The pressure distribution and material affects the way the prop flexes under load.

Lighter props can spin up faster and can save on total airplane weight.

Here is the biggest difference, especially for new pilots. Wood props will break as soon as they touch something, even dirt. The plastic ones are much tougher. Until you can land descently, you might need one prop per flight! This last point is not for you, just to others who might be thinking about using wood.

Tom