yip, this! Go to a shop and get sized and fitted on a bike to find out what you fit. Going to be one of the best things you do vs just buying something off the floor because it looks cool. I had one of those uber expensive Specialized FSR Enduro’s and it took quite awhile to get one that was sized to fit me at 6’3". One of the best mt bikes I’ve owned, but mostly due to the fact that it fit me well.
And +1 to what he said about hardtail vs softy. They both have their place and trust those who state that pedaling around a softy on trails better suited for a hardtail isn’t fun. I also find a good hardtail on most fireroad/single track around here to be more enjoyable as it’s easier to be more technical on the lighter, stiffer frames.
I’ve got an older(02/03 monocoque) intense M1 frame here that if I ever get around to finishing up, wouldn’t ever consider using it as a trails bike. Legs would probably fall off after 20 minutes of riding :ahh Just not the right bike for that type of riding.