I agree with Arthur about aluminums being better in quality and consistancy for the price. For the money you just can't go wrong with them. However I have shot many carbons and really didn't have all that much trouble with them. I do have a short draw length though and often shoot arrows under 25 inches. Shorter arrows tend to be more consistant any way, they just don't fly as well at longer distances (so I'm told, I have shot arrows at 21 inches and not had any problems with them if they are fletched well).

Most probably don't shoot often or well enough to notice the difference to be honest. If you get a flyer every now and then you wouldn't know if it was you or the arrow. Arthur has been shooting for a long time, I am sure his version of shooting well and your version of shooting well are too different things, so I wouldn't get too deffensive about it. I some how doubt you are shooting as well as you think you are if you are using your buddies bow. It most likely doesn't even fit you correctly.

Carbon arrows are durable, they can take a beating a bit better then aluminums. And they can be lighter, although most of the newer carbons on the market are fairly heavy now. I would just caution you to stay away from the really cheap ones unless you just want beater arrows (45-60 dollars). They are the same arrows for the most part as the more expensive ones, just the quality control isn't as good and the arrows may not be that consistant from arrow to arrow. As always (even with aluminums) you should number your arrows. If you get one or two that just don't hit with the rest of them consistantly, just pull them.

It really depends on how well you shoot in my opinion. If you are only shooting at 20 or 30 yards and group arrows around 3-6 inches for five shots, then just about anything will do for now. Especially with field tips and adequate flething. Now if you shoot well enough that you can't shoot three arrows in the same group without fear of wrecking one, or you shoot at longer distances like 60 yards and beyond then I would be a bit more choosey about my arrows. Guys that shoot at targets the size of a dime and expect to hit it are going to notice a slight variation in arrow spine or weight. And if you are shooting for scores they will go down. Also if you hunting and are going to use a fixed blade head you want good arrows. Make you sure you shoot every arrow you are going to hunt with using the head you are going to use. Don't just assume that because the one or two you tested with worked well that they all will. This goes for any kind of arrow, carbon, aluminum or ACC's.

Basically if you are new and just goofing off at 20 yards or so with field points some inexpensive carbons should serve you well for now. You should worry more about your form, aiming, and release then where your arrows actually impact. Now when it comes time to take game, or get a bit more competitive then better arrows may be a wise envestment. ACC's are about the best you can get because they are hand picked and sorted, but they are very expensive. I wouldn't suggest getting them unless you shoot well enough to see the difference. I can't afford them and don't use them. But I don't compete either. I use xx75 aluminums most of the time, or X7's if I can afford them. I may go back to nitro stingers though, which are a tapered carbon arrow.

Just my opinions any way.

And there are only about 20 threads about this subject I would guess.

Paul