The RD88s are far from the lightest wheels but they do have a desirable list of features.
For starters the hubs are loose ball units, so you can strip and service the bearings easily, and replace them when they wear, along with the cones. The rims are 25mm deep with an almost seamless join and a nicely machined braking surface. Spokes are common sense single-butted stainless items with brass nipples courtesy of Wheelsmith, well know for their durable spokes which are often favoured by long distance touring riders. In use they are surprisingly stiff laterally with a good level of comfort. They also offer a constant braking surface that throws no surprises at you.