I'm looking at buying a second hand carbon boom, instead of a new aluminium one. Is there any reason why an older carbon boom, provided its in good nick and not cracked etc, shouldn't be as good as a new AL one - they don't wear out as such? Are the old ones similar in stiffness to the new ones?
Anyone able to date a Neil Pryde "integrated carbon racing boom 180-226"? Any good?
I have an Arrows one i brought secondhand 5 + years ago and never had an issue with it. sure isent the prettiest thing in the world but it has never let me down. touch wood! i can already see whats gonna happen now! 
You do get more stiffness out of a carbon boom ..if its been looked after ( 2 nd hand ) ,should be no problem
I have a alloy too.but it feels like a rag doll compare to the carbon one .
Carbon booms are great ...but expensive ..had my naish carbon for 6 years now ,still going strong .I never wash it .
with alloy ..they need washing or the white chalk and corrosion builds up
funny thing is its identical to some other bands ..
perhaps they are from the same factory ?. 
