Originally Posted by
Alias530
Higher spoke count isn't always a good thing. I'd rather have fewer higher quality spokes than a ton of junk spokes. Shimano uses a special steel blend for their spokes that makes them stronger, allowing them to use fewer spokes (lighter) and maintain stiffness and durability. The warranty speaks for itself. Dura Ace wheel warranty is TRIPLE that of Vuelta.
Don't fool yourself. there is nothing special about their spokes, they are just straight pull stainless. They chose a design philosophy in which they wanted to use less spokes for aesthetic reasons so they use a heavier stiffer rim to compensate. There are quite a few companies that do this as well, such as mavic with the aksium/ksyrium.