They are different. There are braces that actually bolt onto the subframe to reinforce it by giving more contact area. Here is a brace for my car: http://www.a-spec-racing.com/product1.php. Tie bars don't do this so they won't stop tearing unless you get a combo like this: http://www.comptechusa.com/store/140130.html

PS: The Beaks kit isn't all it's talked up to be: http://www.superhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183381