I prefer, as does my Pastor, the NASB. It is a word for word translation of the Bible and it is excellent.
There should be a great study Bible using the NASB.
I also use the New American Standard Bible and was introduced to it through a book by Kay Arthur. The version I use actually teaches you HOW to study the Bible. It’s called The International Inductive Study Bible. As buffaloguy said, it is as close a translation as you can get and explains how they translated.
Also get the Strongest NASB exhaustive concordance for when the LORD God wants you to study a subject and then you can share with us! I have two blogs where I post what I learn. One is based on a study that took months but I actually have a working memory of Israel’s history because of it. No more thinking that each book is a piece of the story, but some are multiple reports of an event like when you watch the news on 3 different channels. Coolest part is reading the prophet who taught what was going to happen in the future and then reading about its fulfillment.
Spread the Good News! :)