Thanks for the answers. I don't mind ordering two different lengths if it makes a better wheel build. I just wanted to know if the 2mm difference in length would matter if I went with the longer spoke. I assumed that the target was to the bottom of the nipple slot, but I don't know that for sure. I'll send them an e-mail to see if I can find out. I've used the DT Swiss Comp 2.0-1.8-2.0 in most of my builds before but had a discussion a while back during which I was told that the increased elongation of the 1.5 butted spokes actually decreased the chances of breaking spokes at the elbow for Clydes like myself. "When was the last time you saw a spoke break in the middle?" was how he put it to me, explaining that as long as the elbow and threaded ends are 2.0 there is no reason not to use 1.5 instead of 1.8 butted spokes.

This is not a low spoke count build. Actually it is two separate builds: The first, described in my original post, is a rebuild of a rear wheel. I damaged an Open Pro rim last season when I flatted on a fairly steep downhill on a rather rough section of road. The 105 hub is only a couple of seasons old. As I weigh about 235# in the off season and this is my training wheelset, I looked for a slightly beefier but not overly heavy rim. The Velocity Fusion came highly recommended but has a smaller ERD than the Open Pro. The build will be a 36H, 105 hub to Fusion rim, so low spoke count is not an issue.

The second build (if I decide to do it) will be 32H, Ultegra hubs with Fusion rims. I'm looking for a reasonably light but Clydeworthy build. I'm not opposed to using DT Swiss Comp spokes if it will make for less lateral flex as I do ride a fair number of winding hilly roads in MN lakes country. If it really won't make a lot of difference to lateral flex, the lighter spokes would be preferred. I'm intrigued by FB's suggestion to use the heavier spokes on the drive side. The only problem I have had with the Open Pros is that the manufacturer recommends rather low (95 kgf) maximum tensions. Even though I run the rear drive side at 115, I still have had occasional problems with NDS spokes working themselves loose (especially the pair that spans the weld). Would using lighter spokes on the NDS help prevent this?

Thanks