Originally Posted by
kingston
I don't think it makes much difference for a guy like me. I got a new touring bike a few years ago that I use for randonneuring. It came with straight gauge spokes, and I've probably got close to ten thousand miles on those wheels. On the other hand the price difference is pretty small in the grand scheme of things so I'll probably just get the alpine III's for the new wheels if they'll work.
All things being equal, with a properly built wheel, the durability goes along the lines:
straight pull - double butted - "triple" butted (Alpine III).
Latter being more durable than the formal. Greatest difference (durability) gained going from SP to DB (DB to TB not as much IMO).