I've never tried stronghold. Frontline was OK for fleas, but ticks would bite on and feed for a couple of days. I was recommended Advantix by Bayer, which kills them before they bite on - where I live there's quite a bit of Lyme disease around so that's important. I have used that for the last 3 years. Also Advantix is a bit cheaper than frontline, and I get far fewer tick bites than I used to, I suppose some of it rubs off on me! I do have to order it from the vet though, not available without prescription. The vet makes some profit on it, but if that keeps him in business without putting consultation prices up, it's OK by me.
How does stronghold compare?
I use drontal, from petmeds, about every 4 months. Before, I was using the other one from the vet, but didn't have to pay for consultation if the dog had been seen in the last 12 months, and the vet nurse would administer it for free if I wanted her to!