Nem,
Look at the price of the Mad dog knives. One seems to follow the other.
After some research, I can't find another set of MD sticks anywhere. So, part of the price differential is supply-demand based and the other is the price MD is getting for their main product line. Just thinking out loud.
Also back in my racing days, having purchased myriad carbon fiber parts for lightening purposes, I learned that it is not an inexpensive material.
Personally, I find the concept of carbon fiber sticks intriguing. Is micarta better? Is any other material better? I have no idea. I do suspect that, if for some reason these don't fit my purpose, there is a good probability that I can get most of the price back in a subsequent sale. Just guessing.......
Jim