Basically laminated stocks were brought out for two reasons. It gives the feel of wood. With the stability of synthetic. Notice I said synthetic and not composite. To me the composite stocks are the plastic ones, and they are not as stable as a laminated stock. However the better made synthetic stocks(not the plastic ones) are as durable as the laminated. But the laminated stocks are definitely more rigid and better stocks than the plastic ones.

It is also considerably harder to ding up the laminated when compared to walnut. So you get the feel of wood in laminated stocks. But definitely more durable than walnut(and plastic). Tom.