A variable output air bag inflator is presented wherein in one embodiment the inflator offers variable output and may be implemented with either pyrotechnic or hybrid inflators. The inflator offers full level deployment at a first end of the inflator unit and reduced level deployment at a second end. This is accomplished by providing two discrete paths for the inflator gas to flow during deployment of the air bag cushion. One path communicates with a first filter material or permits the hot inflation gas to directly exit the inflator without passing through a filter material. The other path communicates with a second filter material which absorbs heat from the inflator gas as it passes through the second filter material before exiting the inflator, wherein the second filter material has a heat sink capacity greater than the first filter material. The energy content and pressure of the inflator gas is therefore regulated by directing the inflator gas through the second filter material.