On all my builds I've used the DT Comps. I'm planning another at the moment. I did not the above info about the DT Alpine spokes. Rather than a full wheel of Alpines would it make sense to use Alpines on the rear drive side and Comps on the non-drive side?
Found this on DCR Wheels website (is in his book too) -
"Another solution which I sometimes use is to have different spokes on the drive side to the non-drive side.
The non-drive side will commonly use the same spokes as used on the front wheel.
The drive side will have heavier duty spokes and importantly spokes with less flex.
This means that the spokes flex more evenly on both drive side and non-drive side.
A light duty build could use Sapim Laser spokes for the front and non-drive side and Sapim Race for the drive side.
Heavier duty could be Sapim Race for front and non-drive side and Sapim Strong for the drive side.
You could also use D-Light spokes with Race spokes or Laser spokes to achieve similar slightly varying results.
Many wheelbuilders neglect such detail, although it is important for a well balanced wheel.
Moreover it does not need to add considerably to the cost of the build.
An important factor to consider before doing this is that sometimes a larger spoke elbow (such as the Strong spoke) will sit badly in a hub. Considering the quality of all Sapim spokes, most wheelsets can be laced with the same spokes throughout."
Found this on DCR Wheels website (is in his book too) -
"Another solution which I sometimes use is to have different spokes on the drive side to the non-drive side.
The non-drive side will commonly use the same spokes as used on the front wheel.
The drive side will have heavier duty spokes and importantly spokes with less flex.
This means that the spokes flex more evenly on both drive side and non-drive side.
A light duty build could use Sapim Laser spokes for the front and non-drive side and Sapim Race for the drive side.
Heavier duty could be Sapim Race for front and non-drive side and Sapim Strong for the drive side.
You could also use D-Light spokes with Race spokes or Laser spokes to achieve similar slightly varying results.
Many wheelbuilders neglect such detail, although it is important for a well balanced wheel.
Moreover it does not need to add considerably to the cost of the build.
An important factor to consider before doing this is that sometimes a larger spoke elbow (such as the Strong spoke) will sit badly in a hub. Considering the quality of all Sapim spokes, most wheelsets can be laced with the same spokes throughout."