I have a 2006 FSR XC Pro that I picked up for $1400 in August. It's an excellent XC full suspension bike for the money (although I don't ride it much since I picked up a Yeti 575). You can't go wrong with the Spec. It's perfect for what you want to do and in your price range. The Reign is a bit heavy, but is still an excellent bike. I've never ridden a Kona so no comment. Go ride the ones you are interested in and let that be your deciding factor. Only way to do it.