It could be argued that comparisons of the conventional filter with the K&N in terms of medium mesh size are inappropriate due to the two filtering in different ways. The conventional filter stops particulates by screening them, whereas the gauze filter is more like a flytrap in that it stops contaminates by sticking them to the filter's oil. Sounds great in theory and I'm sure it's at least partly true. But I don't know many who are convinced. At the end of the day, the gauze filter's bigger holes pass more air, and more dust goes along for the ride.