Mountain Biking - Derailleur Hangar

Hi, Im new to mountain biking, and on my first time out i wrecked and bent my derailleur hanger. I can find a new one for 20 bucks. The problem is I dont know how to tell if my derailleur is bent too. I have a shimano acera which can be replaced for another 20 bucks. I dont hear good reviews about the acera, so should I try to fix it (if it is broken), replace it with another acera, or upgrade to a better shimano.

if i should upgrade, how can i tell what will be compatible with my existing equipment and what should i upgrade to?
any help will be appreciated

Chances are it's just your hanger.

If you want to upgrade, it all depends on how much money you've got to spend. I wouldn't get any lower than Deore, nor any better than XT.

Chances are it's just your hanger.

If you want to upgrade, it all depends on how much money you've got to spend. I wouldn't get any lower than Deore, nor any better than XT.+1 . JMO but XTR isn't better than XT, it just weighs less.

Replace the hanger and go from there. I was in your boat about a month ago. Replaced the hanger and adjusted the rear derailleur and everything has been working great ever since. Keep the junky derailleur until it goes to crap, that's what I"m doing.

thanks guys