Gerd is a lot more moderate and thoughtful than Jobst Brandt, but like everyone else, has his own prejudices. I saw him building at Interbike a few years ago and he was bemoaning the lack of good high flange hubs. Go figure.

Campy C-record hubs (the sheriff's badge version) gave high flange hubs a bad name. They exploded far too frequently. It didn't have to be a radial build. I had a rear that was built four-cross that exploded during a start -- and I do mean explode. The announcer picked up the bang when it separated on his microphone from 100 feet away. They were very pretty but just plain fragile. I don't think they were forged, which was part of the problem. Dura Ace 7600, Suzue Pro Max, and the like all have forged shells and frankly very seldom break. But forging a high-flange hub shell is expensive and price counts when deciding what hubs to offer (though you wouldn't think so when you look at all the super-bling fixed hubs that are flying around this forum).

If you want to see a high-flange hub built specifically for track racing, check out the Zipp's. Very pricey and very bling. And you thought Phil's were expensive? (Have you checked the prices on Dura Ace 7600's lately?)

Emayex, you have the idea that Phil's are bad in any way? Well, they are an old design, they haven't changed significantly in 30 years, and they are pricey for what they are, but they also are bulletproof and quality product, and you can get them infinitely customized for your needs -- fixed with quick release, fixed with odd spacing, odd drillings, slotted drillings, and of course the local favorite on this forum (colors!). They also have absolutely incredible customer support.