There ya go. PLASTIC IS FANTASTIC!

Best recommendation: Kaiser (a/k/a Cool Wind CTR-200, a/k/a newer Allora ATR-1302, and ZO trumpet). See Kurt Thopson's review below. You can pick one up on Amazon for $160.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hkIHtduXwE

Now I've been playing plastic since the first viable plastic trumpet, the notorious Tiger Trumpet, came out a few years ago. In fact, I was in such a hurry to try them out that drove over to Terry Warburton's workshop in Florida to pick mine out (he was a short-lived distributor, selling his branded 3C plastic mouthpiece along with the horn), took it to the beach for a photo shoot, then drove straight to a jazz session and performed with some local pros on that horn. It had it's problems which never got addressed, mainly the valves (and those gawd awful colors). But it sure got attention. They are regularly available eBay, but not recommended by me.

The Tromba (a/k/a US branded Allora ATR-1301) is the best sounding plastic horn, IMO. It works really well, and it what I currently play. But, it has it's problems. The valve cap system is a twist-lock fasteners that are prone to the tabs breaking, rather than a true screw-on valve caps, and those sucker break. Those are easily replaceable, IF you can get the spare parts. That's why I have a 2nd donor horn that I can cannibalize parts from. The valve stems are fragile and will break if hit too hard or the horn falls over on the valve stems/caps. Again I carry spare valve stems. The spit valves are another fragile area prone to breaking -- mainly the spit valve mount on the slides, which can be repaired with superglue and reinforcing material. The trouble with repairs is that you can't easily or affordably obtain replacement parts -- valve caps, stems, replacement slides, spit valves from the mfg.'s. So if you're gonna play an Tromba/Allora, plan on buying a 2nd horn for parts. eBay usually has one of these horns 'for parts only' that can be purchased for spares.

As for the best recommendation all around, I'm going to refer back to Kurt Thompson's review of the KAISER plastic trumpet. You can buy one on Amazon/eBay for $160 delivered. This same design is also sold as the Cool Wind CTR-200, and *newer model* Allora ATR-1302 horns. They're even available in metallic silver/gold, albeit at a higher price ($230). They have the advantage of much better valve caps and a unique valve design, but lack a 3rd valve slide, which may or may not be a big deal for a beginner player. Of course, when you're screamin' in the upper register, it matters not. You can sometimes find these used on eBay. I picked mine up for about $65 I recall.

Stay away from the older pTrumpet's.

However, there is a newer pTrumpet by HyTech brand that looks really promising, but the price is ridiculous at $250. If the prices come down, or I can snag a sweet deal during the holidays, I may pick one up and try it. If you really want a plastic trumpet finished in metallic finish silver/gold that looks like a real trumpet, then this is the best option, as it's only $20 more than the metallic Cool Wind's which lacks a 3rd valve slide.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/brass-instruments/ptrumpet-hytech-bb-trumpet

If people are going to talk shit about cheap Chinese plastic horns, you better watch this before you start hatin' on plastic...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHoME0P-CU

There are some other options emerging. One of which is the super cheap $60 PAMPET plastic trumpet on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LCQ7TZK

Finally, a plastic trumpet is available at what I consider right price point for a plastic horn. This trumpet has a 3rd valve slide and valves with screw on valve caps, which other more expensive horns do not. BUT, I've had problems with the tuning slide being so loose as to fall out while playing. If you read my review on Amazon, you'll see my recommendation to use some thick Ultrapure tuning slide grease to remedy this problem. But the mfg. should really fix that. Now, the sound on these is a little more diffuse, as the bell taper is longer than a typical trumpet. That works for me playing jazz in small clubs, but may not work for a player needing to blend in with a trumpet section.

PAMPET also as another really cool and interesting option -- the transparent plastic trumpets for $130!!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCQFPY8 Clear transparent

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LCQ8FS6 Black transparent

These things are so cool! And they play well also.

I've purchased the crystal clear horn and loved the way it played, but returned it because I broke it at the brace after shaking it too hard to clear the condensation (you'll see all the condensation in a transparent horn, btw). Honestly, I could haveeasily superglued it back together, but decided to return it nonetheless. The valves on these horns are exceptional (different than the $60 Pampet model), and are literally the best on any plastic horn by far (can't speak for that $250 HyTech yet).

So yes, plastic is a solid alternative if chosen wisely, and if you temper expectations. I find that I can get pretty much any kind of sound I want from a plastic horn by pairing it with the correct mouthpiece. I can even play lead on one, although if I did it regularly, I'd find a much more efficient setup. I may try the $60 Pampet again to see if they've fixed the loose tuning slide. If they have, I'd have no qualms recommending that, especially at $60 shipped to your door. If you don't like it you can return it just as easily.

The only big problem I have with plastic is the price point. For $130 - $150, you can purchase a fine Chinese made Mendini or similar for the same money. The $60 PAMPET is the exception. So why buy plastic when you could get one of those. Unless weight and weather are concerns, I'd have to recommend cheap Chinese brass over cheap Chinese plastic.

Oh, I almost forgot. Don't use the included mouthpieces with plastic trumpets. They are generally junk (Terry Warburton's bright yellow 3C that came with the original Tiger Trumpet being the exception.) Go find the mouthpiece that works best for you and the style of music you play.