Polycarbonate vs. Aluminum

[WSiggs]

My team is currently in a debate over whether we should use polycarbonate or aluminum for an intake which extends past the bumpers of our robot. The concern that some members of the team have is that 1/4" polycarbonate would crack or shatter if impacted by other robots. Teams that have had experience with using polycarbonate (or other plastics) structures that extend past the bumper and would be susceptible to impacts, how has it gone? Did your drivers need to exert caution when driving or could the plastic hold up to sudden impacts?