At $2250 I think you can get a Heckler, no? But you might want to check on the kit. Personally, I wouldnt worry about the kit for that price level, though. The frame itself is more important. If you want to step up, I would suggest the Shimano XT groupset (or SRAM/AVID in equivalent).
Also, I don't think that Heckler is better than VT. I did test both SC Heckler & VT2 a few days ago.
To me, the Hecker, with the Fox shock, didnt pedal as smooth as the VT (am I stepping into some minesland?). The rear triangle kinda 'rattles' to my pedaling, just like the Blur (although the Blur has VPP, I strongly believe my brain that 'bob' still exist).
Sure SC are made in the U.S.A, higher profile, but then Giant is a big company, with HUGE R&D. To me, that counts (a lot) more than the 'Made in the U.S.A' badge. Hope that can ease up your choice
