The zero total angular momentum (J = 0) S matrix elements, calculated using a time independent method for the Li + HF reaction, have been matrix transformed to the stereodirected and Gauss-Legendre discrete variable representations. Although the results in the two representations are (as expected) quantitatively different with respect to the angular selectivity and specificity of the reactive process, the qualitative similarity has allowed us to draw for the first time conclusions with respect to some characteristics of the potential energy surface. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.