I guess that silo has some advantages right now. $110 and a free upgrade to silo2. With very impressive topology and displacement brushes, uv paint etc. The most impressive uvtools now come from Modo, but it is a bit expensive (some$700) Anyway there the workflow on one hand, and you will always have to get used to that, but here's experience on the other hand. And when you have an idea what 3D is after using free Wings or a demo, another choice will always be quicker to learn. The first steps in 3D are the hardest.

I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now I'll be mad. (Rumi)