i recently scored some brand new low flange campy record pista hubs very cheap. my dilemma now is how to build them up. would it be bad to lace them to ma3 rims due to their budget nature?
(i like my ma3s on my other wheels)

It does seem like a shame to mate a high-end hub to a not-so-special (quality, but nothing to write home about) hoop. Especially since you're looking at saving a grand total of like $15 over a higher quality non-aero rim (I priced against an Open Pro, but others would be similar) per wheel.

MA3's a perfectly respectable rim. Maybe push the boat out and get some Open Pros?

I recently had a used high-flange Record Pista front hub laced to a black MA3... no shame. The shop guy enjoyed the hub so much that he shined it to perfection before he built up the wheel. I felt bad strapping it back on to my early 80's Trek 400, but hey: parts is parts.

useful comments, thankyou. boston trev- are the open pros durable? by that i mean are they a little compromised on strength for the sake of a few ounces? also this deep v thing, is that just to do wih the profile of the rim or does it affect braking surface as well?

and keevohn- super shop guy! wish i had local bike loving people like that in the shops i frequent......

Yeah, Open Pros are both light and strong. Both rims seem to have some issues with durability as due most rims available these days. The way the hard anodizing treatment works, it tends to weaken the rim, but Mavic doesn't want to hear about it.

As far as my experience goes, Open Pros and MA3s are about equally tough, but the Open Pros are a little lighter and sexier on the eye. But hey, you're not going to be braking much, are ya?

open pros have double eyelets and ma3s are single. Double eyelets make rims stronger. deep section rims are tougher, and stiffer, have same braking surface as normal rims.
If you really care about durability, lace them to cxp33, or even better cxp30 if you can find them.
I'm looking for cxp14(basically cxp30 w/o machined brake surface), but have had no luck.