GT Sensor Comp vs Marin Alpine Trail XR

I’m looking at purchasing one of these bikes. My first choice was the GT Sensor Comp ($1689), then I notice the Marin Alpine Trail XR ($1799) for a measly $110 more. I understand the Marin is a lot more bike for the money, but do I need it? My previous bike was a Rocky Mountain Soul 10 hardtail, it was great but I outgrew it pretty fast. I loved this bike because it’s what started my journey into MTB but I realized it isn’t satisfying my current riding level.

I’m no expert by any means, my riding consists of lots of climbing, chunky down hills, occasional flow trails mostly blue lines and the occasional jump (2-3ft) nothing to crazy but that hardtail was not doing for me at all. A colleague of mine lent me his full squish (Carbon Yeti) and it inspired a higher level of confidence in my riding ability. I just buy once and not have to worry about outgrowing a bike again. I’m 5’4 145lbs 30yoa, started mtb 2 years ago at about 170lbs, so yeah best decision I ever made. I ride in Southern California mostly and don’t plan on taking my bike anywhere else anytime soon. Appreciate any input.

Here is a compare link between the two bikes for reference.

[https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=gt-sensor-comp-2023,marin-alpine-trail-xr-2023](https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=gt-sensor-comp-2023,marin-alpine-trail-xr-2023)

by FergDelaghetto