i have the K&N and i have never- NEVER- had any problems with it. its get dirty and i use the kit and clean it making sure no holes are put in it. i lived in Rosamond (desert w/ avg. 30mph wind) and in tehachapi (high desert/mountain with 10 mph sustained wind) do dust in my airbox! so maybe i am just lucky but i love mine.a little seat of the pants diff when i clean it up but it might just be a mental thing