Edited for collaborator anonymity

If you are given any opportunity to do your own experiments, DEFINITELY pursue that. It sounds like you will be an expert by the time you get done with all this, so by all means you should put that expertise to use and try some original creative research on your own.

Not that you dont get anything out of the experience by helping other researchers, but ultimately I think its better to try your own stuff.

So, should I continue assisting the primary authors for about a year so I can gain a deeper understanding of the field first or should I try and jump right in and learn as I go?