alum vs. carbon......like asking which bow is the best or which broadhead is the best. it's really a personal preference. i have shot both. carbons are great for 3d shoots. but, i prefer aluminum for hunting i always felt i got better penetration with aluminum arrows. most shafts are bent when they're pulled from the target. mechanical or fixed b-heads another personal preference. i always worried about performance of mechanicals on an angled shot. i much prefer fixed blades.....there's less to go wrong. good luck.