jprestley@comca

Now that I've got your attention - I'm making some wheels with Ambrosio FCS 28 deep-V rims. It seems like I need to use the longer 16mm nipples (rather than the usual 12mm) to get them to protrude far enough through the rim to be able to grab them with a spoke wrench (even my trusty Spokey). Two questions: 1) Is this normal with deep-V rims, say for example, Velocity deep V's? and 2) When using this longer nipple, do you then subtract the 4mm from the spoke length given by whatever spoke length calculator you use? In other words are most of these calculators assuming a 12mm nipple length?

maddmaxx 

The DT Swiss calculator adjusts the spoke length depending on what nipple is used. I believe it may also recomend a particular length nipple for some of the rim choices.

It is normal to use a longer nipple on Deep V rims such as Mavic CXP33 or the New DT deep v

ultraman6970

I had a g/f that had xtra long nipples also

interested

It is not unusual for aero or semi-aero rims to benefit from longer nipple lengths. I build my Mavic CXP33 with 14 mm nipples because they make it is easier to turn the spokes without hitting the rim.

AFAIK nipple length has nothing to do with spoke length. The point is that the ideal spoke length is one that is flush with the "nipple slot for the screwdriver" (I don't know the English word for it), and a longer nipple doesn't change that, they are just longer so one can get a grip with spoke key.
Or to put it into a strange analogy, think of a woman with two dresses; one is a mini-skirt and one is a long skirt; The woman's height (=spoke length) doesn't change depending on whether she wears a short skirt (=12 mm nipple) or a long skirt (16 mm nipple).

Again, AFAIK the actual amount of thread inside a 12mm and a 16 mm nipple is the same, the 16 mm nipple just has a longer skirt.

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Regards