Which hive type is best to use for a beginner Langstroth, Dadant, British National, Commercial, Drawhive, Smith?
You'll find varied opinions on any subject but here in the United States we tend to mostly use langstroth/ dadant boxes
I would say to start with all mediums langs. Start also with screened bottoms and top entrances. Also start with pf120's and or foundationless. All are things that I eventually went to and kind of wish I had started with. I will be soon cutting down a lot of large boxes and frames that I bought first year and now never use.
Alfred