I've built two wheels because my friend at the bike shop said they are so much fun to build. He said they end up better than factory built wheels because they are better balanced. I think he had me stress the spokes, which factories don't routinely do.

My experience was that the bike seemed to want to leap forward. That's the best way I could think of to describe it. My bike shop friend explained that is because the wheel is more responsive.

My understanding is that the advantage is it is sturdier. For me (commuter cyclist) that is really important, as I put my bike through a lot, what with hauling groceries, in town hills, lots of stops and starts.