i was on the alienation site, clicked on the little cross spoke pattern under the "RUNAWAY & 440" rims. reads-non traditional center cross lace pattern, greater bracing angles resulting in less deflection.

anybody know what this is, and the advantages of having a wheel laced in this way?

thanks

Theoretically cross laced wheels are stiffer and stronger. It's why most companies are making wheels this way now a days.

keeping this in mind i plan on getting a set of 24" 48h jump rims. this theory will apply to them as well? and again, what is wheel deflection?

You got me on what deflection is. Why are you gonna go with 48 spoke on a 24? Have you thought about how heavy that's going to be? Most jump bikes now a days have 36H wheels as they are made a lot stronger then back in the day so 48 spokes are no longer required.

hubs were free. sure beats 125+ for just a rear. and im kind of skechy on my landings. figure 48's with those hubs will last a little longer than my others which cost 420. only plan on spending enough to get em rolling. dont really care about weight when i jump, just race. plus its only a lb. or two+.

looked up wheel deflection- says something about the load put on a rim/spoke when wieght is applied in a downward direction(hop). also states that there is a lateral load applied when weight/force is applied (warp).was a lot of confusing reading and didnt explain jack $#!+. looks like it may just be another selling point to get peeps to buy product. just got an email from someone who says all that is mumbojumbo. spoke tension, proper spoke/nipple length really denotes how strong the rim is, and how smooth the rider is(not me).
found several companies that offer 24" 48's-sun,halo,alienation,dmr,alex,mavic but now i run into proper spoke length to fit these cursed hubs i have. gonna keep trying to find what im looking for and wont stop till i do. keep you posted and get a pic posted on finished product. thanks for your help

Deflection is the amount something moves, when lateral forces are put on it. When you side load a wheel from a sideways landing or whatever, it flexes a bit to one side. That flex is the deflection.