Types of Pre-Roll Filter Tips

Pre-roll filter tips are small paper cones at the end of a pre-rolled cigarette or joint. Filters make the smoke easier and more pleasant to inhale. The best is that there is no one type, but many types of pre-roll filter tips.

In this article, we will reveal the various types, discuss their characteristics and explain how to choose the right one. You will learn something new about these little cones and why they are important for some people's smoking experience.

Let's discover the different types of pre-roll filters!

Types of Pre-Roll Filter Tips

Most pre-rolls come with filter tips, also known as crutches or blunt filter tips, but that may depend on the brand and manufacturer. Pre-roll filter tips can be broadly categorized into basic and specialty types, each serving a different purpose and catering to different consumer preferences. 

Whether you like your pre rolls with kief or some other concentrate like hash or rosin, they may have filter tips because they enhance the smoking experience. But what are the best tips for joints? We enlisted the best ones in the market below.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Dmytro Tyshchenko

Basic types of pre-roll filter types

Basic filter tips are usually made from paper, cardboard, wood, or even plastic and act as simple barriers between the smoker and the plant material. They help prevent loose particles from entering the mouth and provide consistent structure to the roll. 

These tips are easy to roll, widely available, and inexpensive, making them the main choice of many smokers. The following types are categorized as basic:

Cardstock filter tips

Cardstock filter tips are among the most popular because they are simple and affordable. They are usually made from thick paper or cardboard, which can be easily rolled into a cylindrical or conical shape. 

Cardstock tips provide a firm structure to the pre-roll, making it easier to hold and smoke. They are often perforated, allowing easier rolling and customization of the tip shape.

Wooden filter tips

Wooden filter tips offer a more premium smoking experience, often preferred for their natural feel and durability. They are usually made from hardwoods like bamboo, which provides a reusable option that can improve the overall aesthetic of the pre-roll. Wooden filter tips are ideal for those who want hand-rolled cannagars or joints.

Plastic filter tips

Plastic filter tips are designed to be reusable and durable. They are usually made from polypropylene, which is heat-resistant. These tips are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times, making them a more sustainable option than single-use tips. 

However, their plastic composition can sometimes alter the taste and flavor of the smoke because plastic can have a chemical reaction with the smoke. For example, when smoke passes through the plastic filter, the heat might cause the plastic to release small amounts of chemicals, influencing the smoke’s taste.

Specialty pre-roll filter tips

Specialty pre-roll filter tips are designed to elevate the smoking experience by offering extra features beyond basic filtration. These tips are ideal if you want smoothness, flavor preservation, and reusability. Below are four of the most popular types.

Activated carbon filter tips

Activated carbon filter tips filter out toxins, tar, and impurities. The activated carbon within the tip is a very porous medium, capturing unwanted substances while allowing the desired flavors and cannabinoids to pass through. Smokers enthusiasts who want a cleaner and smoother experience usually prefer these tips.

Glass filter tips

Glass filter tips are sturdy and sleek; unlike plastic, they do not affect the weed’s flavor. They are heat-resistant and provide a smooth and cool draw. 

Glass tips are preferred because they preserve the pure flavor of the smoke without adding any unwanted taste or odor. They are also easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for regular smokers.

Metal filter tips

Metal filter tips are an old-fashioned type, often made from stainless steel or aluminum. These tips offer a unique, industrial aesthetic and provide a cool, smooth smoking experience. 

The metal material cools the smoke as it passes through, reducing harshness and improving overall comfort. Metal tips are also easy to clean and are highly durable, making them a popular choice for those who want a long-lasting option.

Ceramic filter tips

Ceramic filter tips are known for their excellent heat resistance and flavor preservation. Ceramic is a material that does not react with the smoke, which means that the flavor remains pure. 

Moreover, ceramic tips are reusable and easy to clean, offering a durable, eco-friendly option. If you want to maintain the natural taste of your smoke, then these tips are for you.

Features and Innovations

Sizes and shapes

Filter tips come in many sizes and shapes, which means they are available for different preferences. Slim filters, for example, are often 6-8 mm in diameter and are ideal for those who prefer a tighter draw and less airflow. Wider filters, like those at 10-12 mm, provide more airflow and cooler smoke. 

Regarding the shapes, cylindrical tips are standard, but flat and crutch-style filters are also popular. Many love crutch filters because they are sturdy and prevent the joint from collapsing.

Built-in ash catchers

Built-in ash catchers are designed to prevent ash and debris from entering the mouth, enhancing the smoking experience. They are usually found in more premium pre-rolls. As their name suggests, the ash catchers maintain cleanliness and improve the overall flavor profile by keeping the smoke free from burnt particles.

Flavored filters

Flavored filters add an extra layer of enjoyment by infusing the smoke with different tastes. These filters often use natural or artificial flavoring, with options like mint, fruit, or chocolate, making each puff a sensory experience. Flavored filters are especially popular among those who enjoy adding a twist to their regular smoking routine.

Choosing the Right Filter Tip

Choosing the right filter tip for your pre-rolls is crucial for a satisfying smoking experience. Since pre-roll filter tips come in many sizes, we advise you to choose the size that best suits your needs. 

Consider the amount of herbs and tobacco you plan to use and choose a large filter tip to accommodate. If you prefer a tighter draw and cooler smoke, opt for a wider filter. Slim filters, on the other hand, provide a more concentrated flavor and are ideal for those who prefer a stronger, direct hit.

The shape also plays a role, so it is up to you to choose it. Whether you select a cylinder or cone shape, ensure it is right.

Finally, the material of the filter influences taste and filtration. Paper filters are the most common and offer a neutral taste, but glass or ceramic filters are also popular.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Dmytro Tyshchenko

Conclusion

The two types of pre-roll filter tips are basic and specialty. Cardstock, wooden and plastic filter tips belong in the first group, each with its own features. 

Cardstock filter tips are simple and affordable, rolled into a conical or cylindrical shape. Wooden filter tips offer a more premium experience, while plastic filter tips are reusable and durable.

Moreover, specialty filter tips elevate the smoking experience. You can choose between activated tips, glass filter tips, metal filter tips, or ceramic filter tips. We recommend these filter tips to those who look for smoothness, flavor preservation, and reusability. 

Remember that choosing the right filter tip is important for optimal smoking experience and is based on your preference!