Hey guys, new to the forum and for my first post I thought I'd at least try to make it a good one. I had read somewhere on this forum where someone suggested starting a thread like this, and I thought it was a good idea, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I've done a lot of reading on these frames and carbon fiber, in general over the past few months and will attempt to layout the different kinds of carbon fiber, and a few things you need to know about each, below.

First of all, you have the outer visible layer that can be in one of three different "weaves" and all three either be matte or glossy. So you ultimately have 6 finishes to choose from. The choice is PURELY cosmetic, one is not better/stronger/lighter than another.

You have UD finish, 3k finish, and 12k finish, and like I said, glossy or matte in either of the three.

UD Matte


UD Glossy


3k Matte (my personal fav)


3k Glossy


12k Matte


12k Glossy


Will continue in next post with different characteristics of the actual carbon fiber that lies below these outer cosmetic layers. There are a few different kinds and variables, and unlike the weave selection, they do vary in strength/durability.