Plastic fan vs metal fan

[klittle1417]

While doing the water pump on my 97K1500 I wondered when GM switched to a plastic cooling fan. My truck has the metal fan but I've seen some with the plastic fan. Which is better? Does it even matter?

 

[superdave]

http://www.gmt400.com/threads/update-on-my-11-blade-clutch-fan-vs-original-5-blade-fan.21028/

 

[SLmateo]

It's not as loud with a plastic but just watch out for cracking in the base if you buy used. 40 bucks at napa and pushes more air if you were with the 5 blade like me... 11 blade metal vs plastic I'd think no real difference other than durability and price