Those sure look like j-bend bladed spokes to me. Same thing I have on my Gipiemme Parades. Not that I see the need for bladed spokes myself, but they cam with the wheels. That being said, if this were my bike, I would switch to a more traditional wheelset. That is my plan for the Gipiemmes too. they look cool, but when they start giving me trouble, I will go to a more standard wheelset.