if u attach a neoprene pipe to the end of the maxi the air filter has to work hard at low speeds cos it can only suck whats in the pipe,the end of the filter is far enough away from the engine not to suck ambient air,this is why i left a gap so as to get more air in the lower gears,at speed the air travels up the CAF i fitted and straight into the filter,there will be very minimal differences but i personally thought it was a better solution,also you'll never get a 100mm hose or whatever its is down behind the head light,just my thoughts though and i'm happy with it