I have never used a private tracker, but tor often. What do you recommend for a newb?

for starting i can recommend zamunda.net (no ratio), torrenting.com (open sign up) u can learn basics in those 2 site. For more right now TL(torrentleech.org) and Speed.cd sign ups are open you can get account but i dont recommend you to use them for now wait learn then use. If u use speed.cd or TL now probably u will get ban. First learn basics in first two sites them move to other two. TL and Speed.cd normally invite only u can not register them without invitation code they open sign ups very rarely.

Awesome! Thanks Daredevil.
Very helpful, as a pimp says to his hoes, "keep it coming")

I would say that is ok to use TL and speed early on if you PAY ATTENTION to the rules. TL was my first site and as long as you make sure you are getting free leech items when the release (ideally within the first couple mins and with larger files) then you can create a comfortable amount of upload pretty easily the same goes for speed. But this means taking time to check the sites regularly.