Obviously, lower spoke count means lower spoke weight, but this doesn't mean lighter wheels. Paired spokes (such as my Shimano 7701s) require very strong rims because of the span between spokes. This usually mean deep rims. Not sure if this has anything to do with deep rims being a pain in the !@)(*& when installing a new tire (mine sure are).

I think rotational weight makes a bigger difference than just "weight". E.g., the 7701 spokes are threaded at the hub, not the rim. Supposedly this reduces weight at the rim. Of course, then again, you need a sturdier, heavier rim cause the thing's only got 16 spokes. It is interesting to note that with the radial-cross laced technique used on rear wheels, the 7701s have the radial on the drive side since the spokes are attached to the opposite side. Thus, the cross-lacing appears on the non-drive side.

There's an interesting article at CyclingNews.com
http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?...ura-ace_wheels
that describes how the new DA wheelset deviates from the previous design and goes with non-paired spokes and a lower rim profile. Those wheels are quite a bit lighter than my 7701s.

Best.