Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Downfiring vs front firing subwoofer

Okay.. I have seen several threads on subwoofers comparing downfiring vs front firing subs. I notice that Axiom uses front firing subs and HSU, Outlaw, SVS (all subs highly recommended) use down-firing subs.

Wouldn't down-firing subs sound completely different on different surfaces? What about a cut bur-bur carpet vs a wood floor? What are people's thoughts here?

I notice one of the SVS subs has a platform it sits on,
http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb12_isd.htm

But they also make one that appears to be front-firing:
http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

Can anyone comment on how these compare to the HSU VTF-MK2 ($500) or the Outlaw LFM-1 ($579)

http://www.hsustore.com/vtf2.html

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1.html

Or.. compare them against any of the Axiom subwoofers, which appear to be front firing.