I have a Weapon R CAI and love it but the actual air filter is not all that great of a condition (I bought it used). I know I don't NEED to buy a Weapon R filter, but I was wondering if I bought something else if it would affect performance or sound?

It's all going to be about the same, regardless of whether you spend $80 on a Blitz filter or $10 on an APC one.

Alright, because vanitywise I like some of the Ractive stuff. I just didn't want to hinder the sound or performance of my Weapon R

most after market filter are washable. .. meaning u can clean them and resue them =). and and instake system might not make a difference but the filter does i think. not sure ^^

I know they are washable. Mine is seroiusly beat up.

Actually the filtration properties of the different filters varies greatly. I've found that the foam type filters don't work very well at all. The best thing I've found are the cotton element filters (K&N, Green, etc.). These filters offer the best filtration with the best airflow but they require more maintence. If taken care of properly they will last forever.