"A key development in RYO smoking - the filtered cigarette tube
brings civilization to the less than hardcore smoker."

The Escort light filtered tube is one of our very favorites. Manufactured by CTC - Clinton Tube Company of Plattsburg, New York (same company that makes the Supermatic Injection Machines), this brown-tipped (yes, brown) tube is very well made, very consistent in draw, and provides a mild, flavorful smoke. You would be amazed (or maybe not) how many people prefer brown tips as opposed to white tips and many will choose a regular filtered tube over a light simply because of the tip color. It is important to note that while the characteristics (temperature, harshness, etc.) of the smoke is similar in a light or regular filtered tube, the light does effectively reduce the amount of physical reaction to the smoke. One feels the strength of a tobacco usually by a slight rush or dizziness, especially with the first smoke of the day and the light filter does reduce this reaction. But the nicest thing about the Escort, is that the taste of the tobacco is not noticeably affected and the one can more enjoy that particular smoke without the impact of "strong" tobacco reaction. They are very well made and consistent in manufacture. 200 tubes per box, street price anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00 per box.

Which brings up a point to consider before we investigate this issue's pick in filtered tubes. Have you ever noticed that supposed ultra light filtered cigarettes can seem harsh. My mom smokes occasionally and not too long ago I tried one of her Camel Ultra lights. After smoking RYO's exclusively for nearly a year, I was amazed at how harsh and dry the supposed ultra light smoke was. In fact, I had not remembered Camel light or even Camel regular filters to be that harsh, So, I purchased an pack of each and smoked a couple. I was amazed to discover that the ultra light seemed stronger and more harsh than the light which seemed in turn harsher than the regular. Over the years I had noticed that some really low tar cigarettes tasted harsh or "hot". I probably at the time assumed that this was due to either stale cigarettes or the kind of tobacco or additives used. My observations have now led me to believe that while the low tar offerings are no doubt less in tar and nicotine, the filtering process or the tobacco itself in them causes a much less satisfying and considerably harsher smoke. It would seem that the filter process is a very important aspect of smoking pleasure. Ultra light filters let in a lot more air to mix with the tobacco smoke and consequently, like a bellows blowing on a fire to get it hotter, or adding air to any combustion to cause an enhanced burning state, these ultra filters likely heat the smoke to a higher temperature, thus causing the added discomfort when smoking them. There is also a good bet that the CO2 content of the smoke is raised as the smoke temperature goes up.

Obviously there is more to filter technology than is advertised or immediately apparent. When we evaluate a filter, we look for taste first and then for smoking comfort or mildness. While we have noticed little difference in wide comparisons between light and regular filter tubes as far a smoke temperature is concerned, we have found that some ultra light filtered tubes begin to produce that heat related harshness.