Carbons arent that bad. I really like them. When i first switched i hated them, but it was mostly because they werent as forgiving. They will be faster, smaller around so you may not be able to use as much helical, they are tougher to tune, and they cost a little more. But, the speed is a plus, just dont get carried away with wanting to much speed. Keep your carbon kinda heavy. As for the splintering, ive only had one arrow break in a deer, and that was after it went through the hip bone, and only the last quarter of the arrow was sticking out of the shoulder bone. When it hit a fence, it broke the arrow. The new arrows are made a little differently in that there wrapped in a circle pattern, so they mostly break evenly. Ive never had a splinter problem. Its tough to break a carbon. I dont think youll be dissapointed in switching. A couple of good choices would be Gold Tip, Beman, or Easton. I like my easton carbon excels. Theyre cheap but really effective and durable. And for just switching, these wont break you bank for just a test set of arrows. Hope this helps.