"...from everything I've read..."

Guys, this isn't a theoretic discussion. I have several sets of tandem wheels. I don't have to read about the differences: I swap them on and off, ride, and experience the differences. Then try to share that with those who ask.

I'll say it again: every major tandem Mfg. uses Bontrager/Rolfe/Sweet 16 type wheels on their top-of-the-line racing applications. This is not my opinion. It's a fact. Since you don't like my rationale for that, I invite you to ask the Mfgs yourselves.

I know guys who think a pair of Open Pros laced to Ultegra hubs represents the zenith of wheel science, if they're hand built by their hero Joe Wheeldude. I'll take a pair of Zipp 909s any day. I've had both.