So apparently AEM and K&N have co-oped or merged.

Awhile ago I went to Advance Auto to get a AEM Dryflow filter cleaning kit. Got the catalog out, saw the 2 bottles of cleaner and had them order it. Picked it up and it was a spray bottle w/ K&N on it. Called the manuf. and they confirmed that this cleaner replaces the AEM version.

So, clean my filter, notice some cracks on the rubber base and ordered a new filter.

The original filter I had was a gray Dryflow which I guess now is considered the "Brute Force" filter and is very flexible. However, the replacement filter I received has both K&N and AEM on it and is stiff. Also it is red w/ a metal grate surrounding the filter.

Anyone know what is up w/ that or is this new filter is a better version of the Dryflow?

 

I saw the same exact thing today at advance... I actually considered the two companies competitors and didnt really expect them to colaborate on a filter like that...

Basically from what I can tell, its the "new" dryflow but it is made of a tougher mesh style material than the old one...
The only reason I can expect for this is that the old ones were taking too long to dry completely (about 3 days in my case) during which time I was without a car...
On the flipside, I am always somewhat hesitant of newer designs which have the potential to filter less..

That said, its still oil free, but K+N filters have to be oiled so I will still go with the AEM over the K+N any day..