I think most all of 'em said "speciale" on 'em...'cause they're made of speciale stuff In the '70s, all Columbus tubing was considered quite good, and on a par with Reynolds. During the early '80s, they starting making some seamed tubing (Aelle) that was cheaper and slightly heavier. While it wasn't bad as far as ride quality, it's just not as highly regarded as the SL or SP grades were. It's all good, some just better.