I don't have a lot of advice to offer in choosing a tub. I was in two showrooms. The Maxx air tub was a good deal louder than the Bain Ultra. Both showrooms agreed with the majority of the folks here...BU is is the top choice. That's what I chose. Think it had a longer warranty too. I think that if my tub could accept a heater and it wasn't too spendy, I would have added one. I've learned a few tricks to keeping the water hotter longer but will occasionally add hot water. I'm not a fan of American Standard.
Monica

We have the Aquatics Infinity which has both jets and air and have used "products" with no problems - except one night the tub looked like the tv show of the never ending bubbles coming out of a washing machine because dh put in a little too much shower gel. (Yes he puts a few drops of stuff he prob shouldn't).
I would definately go with a heater - if you're planning on staying in for any length of time (like more than 10 minutes) that water will get cold fast with the constant motion. I don't think the heater can "heat" that volume of water just keeps it at temp while you're in it.
But, we've had it for 3 yrs now - and loved it. Never a cleaning issue. The jets are definately noisier than the air - they're just a rumble. In looking for air tubs I would also check out how many holes - some we looked at didn't seem to have very many - or the strength or the bubbles. (Make sure you see them in action - with water)

mine's not in yet so can't give you my opinion but i asked at several showrooms which air tub they would choose and they all went with bain. it's supposed to have more jets (or whatever you call those little holes) in it and also has the heated backrest.
i've never had an air bath. we've always had jacuzzis but i wanted a freestanding unit in the new house ...no one makes freestanding jacuzzis. i really hope this thing is worth the money.

we have a Kohler. I love the way it works, stays warm as long as I would expect (which is fairly long) and only if taking a very long soak (maybe more than 30") do I need to add more H2O to up the temp.

Ours came with a white trim on the control panel. I paid way too much for a nickel one to match other hardware, and the circuit board has a flimsy plastic clip that broke while trying to reinstall it. It has been 3 months and Kohler has the part on backorder, and we still don't have it. It works, it's just that the hole on the side where it should be sealed is not, so I end up trying to hold the stupid piece in place to cover the hole while the jets are going so water doesn't get through.... I would have been happy with white in the end!

BUT DH who was worried about the air tub not being enough bubbly, loves it and is impressed. I love the bubble bath I can put in (but not too much- think the movie "Sleeper").

Hope that helps.

I learn so much from this forum. I always considers air massage tubs to just be a bubble maker. Nice to know the positive aspects. Of course, now I have a whole 'nother set of choices to make... ~;o)

Oh, and BTW, the bubble intensity on my Kohler is adjustable, 3 zones, can put any of them on/off at the same time, or it will oscillate intensity up and down! I found the Kohler to have sufficient holes- and more than the AS or Jaccuzzi brands.

I also looked at Maxx, would have gotten it if we wanted both the jets and air, but I really wanted bubble bath ;-)

Didn't get to see Bain Ultra- an interior designer friend never mentioned it to me, hadn't heard of it (nor this website back when we picked it out).

hmm no one mentioned jason whirlpools..of all the tubs i have looked at- they are definitely the most quiet which i think is important in a tub. of course the air feature is noisier than the jetted anyway, but i can't decide between the two so am looking at a combo unit...i am confused though about not being able to use bath products in the jetted because i was told by the manufacturer you can as long as it is not oil based..but maybe that is just for the Jason tubs. I recommend getting the heater if you plan to be in it more than 20 minutes..and you don't have a big hot water heater. I know many people who have gotten their tubs and either ran out of hot water before even filling it...and so they rarely use it.
I am also curious if anyone has ever had a Pearl Whirlpool- I really love the concept of how it is an actual whirlpool instead of the jets..but compared to the jason it was not as quiet... so i have been tormented in trying to make a decision.. i suppose a person could always wear earplugs right??