3D studio max in my experience is better than lightwave, as it has more tools, and many times makes more sense. Lightwave, in my opinion is much easier to use than 3D studio max however 3D studio max's base program and tools are better than lightwave's. It's a toss up that's for sure, I just put in for my beta version of Maya II by wavefront. I am expecting good things out of them. Carrara a cool program for the money. It will be cooler after all of the bugs are fixed.