Late to the thread but what the hell...

I go pretty much DT and Phil for high-end builds...Wheelsmith's are fine.

However, even entry level and mid-range spokes can last several wheels - but on two crucial conditions:

1. The get tensioned properly at the outset!!!
2. They stay that way!!!

Case in point...

CN which I import gets used alot on Raleigh, Diamondback, and other major brands of bikes. A lot of those bikes wheels leave the door unfinished with most shops and within months...kerr snappity snap snap go the non-drive spokes....

Here in my little shed I have a wheel with the same CN spokes that went anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 miles before it finally failed....not due to spokes or the freehub - but sidewall runout.

Why did the wheel do so well?

1. I built it.
2. Drive side tension started at about 115 kgf.
3. Drive side tension still registers in the 110-115 kfg range.

I keep it so that if I ever make a trip to Taiwan personally, I can bring it with me and let the manus of the hub, rim and spokes (CN) know how their stuff holds up when put together right.

Tension is what makes or breaks the deal with any spoke.

=8-)