Micro Auto Filters

I recently ordered a Micro branded air filter model AA103 for my 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer. The Micro web site states that their AA103 filter is equivalent to the industry standard Ryco A1311 for my car. The cost of the Micro AA103 air filter was only a fraction of the cost of a genuine Ryco A1311 air filter so I thought I would give it a try despite stern warnings from my car mechanic about cheap air filters. When the product arrived I quickly discovered that these very cheap "Micro" branded air filters are made of sub-standard material that is very brittle and easily breaks. This is a cause for alarm in itself as the potential damage from a broken piece of the air filter being sucked into an engine is enormous. This was my mechanics exact concern! The sizing of the Micro branded air filters too is totally incorrect and also far from what is stated on their web site. In my case the AA103 air filter which I received had a stated height of 51mm which is the same as the Ryco A1311 specification. However it did not fit properly into my car. I removed it and measured its height to be just 46mm which was 5mm shorter than their specification and explained why it couldnt fit properly. Initially they sent me a Micro air filter without the mandatory rubber seal included / attached to the air filter. I had never seen this before in my 40 years of servicing my own cars as the air filter cant function properly without the rubber seal attached. The biggest problem is that I brought all this up with Micro Auto Filters and they are in complete denial suggesting their product is a perfect fit and that problem lies with me. Well measurements dont lie and neither do easy breakages for what should be a robust product. As the old saying goes "you get what you pay for". I certainly wont be buying any cheap "Micro" Air filters ever again. I have learnt my lesson