SXTH Vs. Banks (Intake & Boost Tubes)

[Diablo Taco]

I figured it’d be easier to ask here about Banks Power vs SXTH Element because when I posted in one of the Facebook groups, the bias was honestly pretty wild. My post even got deleted by an admin who also happened to be affiliated with one of the brands (holds monopoly of a group so he actively pushes the product as he makes a cut) because I posted a screenshot of the other brand product, so it was hard to get any genuine feedback.

It honestly felt more like a sales pitch than an actual feedback as to why I shouldn't go with the other competitor. That being said, I’m completely new to the platform and just took delivery of a 2026 TRD Sport about a week ago. It’s currently at the PPF shop getting worked on, and I’m already looking into an intake and boost tubes as my first mods. I'm sure there has been many threads regarding this, but i figure to ask the more relevant question.

I’d love to hear some honest, unbiased feedback and real world experiences from people (and NOT by affiliates, company reps, and sales - both SXTH & Banks) who have run either setup. From what I’ve gathered so far, one seems to make better power while the other looks cleaner aesthetically and has a better sound profile. Reliability, fitment, drivability, turbo noises, and overall satisfaction are all things I’d love to hear about before pulling the trigger.

Appreciate any insight you guys can share.

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[laidouttaco]

Yup! I got blocked by Rob on his Facebook page cuz he doesn’t like anyone talking about other brands of it isn’t BANKS! What a shame!

 

[laidouttaco]

I figured it’d be easier to ask here about Banks Power vs SXTH Element because when I posted in one of the Facebook groups, the bias was honestly pretty wild. My post even got deleted by an admin who also happened to be affiliated with one of the brands (holds monopoly of a group so he actively pushes the product as he makes a cut) because I posted a screenshot of the other brand product, so it was hard to get any genuine feedback.

It honestly felt more like a sales pitch than an actual feedback as to why I shouldn't go with the other competitor. That being said, I’m completely new to the platform and just took delivery of a 2026 TRD Sport about a week ago. It’s currently at the PPF shop getting worked on, and I’m already looking into an intake and boost tubes as my first mods. I'm sure there has been many threads regarding this, but i figure to ask the more relevant question.

I’d love to hear some honest, unbiased feedback and real world experiences from people (and NOT by affiliates, company reps, and sales - both SXTH & Banks) who have run either setup. From what I’ve gathered so far, one seems to make better power while the other looks cleaner aesthetically and has a better sound profile. Reliability, fitment, drivability, turbo noises, and overall satisfaction are all things I’d love to hear about before pulling the trigger.

Appreciate any insight you guys can share.

CAMTuning did a comparison on both intakes and they are almost identical! So whatever you choose, you’ll get the same outcome. If you’re looking for the turbo sound, then SXTH takes it! SXTH intake is way louder than the Banks! I have mishimoto intake and I’m pretty happy with it.

 

[TacticoolDennis]

It's not easy to get a unbiased opinion on anything online. Most people can only afford one brand, they aren't trying them out and comparing numbers. I think the Banks has the SXTH beat for airflow and engineering. Some people like the way the SXTH looks; personally I think it looks a little cheaper. with engraved PVC window and a weather strip that doesn't seal up. SXTH has been in business since 2014 and Banks since 1958.

 

[Diablo Taco]

Yup! I got blocked by Rob on his Facebook page cuz he doesn’t like anyone talking about other brands of it isn’t BANKS! What a shame!

I noticed this very fast when my comment got deleted and I was given a warning for "self promotion, irrelevant comments & link".... when all I did just shared a screenshot of the SXTH boost tubes and intake. It wasn't even a jab at anyone, nor anything derogatory.

CAMTuning did a comparison on both intakes and they are almost identical! So whatever you choose, you’ll get the same outcome. If you’re looking for the turbo sound, then SXTH takes it! SXTH intake is way louder than the Banks! I have mishimoto intake and I’m pretty happy with it.

I did glance at that before making this post, but I also had to factor boost tubes into the equation since that seems to be the common combo people run together, but for the sake of debate, it could be noted.

Not gonna lie, I was originally leaning toward Banks because everyone was hyping it up. But the more I dug into it, the more it seemed like most of the recommendations were coming from sales reps and affiliates rather than actual consumers.

What’s making this even harder to believe is the claimed power difference. Banks says it makes 16 whp over stock, while SXTH claims 14 whp. But from the third party testing I’ve seen, both were closer to around 10 whp gains respectively, and the actual difference between the two setups was basically identical at only about 0.4 hp apart.

 

[Diablo Taco]

It's not easy to get a unbiased opinion on anything online. Most people can only afford one brand, they aren't trying them out and comparing numbers. I think the Banks has the SXTH beat for airflow and engineering. Some people like the way the SXTH looks; personally I think it looks a little cheaper. with engraved PVC window and a weather strip that doesn't seal up. SXTH has been in business since 2014 and Banks since 1958.

I have no objections to Banks at all. I think they’re a reputable company with a proven history in the industry. My issue was more with the bias and silencing of opinions within that large FB group, whether the feedback was positive or negative. I understand affiliate sales play a role and people naturally support the brands they’re tied to, but I also don’t think smaller companies should be dismissed so quickly if they have real data, testing, and validation to support their claims.

At that point, they should at least be part of the convo rather than being written off simply because they’re newer or less established. Not trying to complain about the FB group, definitely not my intent. I just want to know actual consumer feedback and not a sales pitch. I understand the concerns surrounding product design, engineering, and long term testing, but every company has to start somewhere.

If a brand is providing supporting data like reliability testing, dyno numbers, material specs, and real world validation, then at some point that has to count for something. Otherwise, it starts to feel like the goalpost keeps getting moved simply because they aren’t an established household name yet. A lot of the reputable brands people trust today were once in that exact same position. They built their reputation over time through consistent results and positive real world experiences.

If there were legitimate issues with their parts, especially in terms of failure rates or performance, I feel like that would already be circulating. Instead, what I’m seeing is mostly hesitation based on brand perception rather than actual product shortcomings. I'm open to purchasing either Banks or SXTH, I just don't appreciate the overwhelming bias of deleting opinions to make one brand look better than the other, hence why i'm asking it here.

 

[Banks Power]

@Diablo Taco Despite Cam's dyno test, the Ram-Air produces 18hp WHP and we're standing by it. We like Cam. We will not dispute his tests. However, we test 5 days a week for consumer and defense products. Accuracy is paramount to us and our clients.

We've battled competitors for more than six decades. In fact, we enjoy the competition. It sharpens our sword.

We encourage Tacoma owners to look closely at the follow, closely.

Performance
We stand behind our 18.3 hp gain and invite more dyno operators to test the Ram-Air.

Design
Look closely at the differences between Banks and SXTH. Because performance is our priority, it leads all design efforts. Compare the filters. Compare the intake tubes. Compare the thickness of plastic parts. Compare the side inlet. SXTH didn't bother to get a TRD Pro intake to scan. They designed an inlet that "looks" like the TRD snorkel interface but doesn't actually work. Granted very few people will connect a snorkel. The point is that it was lazy engineering.

Fit and finish
We designed every inch of the Ram-Air Intake to fit as good or better than OE. Compare the injection molded hood seal to SXTH's door seal. Compare our massive, organically shaped intake tube to SXTH's stock sized tube with 90° bends. Compare filters. Theirs is so small it whistles like when someone is breathing through a straw. To some, that may be cool. But all we see is lost power potential.

Sound
When Banks side inlet cover (which SXTH doesn't include), the Ram-Air intake is nearly as loud as SXTH. The sound of the Ram-Air however, is a deeper tone because of the larger air filter. It's more of a growl than a whistle. And, while we chose to seal the enclose to prevent power-robbing hot air from entering the intake, SXTH allows air to enter the box through the gap around the plexiglass window. This is also how some sound is escaping.

Water intrusion
While we appreciate when customers convert from another brand to Banks, we'd rather not have anyone fill up their intake with water for lack of drainage. We've heard from half a dozen former SXTH intake owners who've found pools of water at the bottom of their intake housing. This speaks to difference in experience between the two companies.

Company history
We've innovated intake systems since the late 1950s. When you buy an intake system, you're buying a wealth of knowledge compiled over six decades.

While we beat SXTH on this intake by all metrics, we have a feeling they're step up their game and the battle will get even more interesting over time. We welcome the challenge.

Go here for visual comparisons.

 

[Banks Power]

I have no objections to Banks at all. I think they’re a reputable company with a proven history in the industry. My issue was more with the bias and silencing of opinions within that large FB group, whether the feedback was positive or negative. I understand affiliate sales play a role and people naturally support the brands they’re tied to, but I also don’t think smaller companies should be dismissed so quickly if they have real data, testing, and validation to support their claims.

At that point, they should at least be part of the convo rather than being written off simply because they’re newer or less established. Not trying to complain about the FB group, definitely not my intent. I just want to know actual consumer feedback and not a sales pitch. I understand the concerns surrounding product design, engineering, and long term testing, but every company has to start somewhere.

If a brand is providing supporting data like reliability testing, dyno numbers, material specs, and real world validation, then at some point that has to count for something. Otherwise, it starts to feel like the goalpost keeps getting moved simply because they aren’t an established household name yet. A lot of the reputable brands people trust today were once in that exact same position. They built their reputation over time through consistent results and positive real world experiences.

If there were legitimate issues with their parts, especially in terms of failure rates or performance, I feel like that would already be circulating. Instead, what I’m seeing is mostly hesitation based on brand perception rather than actual product shortcomings. I'm open to purchasing either Banks or SXTH, I just don't appreciate the overwhelming bias of deleting opinions to make one brand look better than the other, hence why i'm asking it here.

You bring up great points, which we're happy to address.

Facebook groups
This is the modern day battleground. In professional football, you don't say, "We'll let the other team score one or two touchdowns and then we'll come back and beat them." The goal is to keep them from scoring. When we began engaging in several groups last year, we heard from admins... partner with us limit your interactions. Wanting to be the best performance parts brand in the Tacoma space, we went all in. The content mix and comments are moderated by the group admins, not us.

Recognition
There are many new companies formed by talented engineers that deserve recognition and attention. SXTH may be that company one day. But they'll have to earn it. This intake is not good enough to win them accolades from us or any other competitor, in our opinion. But that's not to say they won't sharpen their pencil on future products.

 

[Diablo Taco]

You bring up great points, which we're happy to address.

Facebook groups
This is the modern day battleground. In professional football, you don't say, "We'll let the other team score one or two touchdowns and then we'll come back and beat them." The goal is to keep them from scoring. When we began engaging in several groups last year, we heard from admins... partner with us limit your interactions. Wanting to be the best performance parts brand in the Tacoma space, we went all in. The content mix and comments are moderated by the group admins, not us.

Recognition
There are many new companies formed by talented engineers that deserve recognition and attention. SXTH may be that company one day. But they'll have to earn it. This intake is not good enough to win them accolades from us or any other competitor, in our opinion. But that's not to say they won't sharpen their pencil on future products.

Sure, it's all marketing to prevent the competition from entering the market by having an affiliate delete all related contents because there are incentives for them if a product gets a sale. I get it lol, but I said the same thing to SXTH as well.

I prefer hearing from actual consumers and independent third party sources rather than someone directly tied to the brand, whether that’s SXTH or Banks. I’ve already read the marketing material, watched the videos, and understand the sales pitch from both sides.

Honestly just seems like a subtle jab between the two brands where you guys pitch why you shouldn't buy from SXTH, and I see why SXTH responded with their Facebook marketing advertisement of the boost tubes. I totally get why both sides are doing that.

What I’m really looking for is honest real world feedback from people who actually bought and used the products, especially non affiliated owners who can explain why we should or shouldn’t go with a certain setup.

 

[AmbyBomb]

I don't have any issue with either product, but it does rub me the wrong way that "marketing" has extended to having a large Facebook group run by someone who gets a cut every time his code is used to buy a particular product that then pushes that product endlessly, including deleting inquires or information on competitors.

 

[Pappy]

I figured it’d be easier to ask here about Banks Power vs SXTH Element because ...

I'm going to take a different approach here. Note, I have no dog in this fight since I don't like cone filters in off-road trucks. Argue with me all you want, but I don't think they filter as well. I'll stick with the factory paper that I can purchase on the road if needed. Or I can carry for a change out after a month of dust on the trails. On a street truck, do what you want.

So, my left brained question is "why do you want a CAI?" Is it aesthetic so when you pop the hood at the mall the fellas can ohh and awww? Or is it a perception of increase power? Both? I look at this question as a bang-for-the-buck question. In other words dollars/hp gain. Of course an improvement in aesthetic also has value. Just not to me (for me it has to work to have value).

Cam's dyno says 10hp gain for $400 ($440) with the Banks. $40/hp ($44/hp)
Cam's dyno says 10hp gain for $420 with the SXTH. $42/hp.

For comparison, a Cobb tune will cost around $1000 and net 40hp at the rear wheels. $25/hp. I think this is a better bang for the buck. It just doesn't have the bling factor. Will you feel a 10hp gain in the seat? Probably not much. Will you feel a 40hp gain? You bet.

As far as Banks, I will never trust a manufacture's numbers. I find it hard to believe an 18hp gain with an intake change. Sorry Banks, but that almost doesn't pass the laugh test.

Cam did his evaluations all on the same truck, on the same dyno, head-to-head with three competitors. The value to his test is he compared all three, at the same time, against each other. Cam says 10hp. Banks says 18hp. Either way, Cam determined all three CAI's had the same gain (this is the important point). So either they all had a 10hp gain, or they all had an 18hp gain. Either way, the performance gain was the same.

[rant off]

 

[Banks Power]

@Pappy

"As far as Banks, I will never trust a manufacture's numbers. I find it hard to believe an 18hp gain with an intake change. Sorry Banks, but that almost doesn't pass the laugh test."

Years ago, only magazines could hold manufacturers accountable for power claims. Today with the internet, the fasted way to commit suicide is for a manufacturer to make bogus claims. Our solution is simple... Claim only what is repeatable by anyone. We cannot explain Cam's dyno results because we have not seen his test parameters. Being in New Mexico at altitude, it's possible his air density, and thus power gain, was lower. However, this does not explain why all intakes' gains were close together. We'll get more details from him.

Yes, a tune will produce more power than in intake. But anyone with a tune, should install an aftermarket intake because the tune results higher turbo shaft speed. The easiest way to bring shaft speed back down is to increase air mass flow to the compressor. That's what a good intake can do.

 

[Pappy]

@Pappy
Yes, a tune will produce more power than in intake. But anyone with a tune, should install an aftermarket intake because the tune results higher turbo shaft speed. The easiest way to bring shaft speed back down is to increase air mass flow to the compressor. That's what a good intake can do.

I believe Cam showed this to be true on his website. He tested his tuned truck with a SXTH intake and had good results. Of course, I think he did the dyno test with their inner-cooler at the same time. I think your point that the intake has better impact on a tuned truck is important. My point is an intake, on it's own, on a stock truck, might not be worth it. Combined, yes.

 

[YotaGuy44]

I believe Cam showed this to be true on his website. He tested his tuned truck with a SXTH intake and had good results. Of course, I think he did the dyno test with their inner-cooler at the same time. I think your point that the intake has better impact on a tuned truck is important. My point is an intake, on it's own, on a stock truck, might not be worth it. Combined, yes.

A tune can be worth the investment, especially when paired with the benefits of running an intake. However, tuning is only an option for people who are willing to risk voiding their warranty, since a tune leaves a footprint on the ECU even after being flashed back to stock.

In comparison, adding just an intake will not void the warranty and can easily be removed if needed without leaving any footprint behind.

 

[AmbyBomb]

An intake can also void the warranty. Whether that actually happens really depends on the nature of the issues.

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