I don’t have experience with all those brands. As I said before, pick a bike and brand that is committed to 29er bikes. I worry that some companies just make a few adjustments to a frame and throw a couple big wheels on it and call it a 29er. If you can spend the 1100, I would recommend the Fisher Cobia. SRAM X.5, Avid brakes, Tora SL fork. Specialized makes great bikes, I’m sure the 29ers are no different. I would go after those if I were you. Go find some bike shops and ride those babies! You will find one that blows your mind, I’m sure of it.
Let us know if/when you pick one up.
Hammer.