While this stem is quite an expense, it is very strong for its weight. I think this is due to the carbon used, layup and design (width of the bar clamp and height of the steerer tube clamp.) There is nothing out there that even compares in weight and ride quality (dampening of carbon.) The common WW stem up until now has been the Extralite stem which weighs 30 grams more and uses puny bolts that strip easily. If you can get over the sticker shock of the Zeus stem- the AX stem will really seperate your bike apart from the rest- its ohhh soooo sexy!