As far as a "maintenance" stand point the synthetic/Stainless is probably the most weather resistant. Now laminated wood is a good alternative to those who like the feel of wood and the weather resistance of synthetic. For me, I generally dislike the feel of the standard synthetic (plastic) stocks that come on a variety of guns. If I were to get synthetic stocks they would be either H-S Precision, McMillian, or even Bell and Carlson.