Which of these two entry level wheelsets are better? The Shimano is cheaper but I read that Fulcrum is owned by Campy so it maybe uses the same technology and parts? I'm a fred that's why my options are in the entry level category.

l have ridden the 550 for about 300miles and think they are fine so long as it is not hilly.
They do make a pinging noise when out of the saddle though.
they have stayed true and l cant believe they are still going with that number of spokes.
l am about 200lb.
If they hold up l will be quite impressed.
bad news is l have not ridden the fr7s .
There are others such as the neuvation, which seem to get great reviews provided you get a good set.

Not that much of a difference in performance. But maintaining/repairing the Shimano WH-R 550s isn't cut-and-dry. Replacement spokes are not widely available, and you have to use the Shimano TL-WH77 flat spoke wrench (about $20) if you want to retighten some spokes.

Which of these two entry level wheelsets are better? The Shimano is cheaper but I read that Fulcrum is owned by Campy so it maybe uses the same technology and parts? I'm a fred that's why my options are in the entry level category.

I think the shimano R-600 or Ultegra wheelset is great for the dough. The hubs are butter. I've got 900 miles on them with no truing and one front hub adjustment. The stainless steel spokes make seated mellow rides super comfy but whined up nicely when the hammer drops. My only issue with the R-600's was coming off a stiffer ksyrium sl-2 rear wheel I could feel the R-600 rear flexing under heavy torque load, especially out of the saddle sprinting. Once used to it the sensation is kind of springy and nice. Parts are easy to find and most shops know how to work on them.
At 1730g and $419 these wheels are a great value. I use a set for training purposes and for crit races. I came off of a set of ksyrium SL wheels whose rotational weight and stiffness were great, but the hubs needed too much maintenance and after around 3000 miles the hubs seemed to loose their effortless rolling feel. Plus the SL's were twice the price.
Good Luck. :thumbsup: If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me
valentinop@wrenchscience.com.