[Matt Adams]

Just so we're on the same page... I think the term that many of you have nearly hit on is "strength to weight ratio."

This varies widely depending on the type of each material (hot vs. cold rolled, heat treating, carbon content, etc) ... but here's a rough guide:

Average Off The Rack Steel (1020 Carbon Steel)
Density: 0.284 lbs / in³
Yield Strength: 50,800 PSI
S:W Ratio: 178,873

Aluminum (6063-T6):
Density: 0.0975 lbs / in³
Yield Strength: 36,000 PSI
S:W Ratio: 480,000

Titanium (Grade 2)
0.162 lb/in³
Yield Strength: 40,000 PSI
S:W Ratio: 246,913

Titanium (Grade 5)
0.162 lb/in³
Yield Strength: 106,000 PSI
S:W Ratio: 654,320

I'll let you guys do the (Strength to Weight) to Dollar ratio, but the end answer is that steel ends up being the big big winner in that category.

Matt