How to choose:full suspension or hardtail?

How much do you weigh??

My 26 wheel full suspension has multiple options for 3,4,5 inch travel on the rear, but at over 200lbs it's hard to get enough pressure in the shock for it to hold up and maintain decent geometry. On the fork I had to put the optional spacers in the fork to reduce travel in order to balance the chassis.

I've just ordered up a 29r hard tail, it sounds they climb really well without the need for a shock.

If you are a lighter rider, full suspension is good since the lock outs work better

I also have both and I find I ride my ht faster than my dh in everything but the most extreme rock type stuff. I am also over 200 lbs, but my Fox shock has done very well pumped up to 175.

For moto training, get a good all around all mountain bike and shred on that. Ride up hills to get cardio, then throw caution to the wind and shred down big bermed, jump, root and breaking bump laden trails. Get to the bottom, fingers and hands shaken with adreniline, ride back up and do it again. Funnest cross training ever.

This should cover you https://youtu.be/WPVRU7jSYkQ

I rented a superfly 29" in both hard tail and full suspension along with 29" fuel. I ended up buying a full suspension superfly and I really like it. Having a rear shock makes the ride more comfortable but the hardtail was a little quicker.

You should be able to find a shop that you can rent some bikes from to see what you like best on your local terrain.