People on these forums are always looking for a deal on good products, no matter what the source. APE sells both Crower and Carrillo, and this is what they state on their own web site:
CARRILLO
Fully CNC machined from chrome moly forgings, Carrillos are the strongest rods available for motorcycles. Features multiphase bolts.
Why risk distruction of the complete lower end when Carrillos provide that extra cushion of protection.
Crowers have always been for the "budget minded". That is why when the price of Carrillos went sky high, Crowers got a push. Now that the price is down, why not get the best - Carrillo? One thing for sure, competition is getting fierce out there - and when it comes to H-beams, I have seen more Carrillos than Crowers. It would be great to see an unbiased, side-by-side comparison of the two - the H-beam Crowers with the upgraded bolts, and the H-beam Carrillos with their standard multiphase bolts.
And I would still be interested in whether or not any of the sponsors of this site would (or could) beat the price quoted on Carrillos . . .