Seems to be a lot of Giant fans out there.
I thought the Yeti and Santa Cruz carbon would dominate!
I've got an Anthem X1 and the guy I ride with has a Yeti ASR. Last year, the Anthem was nearly a grand cheaper for an equivalent spec, and the Yeti was better, but not quite a grand better. This year the Anthem is more expensive – and the Yeti is probably stronger (new rear end) if no longer quite as exotic.
The Anthem is more XC focused, a bit twitchier, the Yeti feels incredibly planted.Both are light, stiff and will really reward a rider who thinks about their lines.
It's a tough choice, but ultimately the fact that the Yeti's turquoise paint has anti-gravity properties just swings it.