Completely new, need help picking out a bike.

[softmango]

Hey I know that there seems to be a lot of hate on diamondbacks for some reason, but I get a pretty significant discount from my work so I was thinking about picking one up. I've never really rode bmx before and I randomly got interested and I've just started researching bikes. The bikes that I have available from work that I'm currently looking at are, and the prices that I am able to get them for.
http://www.diamondbackbmx.com/bikes/jump/signature-12/ - Signature 20" - $270
http://www.diamondbackbmx.com/bikes/.../venom-pro-12/ - Venom Pro 20" - $200
http://www.diamondbackbmx.com/bikes/...ion-pro-20-12/ - Session Pro 20" - $165
http://www.diamondbackbmx.com/bikes/...ion-pro-24-12/ - Session Pro 24" - $185

I'm only 5'8 so I think I'm suited for 20" wheels, I would most likely just be riding on the streets and on dirt, I don't plan to really ride in skateparks any time soon. I'm more than anything curious of whether or not the signature bike is worth the $270, as opposed to the venom/session. Curious for any opinons from anyone, thanks a lot in advance.

[michaelscycles]

If you can get a $600 bike for $270, go for the Signature. It has nice features and a good top tube length for your height. Stay far far away from their cheap bikes. That one should be fine even if you do get more serious about riding.

[Street rider]

Diamondback gets hate because most of their bikes are so cheaply/****tily made. But that Signature is actually pretty nice looking, so you should really go for that. Especially at that price. Wanna buy two and ship me one?

[mare134life]

Since there are some people posting here can i have a solid answer i'm in the process of buying a bike and cant chose wheather to buy the whethepeople reason 2012 or the Verde prism 2013??

[Street rider]

Theres a Sticky thread for this. Thats where questions like this should generally be posted. But for sake of already being here, I'll answer. They're both a little bunk, just entry level. If I had to choose between the two you asked about, WTP. Its made with more chromoly, and the other components are pretty much even between both bikes.