Sorry for seeing this so late Hairy. You are correct, I did use the airpots for the last 2-3 years. I just started getting fed up with the extra time and runoff that I was losing with the airpots. I had about 8 plants going, that may have added to my impatience. The fabric seems to absorb good, and it's a little faster. I just started trying them, I had 2 in my last grow and right now I have 5 going, so I'll have a better idea after this grow.