Yes, some of the older Carafinos could "explode" if you hit something, some of them worked just great and held up, but others could explode as said.
There are IMO only advantages with carbon, eventhough a lot more expensive of course.
Lighter for same stiffness.
Less drag.
No corrosion issues.
Ability to make 3D shapes for connections and taper of mast.
Aluminium works just fine, but if you have had a good carbon foil you will have a tough time, most never I think, going back
Okay, that could be one very relevant reason NOT to ever get one, I know, it will be cheaper that way
Carbon from the experienced brands has come a long way during the years, amazing.
And trust me, if you ever ride or have a light foil you will know why low weight means so much, as if you are jumping it is a must with low weight, but also for waterstarting where they sink slower, and for walking with the hydrofoil (which you have to do a lot just to get out at least - in is often not that difficult as you can ride a lot further), and I would say they feel more agile when turning too, eventhough here the board is the most important, being light and small of course.
My point is - if you have had a good carbon foil you will be spoiled
PF