Originally Posted by
HillRider
Is there any need for the extra strength of the Alpine III spokes on a 48H front wheel?
It's been debated whether the 2.3 mm elbow really brought any extra strength or not. Taking a thicker material, and bending it at the same radius means more stretch at the outside face of the bend, and more compression on the inside face of the bend. More reason for fracture lines to start establishing themselves.
The time where the odds are highest that a 2.3 mm elbow will actually be an improvement is when it improves the fit at the hub flange.