OCB Activ'Tips Slim Activated Charcoal Filters
Rolling papers
by OCB
OCB Activ'Tips Slim Activated Charcoal Filters
OCB Activ'Tips Slim are activated charcoal filters that slot straight into your pre-rolled cones and hand-rolled joints for a noticeably cleaner, smoother smoke. Each filter is packed with tiny charcoal pellets that absorb tar and particulates without strangling your airflow. At 27mm long with a 7mm diameter, they fit slim rolls snugly — and the ceramic caps on each end mean they screw in rather than crumple.
Unbleached or Normal?
Both variants use the same activated charcoal core and ceramic caps. The difference is the outer paper tube. Normal uses standard white filter paper. Unbleached skips the whitening process entirely — no chlorine, no bleaching agents touching your lips. If you care about keeping chemicals out of your smoke (and you probably should), go unbleached. Functionally they perform the same; it comes down to whether that extra processing step bothers you.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | OCB |
| Filter type | Activated charcoal with ceramic caps |
| Length | 27mm |
| Diameter | 7mm (slim) |
| Pack size | 10 filters |
| Variants | Unbleached (HS0849) / Normal (HS0848) |
| Reusable | Yes — robust construction holds up to multiple sessions |
| Made in | Germany |
Pair these with OCB Slim rolling papers or pre-rolled cones for the best fit at 7mm diameter. If you roll your own, a decent rolling tray keeps your charcoal filters, papers, and herb in one spot instead of scattered across the sofa.
Why Charcoal Filters Make a Real Difference
Most people start with a rolled-up bit of cardboard as a filter tip. It stops plant matter hitting your tongue — job done, right? Not quite. A cardboard roach does zero actual filtration. It's a physical barrier, nothing more. Smoke passes through it unchanged, carrying the same tar and fine particulates straight into your lungs.
Activated charcoal works differently. The tiny carbon pellets inside each Activ'Tip have a massive surface area relative to their size — that's what "activated" means, the carbon has been treated to open up millions of microscopic pores. As smoke passes through, those pores trap tar and other unwanted compounds. The result is a pull that tastes cleaner and feels less harsh on the throat. You'll notice it most on the exhale: less bite, more flavour from the herb itself.
The honest limitation? Charcoal filters do absorb a small amount of the good stuff along with the bad. We've had customers mention they feel a very slight reduction in potency compared to filterless smoking. In practice, the difference is marginal — and most people find the smoother draw and better taste more than compensate. If you're the type who coughs through half a joint, these will change your sessions.
How OCB Activ'Tips Compare to Standard Filter Tips
| Feature | OCB Activ'Tips Slim | Standard Cardboard Roach |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration | Activated charcoal — absorbs tar and particulates | Physical barrier only — blocks plant matter |
| Pull resistance | Low — small holes at each end maintain airflow | Depends on how tight you roll it |
| Flavour | Cleaner, more strain-specific taste | Unchanged smoke flavour plus paper taste |
| Reusability | Yes — sturdy construction, ceramic caps hold shape | No — soggy after one session |
| Fit | 7mm diameter, screws into cones and joints | Variable — depends on your rolling skills |
| Cost per filter | Higher upfront, offset by reuse | Essentially free (rip up any bit of card) |
How to Use OCB Activ'Tips Slim Charcoal Filters
- If you're using a pre-rolled cone, simply insert the Activ'Tip into the open end and twist gently. The ceramic cap grips the paper and creates a snug seal — no tape, no fiddling.
- If you're rolling by hand, place the Activ'Tip at one end of your paper before you roll, just as you would a cardboard roach. The 7mm diameter works with standard slim papers. Roll around it as normal.
- Light up and draw. You'll notice the pull is slightly firmer than an open roach but nowhere near restrictive — the small ventilation holes at each end of the filter keep airflow steady.
- After your session, tap the filter out and let it air-dry. Because the paper tube and ceramic caps are robust, you can reuse each Activ'Tip for several sessions before the charcoal is spent. Once the draw starts feeling noticeably tighter or the taste drops off, swap it out for a fresh one.
- Store unused filters in their resealable pocket-sized pack. They're 27mm long and weigh practically nothing — easy to keep with your papers and lighter.
