[oldpotatoe]

Once upon a time, long, long ago, double butted spokes were the things of magicians and skeptics and ALL wheels were built with 14 or 15g straight spokes and for decades and decades, these worked just fine.

Yes, double butts, in the 'grand scheme of things', whatever that is, make for a 'more durable' wheel but again, many, many wheels still built with modern, straight gauge spokes that see wheel lives measured in years, sometimes decades.

I just built a wheelset with Sapim Strong spokes. Which are essentially straight gauge with a 2.3mm butt at the elbow. REALLY nice spokes, not expensive either. If the spoke hole on the hub is big enough, great choice for 'heavier' riders.

So much mystique about 'butted spokes'. BUT I have built with a $25 hub, $35 rim and 32 or 36 straight gauge spokes and the wheel is fine for it's purpose, thanks.

BUT for the OP..lace inside pulling if doing 28 and 3 cross. Minimizes bend of pulling spoke over flange.