i'll add my 2cents, although i am admittedly not a futures trader. from what i understand, futures trading is extremely risky. while i, like you, wouldn't mind learning more about it, to trade it without being expert would be foolish, in my estimation.
options are a good way of risking less capital and making better gains. they are more difficult to trade well than straight equities and the learning curve should be overcome before going in full tilt. i understand you are already doing well with equities, so options would be a next logical step. doing well with these can net you large gains as well, without the added risk of futures. that said, nothing wrong with learning as much as possible and doing paper trades to test your hand once you feel you have learned what is needed to succeed.