sarmalidu

Keep in mind that the amount of bite you get relates in part to how much you weigh. So, heavier fellows will tend to run with a larger radius (less bite) than small guys. Being that most NHL players tend to be, say 190+ lbs with excellent edge control, it's not too surprising that their hollows would trend towards 1/2+.

Patents? We don't need no stinking patents!

Maybe it's just me but it seems like the value of FBV is being grossly overstated here. Using FBV is not going to cause beginners to go so much faster that they end up flying into the boards, mangling themselves. It may provide improved glide, but the difference is definitely marginal, especially for a beginner that's just going to be working on learning proper skating technique. I would say that FBV is not going to help nor hurt a beginner. It's not like it's THAT different. I can switch back and forth with no significant adjustment. I will admit I prefer the FBV, but it's not like it's going to completely change your skating experience. So, based on my experience I don't think FBV will make much difference, positive or negative, for a beginner. Obviously FBV tends to cost more, so I think standard hollows are probably best for beginners until they have a hang of the basics.

I have skated a few times more on my 90/75 and I am liking it. I wish I could do a real "head-to-head" comparison with timing equipment to see if I am actually getting more glide or if it's just mental. On a subjective level it does seem superior to me so far.

+1 I don't really tend to love grey in general, but it looks good with green/navy, and blends nicely with the MSH2 grey palms

I just went to the only dealer in the area that I know of that does flat-bottom V sharpening. Normally I just get the standard sharpen (most places that's 1/2" hollow). The guys at Dave's SportShop in Fridley MN put what I believe was a 90/75 FBV hollow. There was really no adjustment. I didn't notice any huge difference between this and my last sharpening. The sharpen definitely felt good and I was skating well. I am not really sure if I was that much faster but I did like the overall feel with this sharpening. I think I will continue to get my skates sharpened this way in the future - my guess is that this will get more and more popular.

Bauer didn't make a true 12" 4-roll glove as far as I am aware. Their "12-inch" versions were 13" gloves with a shortened cuff. Unless this was a an extra-special custom make it's probably a 13" short cuff. Who knows though, pros get a lot more love from equipment manufacturers than us layfolk.