I would say it depends on what youre using it for, but in general you would be better off paying a little more for the better fork
and components you get on the caldera. That being said, if it were me I would definitely choose a well made chromoly hardtail over the no name aluminum that kona uses on those 2 bike frames. They're also machine welded in a factory in
Taiwan, which is another factor to consider, since durability wont be great with these, especially if you do jumping of any
kind. (those 2 bikes should have a down tube gusset)
I currently have an 11 year kona explosif, which has Tange chromoly frame and served me very well. Its too bad kona doesnt
make chromoly hardtails anymore. If I were going to buy another hardtail I would get something that has a well made chromoly frame thats similarly priced, such as a Rocky hammer.