Preroll Straight Tubes vs Cones

In this article we explore the key differences between prerolled straight tubes and prerolled cones, diving deeper into what makes them better (or worse) for both the manufacturer and the customer.

Smoking Experience and Draw

Cones: With their wider tip and tapered shape, provide a smoother smoking experience. The larger surface area at the tip promotes even burning, releasing terpenes for better flavor, while the tapering reduces draw resistance, making inhalation easier.

Straight tubes: With uniform diameter, can burn unevenly, leading to a harsher draw, especially if packed inconsistently.

Preroll Defects and Integrity

Cones: Less likely to have defects due to their forgiving shape, which naturally settles the cannabis, reducing air pockets. This makes cones more durable and reliable.

Straight tubes: Requires uniform density, are more susceptible to packing errors, leading to structural weaknesses like collapsing or splitting under pressure.

Common Packing Issues and Comparison

Improperly packed pre-rolls often suffer from dropped cherries (the burning tip falls off due to loose packing), canoeing (uneven burning from moisture or density issues), and other flaws like clogging or harsh draws from uneven grinding or tight packing.

Straight tubes: These packing issues are more common with straight tubes, as their uniform shape amplifies packing inconsistencies, making uneven burns and dropped cherries more likely.

Cones: With their tapered design, cones can better distribute heat and maintain stability, reducing these problems.

Conclusion: Cones over Straight Tubes

In summary, cones offer a scientifically superior smoking experience, draw, and integrity compared to straight tubes, with fewer defects due to their tapered, forgiving design.

The cone shape of pre-rolls—wider at the tip and narrower at the filter—helps them burn more slowly and evenly. The wider end allows more airflow and better heat distribution, which can improve flavor and make for a smoother smoking experience.

So whether you're a cannabis user, or a manufacturer, the scientific benefits of the cone are clear. However, it is important to note that there are packaging benefits to straight tube prerolls due to their uniform slim design. Manufacturers may choose to produce straight tube product to be able to offer slimmer packaging and a familiar "cigarette-like" feel for the consumer. However, this becomes a whole other discussion on the differences in smoking stigmas between cigarettes and prerolls, and general preferences of the users.