Originally Posted by
FBinNY
The effects of flange size depend on the spoke pattern.
Non-torsional differences are greatest with radial spokes where bigger flanges mean shorter spokes. However Flange size has zero effect on non-torsional stiffness with full tangent (ie. 4x36h, 3x28h) patterns, since the spoke length is unchanged.
Torsional stiffness is the opposite, with zero difference with radial patterns, and maximum effect with tangent. Note, that for torsional effects, the key element isn't spoke length, but the lever arm (right angle distance from spoke to center).
I went to Pro Wheelbuilder.com's spoke length calculator and from 0X to 4X(where permitted) the high flange hub used shorter spokes for the 28, 32, & 36 spoke combos. That said, the differences in lengths decreased as I went from 0X to 4X. Also, given similar patterns(angles), shorter spokes will have less ability to deflect under torsional loads. This would hold true for radial patterns up through 4X.