The current CR720 uses Shimano Road cartridge pads. As for the pads, don't use the original pads, they are abrasive to rims, from my experience. Kool Stop salmon can be prone to squealing, but the black are not. This has been my experience only. I don't ride in the wet if I don't have to , so the black are my choice. They're not bad in the wet, they're just not quite as effective as the salmon.