I got the aksion (impossible to read) tire when it came with a set of aksium wheels. I got such a good price I figured they'd have to be junk but I have to say I'm impressed. I did notice a string or two but nothing like you've described. the tread has worn better than most. I understand Mavic rebrands another tire maker's tire so the quality might be hit or miss. I had a conti gp4000s sidewall blowout within 100 miles and simply coasting to a stop, FWIW.