Every year theres dozens of threads asking for suggested modelling applications, and Wings 3D always seems to be overlooked and hidden by way of Blender. A lot of people seem to think all it an do is basic primitive and box modelling, but that's extremely far from the truth.
Simple?
There are two types of modelers. Those that like complex HUDs that have every button they'll need in expandable thumbnails off of other buttons and hierarchical lists, and those that prefer simplicity so they can focus more on their work / fast prototyping. Blender is pretty well known for it's complex GUI (of course there are exceptions where people find it easy). Wings on the other hand, has almost every tool you'll ever use / need to make a quality model, one right-click away. Primitive creation, mesh modification, object transformation, UV-Mapping / Texturing, normal correction, and more. Anything you dont find in the right click menu is almost certain to be in the Tools or View menu at the top.
Im not going to rant a huge post here, I just want to try and bring it to people's attention. I've used Blender a lot, I use 3DS Max and Maya at my brother's house all the time, and I still always return to Wings for getting the modeling done (Max for texturing and Rendering).
I'm currently making a big video tutorial for extra-credit at school using Wings 3D for modelling and Max for animating, and so far it's been able to teach kids in my class more interested in Basketball and showing up half of the year just to earn a credit, how to use proper edge loops to create a very decent human mesh.
So yeah, rant pretty much over. Next time you're considering a new modeler, give Wings 3D a try before springing for something worth more than $0, or something fairly complicated like Blender.
Wings 3D Site
(Visit the forums for tutorials and galleries and other junk).
- RUC'
