Originally Posted by Drew Eckhardt

I like DT spokes because they have an aesthetic smooth taper between the narrow and full-sized sections, and if you're being honest bicycle parts are mostly about what looks best to you.



It's 1-2W @ 30 MPH depending on yaw angle which is not significant.



I'd guess all the material on the front side is bunched up into a narrow area so they're not needed.

As a side effect the nipples bear directly on the holes drilled in the aluminum rim during it's manufacture instead of smooth eyelets. Use a drill bit larger than the nipple holes (in your fingers) to debur them.

Also lubricate the insides of the nipple sockets with anti-seize to lessen friction and prevent galling. When it fits I like the same acid brush with half the bristle length cut off that I use for the spoke threads, although a q-tip will work in a pinch (but may leave behind greasy strands of cotton that offend the detail oriented).