Yeah, I know you're not saying it won't break. As for not expensive, the local MA supply stores want 30-40 for a pair of rattan sticks. If rattan lasted 4 times as long as bamboo, then it might make sense, but it doesn't (at least, not in my exp), so I go the cheap way out.
Come to think of it, I go the cheap way out on almost everything I buy when I can
