roach, crutch, tip, filter. they all mean the thing in the mouth end. it keeps the end open so it draws, stops bits reaching your mouth, and gives you something to hold. there are a few types, and they're not quite the same.
- roach card and tips are plain card you roll yourself. no filtering, just structure.
- perforated tips have the fold lines scored in, so they roll neater.
- glass tips are reusable. carbon filters are single use and actually filter.
the types
| type | what it is | try |
|---|---|---|
| roach card | plain card you tear to size and roll. | RAW Classic tips |
| perforated | pre-scored fold lines for a neat zigzag. | RAW perforated gummed |
| wide | a bigger card for a thicker roll. | RAW perforated wide |
| pre-rolled | already rolled. just slot it in. | RAW pre-rolled tips |
| glass | a glass mouthpiece you wash and reuse. | RAW 35mm glass tip |
| carbon filter | activated carbon inside. filters, single use. | Purize filters |
rolling a tip
- tear off one tip. on a perforated booklet it comes away along the line.
- fold the end into a zigzag, three or four small folds, like a W or an M.
- roll the rest of the card around it until it's about as wide as your paper, then roll it in.
glass tips need a clean. rinse in hot water, or soak in isopropyl alcohol, and let them dry before reusing.
the short of it
card for everyday, perforated if you want it neat, pre-rolled if you'd rather not roll at all, glass if you'd rather not keep buying them.
questions
what is the difference between a roach and a filter?
a roach or tip is plain card that keeps the end open and gives you something to hold. a filter, like an activated carbon filter, actually filters what passes through it.
what are perforated tips?
roach card with the fold lines already scored in, so you can fold a neat zigzag and roll it quickly.
are glass tips reusable?
yes. rinse them in hot water or soak them in isopropyl alcohol, dry them, and use them again.
what size tips should I use?
standard tips suit slim papers. wide tips suit king size wide papers and thicker rolls.
how do you roll a roach?
fold one end into a small zigzag, then roll the rest of the card around it into a tube about as wide as your paper.
