Carbon vs Aluminum Frame?

[T-2]

I've been looking at upgrading from my favorite '03 Enduro. Specialized offers some sweet looking carbon frames as well as traditional aluminum 6" travel bikes. Any thoughts of one versus the other? I have cracked a few of my helmets now and then so I worry about what the carbon will look like after a few encounters with a rock or two. The carbon has pretty high bling factor, but aluminum has been good to me. What says the community?

[CalEpic]

Carbon looks cool but I wouldn't want to hit my $2000 frame on a rock. I'm sticking with aluminum

[autoduel]

You gotta worry about chipping, but carbon won't dent, though it might crack instead depending how thick the carbon is. Also all the dropouts and threaded parts are bonded to the carbon which have known to crack loose. That said, the bling factor is worth it and I don't weigh enough to bust bonds loose. If i does happen, that's what warranties are for. I had a fisher procaliber carbon for a while. Light, stiff, although a little skittish in the corners, it dampened hard hits like carbon is known for.

[Rider7]

If it's an enduro (aka heavy hitter) I would not suggest a carbon frame. I've seen carbon withstand some serious rock hits, but I would not feel comfortable owning that kind of bike in carbon.

[Red Hot Sloth]

For me...beings I'm a chubbo and awkward, I'll never buy or ride a carbon frame as I enjoy being alive. But, for folks that are svelt and gracefull, I don't see why not drop the dough on some bling.