They definitely have shorter wheelbases, which is what first drew me to them, but DLX has started making shapes that are comparable. They started making lengths around 32" and below and the shorter wheelbases as well. The FA/Hockey 8.25 has a big fat nose and tail and short WB, but the concave can be a little much. Whenever I venture out and try something else, and it doesn't IMMEDIATELY work out, I go right back to a DLX or Polar because I know that's my shit.
Of course I'm talking mostly about the 8.25 shapes and a couple of 8.5