They are not heavy, and the fingerholes are spaced naturally, so they are easy on the hands. Also, the quality of individual instruments is quite consistent. Also, since the windways are rather narrow, with surfaces that won't absorb moisture, these recorders tend to clog up. Finally, plain, shiny plastic recorders are slippery for those of us with moist hands. This causes players to clutch, and even slight clutching will constrict finger movement.
Faulty intonation is another common problem in cheap wood recorders.
Also, the high notes are often difficult to play. I much prefer a recorder with a curved windway, and to get that you must buy a more expensive instrument. Wood recorders clog less than plastic ones. Wood is more pleasing to hold and play on than plastic. Wood's only drawback is that it can crack.