Filters and tips for rolling differ in material, lifespan, size and cost: card tips, cellulose or acetate filters, activated carbon filters and reusable glass or ceramic tips. In this guide you will find the differences between the types of filters, a comparison table and how to work out the cost per piece. We stock the 6 mm activated carbon filters.
Which types of filters exist
When people talk about types of filters for rolling, they often group different things together: some are simple tips that keep the end open, others contain an actual filter material. There are four main families.
Card tips
A card tip is a strip of thick paper that you roll up by hand, usually sold in booklets of 50. It contains no filter material: it gives the roll structure, keeps the end open, stops bits of plant material from reaching your mouth and lets you use the roll down to the end. It is used only once, and its diameter depends on how tightly you roll it.
Cellulose or acetate filters
Ready-made filters are small cylinders of fibres. Most are made of cellulose acetate; there are also versions in unbleached cellulose or hemp, which manufacturers describe as biodegradable. Diameters usually range from 6 mm (slim) to 8 mm, and packs often contain more than 100 pieces, for example 120. They are single-use, and the fibres sit directly in the path of the smoke.
Activated carbon filters
These are cylinders with a core of granular activated carbon, closed at both ends by ceramic caps. The most common diameters range from about 6 to 8 mm depending on the brand, and some models are 27 mm long, so they take up a large part of the roll. How activated carbon works, which size to choose and when to replace them is explained in the cannabis accessories collection.
Glass or ceramic tips
These are rigid, reusable tips: they are not thrown away after each roll and contain no filter material, only a channel for the air to pass through. Glass can break if dropped, ceramic is more robust. The only cost is the initial purchase, and they should be kept clean between uses.
Comparison table: activated carbon or paper
The table sums up the differences. Sizes are approximate and vary from brand to brand; for aroma, the strain matters most, as the guide on CBD flower terpenes explains.
| Type | Material | Use | Size | Draw | Aroma | Cost per piece |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card tip | Thick paper or card | Single-use | Variable, rolled by hand | Open, no filter material | No filter in the path | Low, booklets of 50 |
| Cellulose or acetate filter | Cellulose acetate or cellulose fibres | Single-use | 6 to 8 mm in diameter | Depends on fibre density | Fibres sit in the path | Low, packs of more than 100 |
| Activated carbon filter | Granular activated carbon, ceramic caps | Single-use | About 6 to 8 mm, some 27 mm long | Smoke passes between the granules; can sometimes clog | The aroma remains noticeable | From CHF 0.20 (our pack of 300) |
| Glass or ceramic tip | Glass or ceramic | Reusable | Rigid, size depends on the model | Open channel | Material that does not burn | Only the purchase price |
How to read the pack
Filter packs almost always show the same information. Knowing how to read it helps you choose the right format for your papers.
- Diameter: given in millimetres. Trade names are not consistent: an "extra slim" filter from one brand measures 6 mm, a "slim" one from another 7 mm. The number counts, not the name.
- Length: shows how much space the filter takes up in the roll; for activated carbon filters it can reach 27 mm.
- Number of pieces: used to work out the cost per piece and how long your supply lasts.
- Ceramic caps: on activated carbon filters they close both ends of the cylinder and keep the granules in place.
How to work out the cost per piece
To compare different packs, simply divide the price by the number of pieces. For our 6 mm activated carbon filters the calculation is:
- 60 pieces for CHF 15: 15 ÷ 60 = CHF 0.25 per filter.
- 300 pieces for CHF 60: 60 ÷ 300 = CHF 0.20 per filter.
With the pack of 300, each filter costs CHF 0.05 less, or 20%. For a reusable tip the sum is different: the purchase price is divided by the number of uses. Card tips, acetate filters and glass or ceramic tips are not part of our range: we only sell the 6 mm activated carbon filters. If you use a vaporizer you do not need filters; the available models are in the cannabis vaporizers collection.
Delivery and shop in Quartino
We ship free of charge throughout Switzerland with Swiss Post, with delivery in about 2 days. You can also visit the MeO-LaB shop in Quartino, in the Locarno region, by appointment from Monday to Friday. Sales to adults only (18+).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a card tip and a filter?
A card tip is just a mouthpiece that shapes the roll and keeps the end open. A filter, whether acetate or activated carbon, contains a material that the smoke passes through.
Does a glass or ceramic tip replace an activated carbon filter?
No, they are two different things. A glass or ceramic tip is reusable but has only an open channel, while an activated carbon filter contains carbon granules and is changed after each roll.
Which pack is better value?
Per piece, the pack of 300 filters (CHF 0.20 each) is cheaper than the pack of 60 (CHF 0.25 each). The pack of 60 suits you if you want to try the 6 mm format first.
Do you also sell card tips or glass tips?
No, the accessories collection currently offers only the 6 mm activated carbon filters, in packs of 60 and 300 pieces.
