"Oiled" Filters? What do you think?

[Jackpine]

Thought this might be a good topic of conversation - oiled filters such as K&N.

Southpaw has made his thoughts known on these in a couple of recent posts and I've been less than "charitable" about the concept of "premium" filters, like these, too, in the past.

I actually find the whole thing kind of interesting. Oiled filters used to be what you had in the very early days, and we still have them in small engines (like chainsaws, lawn mowers and weed whackers). But, in auto engines, well-designed paper, throw-away filters came into favor and replaced them.

Suddenly, though, we see the oily things being touted again as the best thing since Grandma's apple pie! Never mind the fact that if you don't oil them properly you can create a whole bunch of problems.

Seriously, what are the real advantages of the things as YOU see it? And, if you don't think much of them, why?

I'm not singling out any manufacturer here, even though I referred to K&N at the beginning. I DO think they make a "quality product", that has earned the love of a horde of faithful users.

Let's hear what YOU think!

- Jack