Slowman
Likes Dirt
With DW link you don't need no brain! I rode an S-Works Stumpy FSR (as well as an Epic for racing but I found it pretty stiff first hit!) and while it was good, the DW, VPP2 and Maestro suspension systems have a natural anti-squat action. I'd say the DW link is the best of them but Pivot and Ibis are probably out of your budget leaving a Giant Anthem. Plenty of friends have had them and gone OK on them. They all take square edge hits better too with the rearward movement of the rear wheel at the beginning of the travel. That said, I rode 4 bar/Horst link for years and went ok... Polygon are another budget brand that make great value bikes.