Shafs,
Mine, and the other fellows posts pretty much explain it. Two things were are debating, best strop and best way to start on a budget. Two different ideas, two different solutions.
The facts as I see them <g>.
#1 The best tool for daily stropping before each shave is a hanging strop. I think everyone here will agree on that. Second, average, top quality. All will get the job done and all will be more efficient than a smaller paddle.
#2 In a short amount of time after starting you will need to learn to sharpen. This is NOT what a hanging strop does so you will need to buy a second tool, (strop or hone) to continue. Most will say a pasted paddle is easiest to learn on. It will not fix an eBay find though, only a hone will do that. Ideally you will own each, hone and pasted paddle but guys here get by with both or on or the other of the two.
So, this settles the first question.....best tool for daily use, hanging strop, no question.
The other question is where should a newbie start. If you don'y mind having to buy another tool in a few weeks or a month start with the hanging strop. If you stil like shaving in a few weeks and SWMBO does not mind you buying more this is the wisest choice. If you are on a budget and want it all up front a pasted paddle covers both issues, stropping now, sharpening later. It is not as efficient as a hanging strop for daily use but will work fine as you learn. I do think being stiff it may be easier to keep your blade flat on when learning.
Once you understand the difference in tools the decision is up to you and your budget.
Best,
Tony