How much do you weigh? That will have some bearing on your choice of bike and intended use.

Personally, would always choose a hard tail. Raced XC for 6 years and ride 2 or 3 times a week still but more of a road/off road mixture. Owned a Specialised full suss a few years back for about 2 months and biggest energy sapping piece of crap I had taken off road. Having said that Specialized hard tail frames are the most responsive I have ridden.

Agree with Mr S1 and the downhilling stuff. Weight definatley has a factor though.