When considering buying a Piccolo what is better in the long run, wood or metal?

Metal piccs are NASTY. A wooden piccolo is the professional standard, but if you need one that is going to see some outdoor use, or rough playing, then there are fine plastic (composition) ones as well. www.fluteworld.com will give you a good selection. ONLY buy from a flute specialist store, not some Big Box band instrument place. And the piccolo, if played at the limits of its creative and technical possibilities, is NOT just a *little flute* - there are MANY special that make all the difference - just as when playing b flute. Do NO just think that you will buy one, and then figure it out - get professional advice (which is what you are getting form ME, but I am HERE, and you are THERE - you need a pro to be with you.)