Abstract: A current collector for use in an energy storage device, particularly a lead-acid battery or lead-carbon capacitor, is provided. The current collector is woven from a plurality of weft composite wires and a plurality of warp composite wires. The composite wires include a core and a metal coating formed around the outer surface of the core. The core includes a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers radially arranged to define interstices between outer surfaces of adjacent fibers, and a matrix positioned within the interstices to such an extent that the core is substantially impervious to fluid (e.g., acid) penetration via capillary forces.