Ivan

I found BFD had a lot more grip than FBV. There were times with FBV where I wasn't sure if my edges were going to grip or not. Here http://blackstonesport.com/technology.cfm they say When trying the FBV, a skater should understand that the feel on the first use will be different, but then after a few minutes of warm-up, the transition will be effortless and the advantages and speed of the FBV will be apparent quickly. My personal experience - this is very true.

Some interesting posts here reg. the FBV, Blademaster (they just got a new redisigned site), etc. According to one post even Wissota is shooting for their stand alone FBV type dressing system that is using Blackstone spinners

I asked my diamond company(diamonds is all they do). After examining a used one I sent them, they said they couldn't do it. if you find a place, please let us know. I am overseas in Ukraine now. The difference here would be that here they will say yes, we can do it, then take your money and do something that won't work. So my $ will be going to Blackstone for replacement spinners.

Does any one have any idea if diamond spinners could be refurbished after they're done?

When I was buying my Blackstone sharpener - I was a total novice. Knowing nothing or very little about skate sharpening makes buying decision very tough. Blackstone sure was not the only brand/company I was considering at the time. Per my experience with Blackstone folks - they're very professional, ethical , and patient (I'm embarrassed now how many e-mail exchanges I've had with them. Now I know how silly some of my questions were). Anyway, aside for patience and high professionalism, the Blackstone person didn't try to steer me towards spending more money and buying something I wouldn't need (i.e.they told me not to get the most expensive Scissors clamp)(I was getting a professional Spinner before teh FBV came out). The bottom line is: if they recommend it, get it. You won't regret the extra $100 by no means.

No. Also, you really should be fine on 90/75 unless you're in flyweight category. Give it some time (provided your skates are sharpened properly).

New York Times

Sorry if this was posted before. Just came across it http://www.nhldigest.com/flat-bottom-v-skate-sharpening/

Danny L of Larry's Sports should be convinced to get one. I can't believe they're so closed to getting it. I didn't buy mine for making money of it and breathe the skates dust. But it sure has paid for itself buy driving more customers to the store to just sharpen and then when they see the stuff I got, they buy it. I can't understand how being busy as they are they still haven't gotten one.

Thanks, JR!

Kinda curious about the two screws at the bottom of Batgage. They don't really seem to do anything at a first glance. Or am I being wrong?

JR, how can you be 100% sure the spinner is done? I'm noticing two of the ones I use the most spin longer now, yet still seem to be dressing the wheel. Also, reg. the Batgage, in the very beginning I noticed it takes a little practice to properly put it on the blade. Is it possible to de-calibrate it somehow (by accidentally dropping it or by messing with the two crews at the bottom (I think my empoyee did that). I also think that over time it might be loosing it's accuracy as skate blades cut into it's aluminum body. Thank you.

Do you find that you need to adjust the knobs significantly with different blade widths? Absolutely. But that doesn't irate me or something. To me it means better precision coming from using the tri-lie holder (I have a professional turbo portable spinner with the U-12 Tri-Lie holder)

You noticed it right. I stopped using the batgage since pretty much of the beginning of the learning curve. In my case if I don't touch the pitch knob, the spinner (either regular or FBV) does perfect job, so, basically, there's no need to check the edges level. Now I reserve the batgage for customers who potentially would want to check the edges level. Get the kick out of the FBV myself, especially on a harder ice.

Give it more time. The FBV requires some adjustment. The chances are you won't need more edge than 100/75

Right now I'm on my fourth wheel with the same 90/75 FBV spinner. So far so good

Larry's Sports in North Vancouver must have the FBV Nope. They were the ones that said it was unproven and not worth the investment at this time. They didn't want to affect their current customer base. Then Danny L screwed up.

Larry's Sports in North Vancouver must have the FBV

I get the best results on 90/75 FBV. I don't actually think that " the time will show" The time has showed. I simply can't go back to traditional hollow. I get the best results on 90/75 FBV. I simply can't go back to traditional hollow sharpening. Ytied to compare a few time. Big difference. I thank the time has already shown the FBV is here to stay

Does anyone else own a Blackstone Spinner w/FBV in Europe? Or is it just me. Currently in Ukraine. Just curious.

Second that

They're not really 100% comparable but maybe this will help http://www.blackstonesport.com/technical_data.pdf

But it appears that NOBODY ever thought of changing the hollow concept that would give break through benefits to hockey players but Blackstone Sports. And their FBV concept obviously works very well. In my case none of my customers would go back (to traditional hollow) after having tried the FBV. IMHO, Blackstone sharpeners are the best.

IMO, It'd sure be interesting to find out about the actual results. Looks like it may work. From a quick look, in this case you loose the advantage of the three-lie holder though. Then I'm not sure how ethical this would be as far as Blackstone Sports is concerned.

My guess may be wrong but it probably won't work on ProSharp sharpeners