Phill wood hubs

[beef]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering upgrading the deore hubs I've got as I'm after something that might incorporate stronger axles and better bearing quality.  I've read that phill wood hubs are perhaps a stronger, more durable hub than shimano xt or xtr?  I like the idea of a larger flange hub at the front as it creates stronger wheel due to shorter spoke lengths.  Shimano XTR hubs seem to be consierably more expensive than xt so I'm wandering if that means they are stronger and more durable than XT or that they are equivalent to Xt but made to be lighter weight.  Any thoughts wood be usefull,

Beef AKA John.

[expr]

I have Phil woods front hub Large flange. Very strong and well built easy to replace the cartridge bearing also. I do know that Phil woods make there own bearings for their hubs also. I also have the xt hubs on another bike also very good but given the choice the woods is better and less to go wrong and better water repellant.

[julk]

Sounds nice.
In a similar price range, how about Royce hubs, made in the UK as well.