Polycontrast IV vs. Multigrade IV

Somehow the introduction of Kodak Polycontrast IV paper a few months ago
went right past me.

Any impressions of it, anyone?

Is Kodak simply imitating Ilford Multigrade IV? How similar are they?

I presume Kodak paper still has a harder emulsion and requires longer fixing
and washing times (in the same non-hardening fixer). I was bitten by this
once, many years ago -- my prints on Kodak paper were getting slightly
fogged because I was turning the lights on after 30 seconds in the fixer,
which was quite safe with Ilford paper.

Just tested Polycontrast IV RC for an upcoming article. Looks really good to
me, and I'm a fibre-based bigot from waaay back, so for me to like RC takes a
lot.

Very rich look, reminiscent of Galerie and Forte Elegance Polygrade V. I like
it better than Kodak Polymax, and a bit better than Ilford Cooltone RC (both of
which I've tested).

Try it for yourself, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Bruce