Carbon H/bar or Stem?

[Wheelsuck]

What  combination would give the best shock absorbtion on a Road Bike:

 

1. Carbon Stem, Alu Hbar?

2. Alu Stem, Carbon Hbar?

 

I know that obviously Carbon Stem and H/Bar would be ideal but choice is between 1 and 2 

[javadude]

I would say 2 since most carbon stems are carbon wrapped over alu anyway, and if you believe the marketing hype they are stiffer than regular alu stems. 

[Eugene]

I'm not very technically minded, but logic will tell me that a stem is relatively short and fat, therefore its ability to flex (and consequently absorb vibrations) is minimal, irrespective of the material it is made from.

 

I also believe that although carbon probably does give better shock absortion than aluminium, the difference is so minimal that no human will be able to feel the difference.

 

The only reason I would put a carbon stem or bar on my bike is because it looks cool.