I've been shooting aluminum (xx75s & Legacy), 1816, 1916 and 2016 since I started archery 7 years ago and still have some of my original arrows. The only time I've bent an arrow is when I hit a rock when out stump shooting (or occasionally hit an arrow with another arrow). I experimented with carbon a few years ago, because all of the cool guys shot carbon and had a relatively new 600 spine arrow blow up off the string of my 38# bow. It scared the bejeebers out of me and I got rid of the rest in a yard sale. Aluminum arrows are tough and when they are damaged, it is apparent. I do admit to experimenting with some Heavy Hunter blems (thanks, Big Jim), on the off chance I may get drawn for an elk tag, but just because of the extra mass they have. Otherwise, I'm sticking with aluminum.