Hubs in the Velomax are cartridge bearings, I'm sure - the Shimano are loose ball and integrated races. Most people think the Shimano style is smoother initially, but I disagree. Catridge bearings are really the way to go for long life, upgradeablity, and low resistance over time. Essentially all the cartridge bearings in road wheelsets are the exact same quality Japanese bearing units (excluding ceramic and semi-ceramic).