dude it's up to your personal preference. some people find it easier with filters, some people don't. it's bigger in europe than it is in the US. I always use them with joints (not usually with blunts), for me personally it doesn't make sense to try to squeeze smoke out of a joint while burning your lips and getting pieces of bud between ur teeth and having residue all of your mouth and fingers. and having a roach / filter doesn't affect how high you get.