Carbon vs. Aluminum

[Bigralphy]

What are the pros and cons of each? I use aluminums but notice that most archers are using carbon. Is there a reason for this?
Thanks

[scooter]

I use carbons for 2 reasons.

1. They are more durable and stronger than aluminums. I have laid down my bow on 1 occasion that sticks out in my mind and the arrows in my quiver bent (not much, but enough to notice). I missed a good buck thanks to that.

2. The seem to penetrate better. (feel free to educate me on this one if you know different).

[swamper]

I shot aluminums for years becasue the price of them at the time was substanrially less than carbons. It seemed that it didn't take much to bend them and I was constantly replacing arrows. I finally decided to try a dozen carbons and have never turned back. Not only did I pick up 25 FSP, I wasn't bending or breaking arrows and with the added speed my groups were tighter. The price of a dozen carbons is now virtually the same as the aluminums and with the longer life they actually work out cheaper. I currently shoot Gold Tip 5575's in the camo pattern. They are working out great and holding up very good. I know some people will tell you that you get more kinetic energy from the aluminums but when I hit my buck in the shoulder this past weekend and the arrow went straight through and lodged in the other shoulder, I am sold. Mind you the 100 grain Montecs were a great help.
Chris H.

[willyqbc]

I spend enough time tuning, tinkering, fletching etc for my family of 4, without having to spin test and straighten arrows after every 3d shoot. The carbons make things real simple....they're perfect or they're broken.

I think that the first carbons that came out gave up some consistency and quality to the aluminums....not so anymore, there are many fine quality carbons out there that I would put up against any aluminum for meeting strict tolerances, particularly if you take a cut from both ends when trimming them to length.

As far as the aluminums producing more kinetic energy, that is simply a function of the fact that they weigh more, these weights can be acheived quite easily in carbons as well with the use of screw in weights, weight tubes etc.

I'm sold on carbons and will most likely never shoot aluminums for the simple fact that I'd be paranoid every time I picked up my bow that I was about to fling a bent arrow!!

Chris