's), but I used to have a ton of those thanks to Doc.

Hi,
 
I wish I knew/understood strings a bit more ... and maybe this will come when/if I do eventually get me an amplifier of some sort ... I've never figured out anything about the strings ... how stupid is that?
 
I'm thinking of having different strings on different basses though, albeit my Fender will no doubt have the same Rotosound'rs that Roger Waters uses, I think.

I change my strings every year, whether they need it or not!  LMAO!!  (just kiddin')
 
Normally, D'Addario XL 120  ...9's. ... Have used them for like 25 years.
 
When I bought my PRS the other day, they sent me 24 packs of their brand of strings for free, so I guess I'll see what those sound like.

Ernie Ball Super Slinks on the electrics... 9,11,16,24,32,42
 
D'Addario something or other on the acoustics.... either a 10 or 11 on the high E... since Acoustic sounds better with heavier strings...
 
 

I guess these could be an option for people who like to bend a lot but want something heavier on the low end. The A string is bigger than my E.
 
I wish my joints were healthier...
 

 
 
IIRC, SRV used to tune down 1/2 step, no? And I've seen Zakk Wylde tuning down by as much as a full step.
 
I'd probably be able to handle .010 on a Les Paul if tuned down by 1/2 step.