Carbon arrows are very much like wood arrows in that you have to check them constantly for cracks. Also, I always wear a thick leather arm guard when I shoot wood arrows. Not so much for protection from the string as protection from a possible busted arrow. I'm about to the point of using the arm guard for carbons as well. With my 55 year old peepers and no reading glasses handy, it's easy for me to miss seeing small cracks. Not good!