> Think about depth filtration of the K&N or paper (as opposed to micron
> filtration with a thin membrane of some sort)  from the viewpoint of a
> small particle.  Imagine that the scale of a micron size particle
> traveling  through 1/8 inch of oil soaked fibers as a hurricane trying
> to blow a tennis ball through a 1/10 mile of a forest of stickum coated
> Aspens.  If the first tree hit doesn't get the ball, one down the line
> will as the speed of the ball drops. Oil wetted depth filters combine
> capacity, efficiency, and high air flow unlike any other.
>
> If it weren't for the oil, lots of particles would get through by
> bouncing off the fibers or clog the entire depth of the medium if it is
> too dense (i.e., dry paper), but with oil wetting they are grabbed and
> held so you can have a looser mesh that allows for better air flow AND
> excellent filtration.

Stuart,
I understand the theory... and I've read the same K&N advertising as you
apparently have... BUT I'll be skeptical until I see results from an
independent testing lab that shows K&N to filter out smaller particles than
a paper filter. The fact that this kind of data is not available at the K&N
web site makes me suspect that either the data is not available or it is
available and the results were not supportive of K&N's claims.

Bill