I’ve got Easton alu Havocs (old model) on one bike and Easton Monkeylite DHs on 2, and a set of Monkeylite XCs on the third. Can’t tell any difference at all, even on the rigid bike- not to say it isn’t there, but if it is it’s down at the level of differences in weather and trail surface and such, so just blends in. Oh, except that the carbon ones are lighter, and stronger.