ok. I have seen and cycled on wheels from different brands.
I assume you don't want to spend like $10000 or something (then you just buy a few Z3/ADA's or 4 Bora's like in the Tour).
Are you a heavy rider or not? Something like 500gram weight-saving isn't sifnificant if you are over 70kg.
Are you a climber or not? Less weigth is always important (rotating energy of wheels), but;
when you are climbing weight is the really significant factor
when you are rinding on flat roads, aerodynamics is the s.factor.
Zipp404. 1270grams. 58mm rim. This wheelset is only for light riders! A special one is made for 'Clydesdale'. It is both very aerodynamic and lightweight. So you can use it for both TT and climbing. Over 65/70kg don;t buy it beacuse it is very flexi.
Zipp303. 1125grams. 30mm or something. Very light wheelset, but less aero. I prefer the 404 because it is only 150grams heavier, but much more aero.
Campagnolo Bora. 1320gram. 50mm rim. Very nice wheelset (I have one my one). This is a wheelset that gets a 'facelift' every 10-15years! Not every year. It is very stong and lightweight, has carbon hubs, G3 spokes. Clear-coated carbon! And you can use it for both TT and climbing. Tubes only.
Campangolo Hyperon. 1200gram or less. Low rim (25mm or something). Very very light and looks great! But much spokes and not aero. Weight difference with the Bora is only 120gram, so I suggest buying the legendary Bora.
HED Alps. 1600gram. 50mm rim. Aluminium rim-strip for braking
(- point). A little bit heavy. Much spokes, so less aero. Strong wheelset. Availeble for clincher.
HED Jet 60/90 very heavy wheelsets but very aero. I won't suggest buying the Jet90mm because you will crash with side-winds.
Mavic Carbone. Not made of carbon. 2kg!!!!!!!! 50mm Thats twice the 303/hyperon! Alu rim string (- point) It is strong and aero, but I think is is far too heavy. People who get free wheelsets from sponsors, don't care about this. They can get a 5kg bike without wheels, so with 2kg it is 7kg (UCI limit). 5kg+1200grams =6.2kg and that is beneath the UCI limit.
Spinergy Thilium. I don't know but it looks a bit soft..
Reynolds. Never had the, bit is looks great. Is doesn't have that carbon-look.
FIR Antara. something like 1500-1600gram. 58mm rim. Looks great. Alu rim strip (-). Bit heavy, but very very strong.
Fir SPeedlite. Almost the same weight but lower rim. So why don't buy the Anatara?
Self-build wheels like Mavic CXP33 are an other catagory. For $300 you get such a wheelset. It has 36! spokes and 35mm rim so it isn't very aero. It is made from alu and an wheelset weight over 2kg (with Dura Ace hubs, I had one pair myself).
I love the Bora's. Visit
www.campagnolo.com for great photos. But there are enought other great wheels. I wouldn't suggest the Mavic Carbone!