I haven't used the Carbon Express so I can't compare. I just refuse to pay top dollar for very good shafts made in Korea' The savings in wages should be passed on to the consumer. I have used the Beman ICS and have had the same problem with the nock end splitting when I whack a nock or hit something hard. You can help eliminate this by using ACC-3-60 nock inserts and G-nocks. I'm doing one better and just putting them away after hunting season and digging out my new dozen of ACC 3-28's. I know they cost a lot more but I just find them to be much more consistent than any of the other carbon shafts. Should you decide to get IC shafts I would make some general suggestions. You don't need to pick the absolute straightest (.001). You are paying a lot more money for something that doesn't matter. .003 is plenty good enough. Another thing about IC shafts is that if they are not perfectly straight the bend is usually near the ends. When you get them cut to length demand that an eaual amount be cut from each end. I hear a lot of good stuff about the Gold Tips. Check them out. Just remember. Don't buy the cheapest, but you don't need the top level either.