[Sylvain (Jon)]

6" refractor is massive and heavy.
As a beginner one of the main advantages of refractors - IMO - is there is no need to collimate your instrument.
There are so many scopes out of collimation out there!
The best is if you could have a look through both and then you can make your mind. Compared to a cassegrain design, the refractor will be so much longer though, so you need to consider things like: storage and importantly whether you plan on observing from your backyard in a metro area or out in the sticks - will you then transport the whole setup with you? There is no point IMO in having a big scope in the city - i would rather take a smaller refractor or a mak and stick to planets in the metro area. So it kinda comes down to what you are looking for as well.