Well up until this year I have tried to have a hardtail and a full suspension. After riding different trails and timing myself several times I find that I am faster on a fully. I don't get as tired and I am able to carry more momentum over the rough sections and all of the baby heads. From now on I'm planning on just having a dual suspension for racing.
YMMV
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I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.