papervision3d where to get started

some time ago snicklefritz recomended i use papervision3d for 3d projects. apparently thre are many programs out there in which u can create 3d models and export them to be papervision3d ready. mod tools looks nice at a glance, but its a big decision because once i start using one interface im not going to want to switch. i want to know what programs people here are using and why. i dont know if this is even the bast place to start, i know next to nothing about papervision3d. any links to tutorials would also be helpful.