What exactly is the "micron" rating telling you? Is it the smaller the number, the smaller the particles it catches?

 

Particle size retention (filtration efficiency)
Particle size retention is the measure of the degree to which the filter can retain particles of various sizes... the automotive full-flow oil filter is able to trap and hold essentially all the contaminant particles larger than 25 microns. (A human hair measures approximately 70 microns in diameter. An object that is 1 micron in size is .000039 inches in diameter.) Our filters also capture a high percentage of even smaller particles.

Yes: the smaller the number, the smaller the particles it can catch. I edited my previous post, checking the part# I use, and it traps 21 micron particles.

 

Thank you for the info. Lordmorpheus, I really appreciate you taking the time!

 

Well considering that over the road trucks use Wix oil filters 98% of the time, as well as farmers, both of which require and expect long life and minimal overhauls on their equipment use these filters I think they are good enough for me.
K&N oil filters are made by Fram.
Mobil 1 and Bosch oil filters are good, but over priced.
Unless you are going 10,000 miles between oil changes dont waste your money.

This one shows who made what filter.
Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources

This one shows how well each filter filters.
GM Truck Central Oil Filter Comparison Study

I refuse to pay more than $6 for a oil filter, use a quality oil and a name brand filter and change your oil before it wears out and its all good.
Its just a engine, it can always be rebuilt or replaced.