I have Shimano cantis on my Axis; I don't think they're anything special but they came stock on the bike and I haven't yet had reason to change them (I'm not racing though).

I'm sure you won't be looking at these brakes since there are better ones on the market -- but one thing I would like to share:

when I first brought my Axis home, the squealing was unbelievable. Sounded like a car with bad brakes -- people on the sidewalk would stop and stare. I did a little reading and figured out how to properly position them, adjust the travel, and, MOST importantly, **toe the brakes in**, and not only did the squealing go away but the stopping power improved.

just my .02. good luck!