I'm relatively new to the animation game and Carrara 5 & Hex 1.2 is being offered in a package, and AM is around the same price. I watched the overview of AM on Hash site and it looks good, i'm just confused on why there's a focus on the Spline modelling( is that the same as lathing?). I have demoed Hex 1.2 before and liked it, but it seems AM does all that surface modelling as well. NOT SURE which is the better buy for professional yet kind of easy to obtain results.

AM is better in my view. Spline modeling is similar to subD modeling found in LW or nurbs in others.

Im just starting out with AM..but I know a couple people who do most if not all their modeling with it..with fantastic results ;)

Before you decide, have a look at the features for Hexagon 2 which will be a free upgrade to Heaxagon 1.2 (if bought before 31 March). The texture painting and micro surfacing tools look excellent.