The kinetic energy of the mass of exhaust gas carries it along the exhaust pipe, and causes a pressure build up ahead of the mass of gas and a partial vacuum behind it. This principle is used in a tuned exhaust system.
Culligan - $2352 ($2053 w/o R/O unit) Culligan Gold Series (10), Good Water Machine. If I were to look at price only, I would go with either the cheaper Ecowater system w/R/O at $2698 or the Culligan system. At almost $4k, the Kinetico system seems greatly over priced.
Most water softener companies should offer some type of limited lifetime warranty. Culligan water softeners are backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Culligan Water offers a 30-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee on rented and purchased water softeners.