Hi
I am new too! Here is my suggestion over the past 20 or so rides.
When I am doing a trail for the first time, I prefer to ride these pedals with some Marzoochi Downhilling Shoes (basically 510 copies).
They work well, aren't terribly heavy, and it's Performance so i can always return them if I break them.
Once I have done a trail and know what to expect, I've been using these:
They still have a platform for dicey sections. They are super easy to get into and out of, and I've read nothing but great things.
Good luck
Rob