Help choosing Fuel Ex gen 6 spec (or talk me into a tallboy!)

Hi all. I have learned a ton on this subreddit, and now I am reaching out for some feedback on a “which bike” quandary. I have narrowed my choice to a Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6, with an outside chance of a Santa Cruz Tallboy CS. I have had the opportunity to ride a Trek Fuel EX 8 AXS Gen 6 on the local trails for a day (Atlanta and surrounding – flow trails). I am 48, and My son and I are getting into riding for the first time.

I like the theory of “buy once cry once”, which I heard you guys repeat a few times.

I am deciding between the following, with my personal pros, cons, and questions next to each choice. Each of these are within my determined budget. Both treks are from my local bike shop, which has been immensely helpful in this process and is a block away.

[edited to add 99spokes comparison, and another 9.8 spec

https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=trek-fuel-ex-8-gx-axs-t-type-gen-6-2025,trek-fuel-ex-9.8-gx-axs-gen-6-2023,trek-fuel-ex-9.8-xt-gen-6-2023,santacruz-tallboy-s-carbon-c-2024

]

1. Fuel EX 9.8 GX AXS Gen 6

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-8-gx-axs-gen-6/p/36953/?colorCode=black_grey

Pros: carbon; good spec;
Cons: (personally don’t love the color deep smoke – if find it less than inspiring); more expensive; weight savings (endless web research suggests only 2.5-3.5 lbs from actual user weighing)
Questions: will this weight be noticeable?

1. Fuel EX 8 GX AXS T-Type Gen 6

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-8-gx-axs-t-type-gen-6/p/41328/?colorCode=tealdark

Pros: love the Matt Keawick color; new gen Axs sounds more bullet proof for a beginner; additional $ to spend (upgrades, gear, post ride massages!)
Cons: extra weight – but will it make a difference? If I vie to lose 10 lbs does that more than make up the riding effort difference?

1. Santa Cruz tallboy CS spec

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/tallboy?color=Gloss%20White&media=0

Pros: love the brand (from my youth), great looks, a stand over on the bike felt good, weight
Cons: Local dealer not as convenient as trek dealer
Unknowns: feel vs trek (I liked the forgiveness of the fuel ex w longer travel); I have a harder time telling spec comparability

Thanks all for any feedback you have – really comes down to weight between the two Treks for me if anyone has some subjective feedback on that issue I would love to hear it.