When it comes to enjoying premium flower, the smoking paper you choose matters. Experienced smokers know that the best cones should burn slow, clean, and allow the natural flavor of your material to shine through.
Two brands dominate this connoisseur space: RAW Black and Elements pre-rolled cones. Both are made by related companies (under HBI/BBK Tobacco) in Alcoy, Spain, a historic center for rolling paper manufacturing, and are revered for their ultra-thin construction.
While they share a philosophy of quality and minimal processing, their core material composition creates two distinctly different, yet equally exceptional, smoking experiences. Let's break down the differences between RAW Black and Elements cones to help you choose your champion.
1. Material and Composition: Hemp vs. Rice
RAW Black Cones (The Earthy Choice): These cones are crafted from a blend of unbleached plant fibers, primarily hemp and flax, that are double-pressed to achieve extraordinary thinness. The result is a light brown, translucent paper. The gumline is a natural, vegan Acacia tree sap. RAW Black is touted as being less processed, containing no chalk, dyes, or burn accelerants.
Elements Cones (The Pure Choice): Elements cones are made from pure rice paper and contain no hemp, no wood pulp, and no chemical additives. They are nearly white or off-white and equally translucent. The gum is a thin strip of natural sugar gum, which caramelizes as the joint burns. Like RAW Black, Elements avoids chlorine bleaching and dyes, making the cones 100% natural.
2. Burn Characteristics and Ash Production
Both cones are engineered for a slow, even burn, but one is the clear winner for minimal residue.
Slow Burn, No Accelerants: Both brands utilize ultra-thin paper and proprietary watermarks to ensure a consistent, slow burn. Both will extinguish if left unattended, a characteristic connoisseurs value as it signals the absence of chemical burn accelerants. RAW Black cones are designed to be RAW’s slowest burning cones ever due to low paper porosity. Elements cones are likewise slow-burning, with rice fiber smoldering at a controlled pace.
Evenness: Both feature a criss-cross watermark to promote even combustion and help prevent "runs" (uneven burning).
Ash Production Winner: Elements. This is where the rice paper truly shines. Elements cones produce virtually zero ash, leaving behind only a thin line from the caramelized sugar gum. RAW Black cones, being hemp-based, do leave a bit of minimal, light grey ash flakes, but far less than standard papers. For a truly "ash-free" experience, Elements has a slight edge.
3. Flavor and Smoking Experience
Neither cone contains flavorings, but the material choice offers a subtle difference in taste.
Flavor Neutrality Winner: Elements. Elements cones are widely praised for having virtually no discernible taste. Smoking an Elements cone allows you to taste your herb more than with any other paper, making it a favorite for flavor purists.
RAW Black's Subtle Character: RAW Black is also designed for a clean taste, but some smokers detect a hint of natural flavor from the hemp. This is often described as a mild “earthy" undertone that complements the herb. If you want absolutely zero added taste, Elements is the edge; if you prefer a "neutral-plus" profile with a touch of natural richness, RAW Black is the choice.
Smoothness: Both cones provide an ultra-smooth smoking experience due to their thinness and lack of bleach or chemical glue. Elements, with its clean burn and minimal particulate, is often known for a very gentle inhale.
4. Handling and Community Preference
In pre-rolled cone form, both are easy to fill, but they appeal to slightly different crowds.
Strength & Packing: RAW Black cones are extra-fine and delicate, requiring careful handling to prevent tearing, and are sometimes marketed toward skilled smokers. Elements rice paper cones are surprisingly sturdy for their thinness and are sometimes found to be slightly easier to pack than RAW Blacks.
RAW Black Community Sentiment: RAW Black is the connoisseur's choice for those who value natural hemp. Fans are loyal to the unrefined, organic ethos and often choose RAW Black to "taste the terps" of their cannabis. Its widespread availability also makes it a default choice for many.
Elements Community Sentiment: Elements is beloved by flavor-purists and those who prioritize the cleanest burn. The common refrain is, "If you wanna taste your pure herb, go with Elements". Its smooth, ash-free experience has earned it a devoted, if slightly more "under-the-radar," fan base.
Conclusion: Which Cone is Right for You?
You truly can't go wrong with either RAW Black or Elements Cones, as both represent the pinnacle of rolling paper innovation. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Choose RAW Black if: You value the heritage of unbleached, natural hemp; you appreciate a subtle, earthy richness that complements your flower; and you prefer the slightly richer smoking experience associated with organic fibers.
Choose Elements if: You demand absolute flavor neutrality and want virtually zero ash; you prioritize a clean, smooth, and near-invisible burn that lets the cannabis completely speak for itself.
Green Blazer is an authorized RAW distributor. Expect RAWthentic cones, quick shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. New to cone sizes? Check our RAW cone size chart. Ready to roll? Explore our RAW cones collection for every size and paper type.
