As someone who is on a budget and recently purchased a hardtail, I will throw the 2016 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29″ into the mix. I bought it on sale for $999 CDN and can attest to the fact that it is a solid entry level HT. components aren’t spectacular, no XT here, but that thing shreds which can be seen by my Strava sections at my local trails. I am killing some of the guys on their $5000 whips, and their carbon steeds.
I have upgraded a couple of things, but mostly the original spec works fine….for a bike at this price point. Pure joy.