DNK,
From my understanding, it is pretty much in there for life. If Squirel knaws on it long enough it might come off. we have never done that sort of test.
I have not compared the other companies string size to ours. I'm sure ours is bigger though.

Aw, yes, the barrels are alum. And I'm almost bald, so not many feathers left to ruffle. Here is a picture of me. What do you think? Actually I have a little more hair then that.

Randy