Ok. Before you read what i have to say, know this. I'm a loyal rock shox fan, and i dont race XC hardly at all, so im more concerned with a forks' plushness and response as to its lightness/stiffness.
IMHO, i dont like the Manitou's elastomer/spring combination in any of there forks. The rebound is waaaay too slow for my tastes, and its anything but plush. Although i think the Carbon is actually elastomer /air, but i would still take a noleen or a rock shox SID over it anyday. If you're tryin to save $$, might i suggest goin to www.mtbr.com and checkin out the market. I swear a SID or something else is offered there ever day for cheap. Good Luck!