I was trained with wood and cord...they spin better (the corded ones) and wood is just classic.
They are not my favorite weapon. I am very klutzy with them and ended up with alot of bumps and bruises. I used them one time in a tournament and that was quite enough for me. the Kamas were my intermediate weapon of choice. I still have mine...well, I have alot of my weapons still. my bo, my nagi, my sais, my 'chucks, and my tonfa.
*sighs*
I kinda miss tournaments

But..if all works out...I may get to train a class at my old master's place once a month or so.