diamond back f/s

[Kid A]

got a friend who has an old DBR f/s and the frame just cracked. appears diamondback may replace frame but he's not sure what they will com back with. Any thoughts on best frame model if he gets a "choice". per website looks like they have a few models mission, sortie and recoil using varied sus linkages and travel (4-6 inches). recall reading a review on knucklebox a whileback but not sure what real skinny is.

anyone familiar with any of the above models and have recommendation if he has any influence on what they may offer. I used to ride with him back east quite a bit and he can certainly charge it and likes to bomb the downs so imagine he may want the longer travel but he can benefit from something that is an efficient climber.

looking for any knowledge from those who may have ridden or own any of the frames - really mostly interested in frame design, geo, etc as imagine they will just replace frame and he'll have to swap comps over.

Seen a few bd logo's out there while i'm riding (mostly HT) on the trails so speak up peeps and please drop me some knowledge so i can help out a friend

thanks

[DBD]

The mission and the Sortie suspensions are licensed Specialized linkage, I could be mistaken but I believe the Knucklebox is a Spech deal. Those are also the only two DB's in the fs range I would ride. If they give him a full bike either the 2 or 3 model of either of those two bikes have the better components. The 1 drops way below component wise but so does the price yet with the same frame