Rolling Joints with Glass, Ceramic and Wood Filter Tips

We at DaySavers know a few things about rolling joints. Some of us are better than others, but the truth is one of the best rollers in the company is actually our CEO, Harrison Bard.

I mean, the guy founded a rolling paper company for a reason, you know? (Also he signs my checks, so ... top marks, chief!)

But we find a lot of people asking “How do I roll a joint with a premium filter tip?”

So we thought we’d bother the boss for some advice on how to roll with DaySavers Premium Filter Tips, available in natural and flavored wood, glass filter tips and ceramic filer tips with Ceramicool™ technology.

Sure, you can buy pre-rolled tubes in packs of 5 with your choice of premium filter tip, designed to block particles and cool smoke for bigger hits, or in two different Fill-a Blunts hemp wrapped pre-rolled blunt tube sizes, but even folks insistent on rolling their own doobies can enjoy a deluxe smoking experience simply by purchasing bags of DaySavers Premium Filter Tips.

All you have to do is roll them into your joints like you would any paper crutch. But is it really that easy to roll up a jay with a premium filter tip? Hey Boss! How about some tips?

BOSS TIP 1: It All Starts with the Grind

When it comes to rolling a joint or packing a pre-roll, the absolute key to everything that follows is a good grind. Which is why you need a quality weed grinder.

And we at DaySavers know a thing or two about weed grinders as well, coincidentally. Given his choice of what we have in stock, Harrison grabbed a Stache 360 Grinder, which has patented technology to not only gently break apart the flower, but is also designed with side holes along the rim of the grinder to prevent build-up.

“It features holes around the outside (wall) so where you would normally get gunking up, the buds go right through,” Harrison explains. “And these have micro nubs, not teeth as you're used to seeing. They're just gentle nubs which are easier on the flower so it will retain more trichomes.”

But even before using the Stache weed grinder, which is designed in part to roll the flower instead of shredding it to prevent stems from getting into your ground flower, Harrison made sure to pick out the big stems.

“As I get the bud ready for the joint, I'll just peel apart the buds and look for those main stems in there,” he says. “You don't need to get all of them out, but the more you get out, the better. So I'll pull out those big chunks and then obviously that big one down in the center, you don't want that.”

Now with the flower ground it’s almost time to get rolling.

BOSS TIP 2: Start with More Filter Tip Exposed

For his first joint, Harrison went with DaySavers King Size Refined White Rolling Paper and a DaySavers Premium Glass Filter Tip. We should note that these tips work great for both premium glass filter tips and ceramic filter tips with Ceramicool™ technology, but don’t fret; if you prefer the natural feel of wood – flavored or not – hang around until the end because we’ve got you covered as well.

As he dumped the flower into the rolling paper, Harrison pushed the filter tip toward the edge of one side, with less of it on the rolling paper than you might suspect.

“I like there to be as much of it to be sticking out as possible, so you can feel it on your mouth and it stays dry. And as part of my process, I end up shoving the tip in further so once it's rolled you get a good pack at the bottom,” he says. “So I start it out with more sticking out than I would really plan to keep it.”

After dumping the ground flower onto the paper, Harrison spreads it out as evenly as possible. Once it's loaded up, he picks the whole paper up by the corners at the filter end and gently uses his other hand to begin to press the bud into a “log” and begins a traditional tuck and roll, noting that, with the filter still sticking out about halfway, it can be pushed in later to tighten the density at the bottom of the jay.

But when rolling with a premium filter tip, like glass, is a little different than a paper crutch, and while there’s no real trick to it, there are a few more things to keep an eye on for a successful roll.

“This filter tip is heavy and is going to slide out, so you kind of need to maintain your finger position on here the whole time, where that might not be as important with a paper crutch,” he says. "I've never let go here. My finger is constantly half on the paper with enough pressure that it's holding the tip on. And then I just continue to roll it in my fingers without actually licking the paper.”

BOSS TIP 3: Wet the Filter Tip and about 75% of the Paper

While the rolling is similar to a standard paper-crutch joint, adding in a premium filter tip requires a defter touch.

“The tip is slippery,” Harrison notes. “So I find that if you get it a little wet near the tip, the water will stick to the paper and then hold the tip in a little bit better. But if you get it too wet, the paper is going to rip.”

He also recommends wetting the non-glue line side of the rolling paper that touches the filter as well, in order to help it stick. Then, he only wets about 75% of the glue line, starting at the filter end, in order to be able to make adjustments and work with the end before sealing it.

From there it’s a traditional tuck and roll, tightening and pressing the paper onto the other side beginning from the filter. He seals the first 25% and then rolls over the middle portion to stick it to itself.

“If it’s not totally sticking down, I’ll lick the back of my pinky and push it down and that will help the gum line to stick,” he says.

With that section sealed down, Harrison compresses the final 25%, wets the final section of glue and rolls it over, compressing in any flower that spills out of the top so there is a little extra paper.

BOSS TIP 4: Leave a Little Room at the Top

And that’s on purpose.

“I'm never trying to roll all the way to the edge,” he says. “I'm going to end up shoving this down and then folding it.”

Leaving this room at the top allows you to finish your joint with a Dutch crown style folded top, which not only looks cooler than a twist but actually helps create a better light and less possibility of canoeing, or having your joint run down one side. That is usually caused by uneven burning that can be exacerbated with twisted paper, as opposed to the smoother, more even start provided by a folded finish.

Which, I promise, we’ll get to.

BOSS TIP 5: Push in the Filter and Reseal Tighter by Wetting the Paper

With the paper sealed, your glass filter tip still may not be tight enough in your roll. Fear not, even the Man himself has problems here.

“At least with me, I never get this end perfectly tight until I push the filter tip in just a little bit,” he says, noting that at this point, the filter is probably pretty loose and can fall right out of the joint.

So he pushes the filter tip in until it’s solid against the flower, but not too tight so it clogs. When nice and dense, simply wet the rolling paper itself around the filter and then “pinch it and twist it so it adheres to the glass filter.” The paper should crease slightly as you turn it in your fingers, tightening the seal.

But then, dig this:

BOSS TIP 6: Inhale Through the Filter to Tighten the Paper

At this point, Harrison inhales through the filter end, creating a vacuum that tightens the paper around the filter tip.

“If you inhale through it, it'll suck the paper down onto the tip and now the tip is securely in there,” he says, noting that the paper may be frail while wet, but will stiffen as it dries.

Try this with a standard paper crutch or crutch-less joint and you might get some particles to come through, but the premium glass tip helps block those Scooby Snacks from getting through. And it really helps create the right seal around the filter tip.

BOSS TIP 7: Use a Cigar Band

To further secure your glass filter to your joint, the best thing to do is add one of the cigar band stickers that is included with every pack of DaySavers premium filter tips.

“So these cigar bands make it a breeze. These are sticker bands and they're perfectly sized for these 9mm tips,” Harrison says, noting that the 11mm filter tips come with a larger band to fully fit those filter tips.

Simply peel the sticker band from the backing and place it where your paper meets your filter tip, being careful to get both the paper and tip under the sticker to hold it together. When you look at the cigar band, note that one of the lengths is slightly longer. Stick the longer end to your filter tip first, then wrap and use the shorter end to seal.

But let’s say you don’t have a cigar band sticker. Perhaps you have cleaned and are re-using your glass filter tip and have already used the cigar bands that came with it, for example.

In that case, simply pull another rolling paper from your pack and tear off the gum line. Now wet that gum line and wrap it around the base of your rolling paper, adding another layer of stickiness to hold your premium filter tip in place.

BOSS TIP 8: Fold, Don’t Twist

OK, here’s where leaving that empty bit at the end of your joint comes in handy. Sure, you could just twist it and call it good, but would it really be?

Twisting your joints creates the conditions for canoeing. By twisting the paper, you create a pathway for the flame to run down one side of your joint, potentially hampering your session. Instead, try a Dutch Crown-style fold over. It’s easier than you think and worth the extra two seconds.

First, use a tamping stick to pack down the weed at the top of your joint, so that it is level and of even density with the rest of your jay. Then, take the end of your tamping stick and fold over some of the paper at the top, giving it a little twist as you do. Now, turn the joint in your hand and repeat the process. It should take a handful of turns and presses to fully fold over the paper at the top.

Voila. A Dutch Crown style finish.

“Usually 3 to 4 folds will do it,” Harrison says. “And then you have this little Ridge here which will help light evenly.”

BOSS TIP 9: Tips for Rolling Wood Filter Tips

While the tips above are super useful when rolling up premium glass or ceramic filter tips, rolling with a wood filter tip is a slightly different game, slightly.

Again, leave more of the wood filter tip hanging off the paper than you might think before adding your ground weed to the paper. Spread it as evenly as possible and once again lift from the corners at the filter end and form it into a log.

“The tighter you roll the paper around the tip, the better it’s going to stick with no assistance, but that could be difficult,” Harrison says. “I really try to get the filter tip tight around the paper.”

Again, he moistens the first 50% of the gum line and then wraps the end around the filter tip as tightly as he can. With that section secure, it’s easier to form and seal the second half of the joint.

Before going for a cigar band, however, Harrison twists the wood filter tip so the flat mouthpiece runs perpendicular to the gum line. Then, he uses the cigar band sticker to seal in in place with the round part of the band placed exactly opposite the gum line, to make sure the joint looks good while being smoked, of course.

“You want to put this longer side down first,” he reminds us. “You want that to be tight on the joint too. And then you roll the shorter side over it.”

Again, he finishes with a Dutch Crown style finish, to help prevent canoeing.

“And there you have a beautifully rolled pre-roll, with a wood tip that's super secure,” he says “You can't even yank that thing out if you wanted!”

Final Thoughts on How to Roll with a Premium Filter Tip

Rolling up your own pre-rolls gives you total control. You pick the flower, you pick the paper and you pick the filter to create your perfect pre-roll.

And while at first, it may seem daunting to roll with a premium filter tip like glass, ceramic or wood, there is no doubt that the effort is worth it for cooler, smoother, BIGGER hits.

So simply follow these handy Boss Tips from our CEO and you’ll be rolling like a Pre-Roll Expert in no time.

Your pre-roll, your way. Enjoy Your Day!