Gallery: Carbon Fiber: Secret Ingredient of the 21st Century
01rawlings-s100-pro-comp-helmet
[Rawlings S100 Pro Comp Helmet](http://www.rawlings.com/newsdetaillanding.aspx?id=889) Major League Baseball switched to this CF-fortified lid at the start of the 2013 season. The carbon-fiber and epoxy resin shell make it three times stiffer, 130 times stronger, and 5 ounces lighter than its ABS plastic predecessor. __$600__ *Photo: Kenji Aoki*
02luis-and-clark-violin
[Luis and Clark Violin](http://www.luisandclark.com/) Unlike its wooden siblings, this violin won't crack or go out of tune during sudden decreases in humidity. Yo-Yo Ma relies on a Luis and Clark cello for some of his chillier outdoor gigs. __$5,539__ *Photo: Kenji Aoki*
03nike-air-jordan-xx8
[Nike Air Jordan XX8](http://www.ajxx8.com/) The latest Jordans deploy composites in two spots: A carbon-fiber shank plate under the arch prevents excess torsion during quick changes in direction, and the external heel also relies on the material, adding rigidity and support without weighing down dribblers. __$250__ *Photo: Kenji Aoki*
04oakley-x-the-macallan-the-flask
[Oakley X The Macallan: The Flask](http://www.themacallan.com/shop/detail.asp?pid=847479) For every mission-critical use of carbon fiber, there are a dozen unapologetically “cool” applications. Oakley wrapped this flask in all sorts of durable materials: steel, aluminum, and a CF composite. The result? A flask that keeps your hooch safe—drop after drunken drop. __$1,500__ *Photo: Kenji Aoki*
05pro-ject-debut-carbon
[Pro-Ject Debut Carbon](http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=debutcarbon) This turntable's entry-level exterior—and price—masks a bit of audiophile-grade kit. The Debut's tonearm eschews traditional aluminum in favor of carbon fiber, which helps it deliver whisper-quiet playback. __$399__ *Photo: Kenji Aoki*
