If the look is all that you're after, it's surely the more cost effective alternative. If, on the other hand, it's the structural rigidity you're after, only the real McCoy can scratch that itch. I'm a total sucker for carbon fiber and I'd probably make just about everything out of carbon fiber if I could. Amend that...I'd make everything out of Carbotanium® if I could (I think it's quite possibly the coolest material name I've yet come across...unobtanium can go pound sand). Unfortunately there's only one source and I don't think they sell samples or make the weave available to anyone...Pagani.