There is no "best" 3D modelling package for DB Pro. It's a matter of personal preference, and cost. And of course if you've been using 3DS Max long enough to legitimately own 2 seperate versions, I doubt you'd want to use another modelling program you're unfamiliar with.
I use KW X-port
http://kwxport.sourceforge.net/
You can get it for either of those versions of 3DS Max. It works very well, especially for objects with bones/vertex weights. The only problem I've had with it is that the current version has a bug when you export with the Y Axis as up it occasionally messes up the normals. But you can get around that by exporting with that option off, then just rotate it and fix the object pivot in DB Pro.
Also I can't get it to export 2 UV channels even though the exporter has an option for it.
I also occasionally use the Panda exporter only if I need multiple UV channels (for light-mapping and multitexturing etc). But I've personally had problems getting skinned objects to work quite right with it, although other people seem to have no problem with it.
