I think the PA28 is actually too easy an aircraft to learn in.
It is the perfect aircraft for leisure flyers who don't fly that frequently, but it isn't good for developing skill at the early stages. It is a very nice aircraft to fly.
I have always found those that learnt on a C152 never had an issue landing a PA28, but those that learnt on a PA28 always struggled converting to a Cessna.
So I would recommend the C152 (or 172 but in the UK 172 isn't that often used for ab-intio training). Agreed the tomahawk is probably the best for honing skill but generally an unpleasant aircraft to fly, so I think the C152 is the best balance of the three commonly used trainers.
It actually concerns me you could gain an CPL/IR and have only ever flown PA28, Arrow and Twin star; none of which would do much to hone handling skills.
Last edited by portsharbourflyer; 21st Jun 2013 at 12:44.