MTB guidance, what might fit the bill

[tele]

Been on a 2016 v2 5010 for the last 4 years and I really like it but am 29er curious. I've got buddies here in NE that are on Ripmos and love them but I can't see riding that much travel. I'm hot for a Spur or Epic Evo but no one has one and won't for quite some time. Demo'd a Ripley last week and that was nice even with the bottom Sram group but need to compare to the other options. Maybe in a couple months I'll get antsy and buy something without trying it...