Pillar started making spokes in 1984. In 2006, they launched the quad butted spoke. I didn’t know about Pillar 6 years ago, but with supply issues becoming a thing in the pandemic, Sapim spokes were unobtainium. I’m glad we had to find a new spoke supplier. I was always kinda lackluster on DT, and Wheelsmith, while they used to make a great spoke, only sells a few models now. Pillar makes my favorite round spokes now, and I’d say the Quad Butted spoke is their best round spoke. The spoke starts at 13 gauge, which is 33% stronger than a 14 gauge, right where it matters: the J bend. Right after the J bend, it goes down to 14 gauge to save some weight, then to 15 gauge for flexibility where you want it. Then back up to 14 gauge at the nipple. So it’s barely heavier than a double butted spoke, but it’s 1/3rd stronger at the most critical spot. We’ve now built wheels with tens of thousands of Pillar spokes. No issues. The nipples are nice too, basically the same as a Sapim nipple. If you used to use Sapim force spokes, consider these. They’re lighter, just as strong. We're happy to cut/thread/prep spokes for ya, just let us know what length you need and if you want it prepped. If you need help figuring out what length, we can help you do the calcs too!
