I use the Stock messaging app, but Handcent should have no issues on this phone. you usually do not have to worry about SMS apps' compatibility between phones as long as they are running a version of android that isnt outdated.
I second this. Handcent was chewing my battery. I updated a couple times. Untinstalled and reinstalled...same problem. Thats what forced me to Textra. Not identical but very capable and doesnt eat your battery.