TarGard Permanent Filter System

TarGard Filter System, Is It Permanent, Does It Work....... - H. Branson on Jul 20, 2009 I Like

When I first started looking at this product I did a little poking around, looking for more information. I couldn't tell if the Targard Permanent Filter System was all you needed to buy. I saw links to some other products, like replacement O-rings ect. So I was a little hesitant to buy it, but I figured at the price they are asking, plus shipping...you really couldn't go too wrong. Plus the cost of the replacement part was very reasonable.
So, let me start off by saying....this System is complete. You do not need to buy any other item to start using it right out of the package. That said, I believe even though it says "Permanent" filter system you may eventually obviously need to buy more O-rings. Why do I say "obviously"? Well they wouldn't sell replacement O-rings if there wasn't a need to replace them! lol.
What are O-rings? They are the products name for the little rubber circle that goes on the metal part, its very small, barely noticeable but it provides the important seal between the metal and the holder (thats my best guess anyway). This system comes with two holders and 1 metal insert with an o-ring included. The metal insert is what actually does the filtering. It might be nice to have a holder by its self, but why not have the advantages of filtering at the same time? The metal insert grips the cigarette very nicely and I didn't once worry that it would fall out when I went to flick the ashes off.

Now, for its actually usage.... I did two trials. One right out of the box. I took it and inserted my 100 length cigarette in the Targard system. I noticed right away that I needed to pull extra hard to get a inhale from the cigarette. I didn't like it. Who wants to look like they are stuggling to be able to inhale?? So the next trial I cut a filter down to the length of a King size cigarette. This worked beautifully! I was able to inhale and smoke, the taste was the same, it didn't feel hotter like it sometimes does with the shorter filters and it didn't burn my fingers since the holder added the length I am normally use to.

My Actual Personal Results-
The first trial I did with the 100's length filter attached- When I finished smoking my cigarette I waited for everything to cool down. Then I took the metal insert out of the holder to look at it. It had a noticeable amount of brownish material around the small hole at the top and the "barrier slot" at the bottom. My best guess, without laboratory equipment to scientifically prove it, is that this brownish material is tar and or nicotine combined. This would normally have gone instantly into my lungs!

I cleaned the filter system thoroughly and was disgusted (but overjoyed) at how much it had actually gotten from only one cigarette!

The trial with the shorter king length filter- I again started with a very clean metal insert and holder. I placed the cigarette in the insert with holder attached. I smoked the cigarette and then once again waited for it to cool down. (just to be on the safe side, you know?) I had very similar results. I could not tell, without tiny calibrated machines, if there was less or more brown material. It appeared to my naked eye as if the Targard Permanent Filter System had caught the same amount of tar no matter the length of the cigarette filter.

I would, only from my own nonprofessional experience, recommend that you use this with a King size filter. It seems to be a smoother experience and without any of the normal drawback of using a King size filter. It didn't taste or feel any different then if I was smoking my normal 100's length.

I will absolutely continue using this product and if I need to occasionally replace the O-ring, then I count that as a very tiny price to pay for the added benefits I am gaining. I give this product 5 stars! A++ for ease of use and completeness.

On a tiny sidenote: The instructions for how to clean the metal insert and holder are on the back of the package. Normally when opening the package these would be ripped or damaged. With a little careful prying you are able to leave these instructions undamaged. However, in all honesty, read the package once and you should be able to take it apart,put it together again and clean it with no difficulty.

A Smoker's Gizmo - Jared N. Criswell on Sep 16, 2007 I Like

This little gadget is an interesting addition to any Smoker's repetoire. While the health effects are questionable, it provides a smoker with several other perks. It somewhat prevents your fingers from smelling like smoke, a condition which few people like. Also, it does in fact collect a certain amount of tar, which would otherwise be in your lungs or on your teeth. I strongly recommend using the clear tip over the black one, as it allows you to see just when you need to clean the device. Speaking of, cleanup is really easy, I just drop it in a little bit of alcohol.

TarGard Filter - John Doe on Apr 3, 2009 I Like

Great little item ... it definitely fits its billing. I quit pack-a-day smoking ~10 years ago, but I still buy a pack if I'm on vacation, or occasionally for the golf course, etc. This thing is impressive because, with the clear handle, you can actually see the tar collecting in there. If you're trying to quit smoking or thinking about it, this would be a great motivator because you can see what's actually going into your lungs without one of these filters. Also, whether you're trying to quit or not, you should know that this filter does give you less of a quality "drag" off your cigarette --- you're not going to take as much smoke in with each inhale as you would without it. I think heavy smokers who plan to stay that way probably won't get much use out of this thing because it definitely limits the draw. It's not difficult to clean, but you have to keep it clean because otherwise it starts to get that ashtray factor. A Q-tip or the corner of a paper napkin easily does the trick for cleaning. OK,

Use This If You Smoke - Ahaa on Jun 23, 2009 I Like

I am using this filter and the almost similar looking disposable filters they sell at Walgreen's or CVS and after only 4 weeks I can tell a huge difference in my breathing. No more smokers cough and short of breath. I am not saying it's healthy by all means but if you someone like me who cannot stop at least try to do something to reduce the tar.

It Does Seem To Work - Fred K. Johnson on Mar 1, 2009 I Like

A friend of mine at work showed me these mechanical filters. I ordered this Targard reusable filter along with a bag of 100 mini disposables. Interestingly I haven't been able to find much research on their effectiveness. After just a few days I notice a significant reduction in my smoker's cough. You can see the tar build up. This permanent filter seems to pull out more than the disposables. It's amazing what the regular filter on a cigarette doesn't get out. While there is no question that not smoking is the best alternative these certainly are a right step. I also notice a reduction in the amount of nicotine. The flavor is actually better as without the tar there is less harshness. While I may continue to try and quit I won't smoke without a mechanical filter anymore. Whether as a step in quitting or just making the smoke less toxic these do work. I can recommend them.

Convenient - Badrul Hisham "megan on Jul 13, 2008 I Like

I own several cigarette filters. Disposable and reusable. Using disposable filter system i always get into difficult position having the filters ran out and replacement hard to find (i travel alot). The reusable filter ensure this will not happen. And by far the TarGard reusable filter system is the best of the reusables that i have. Uses only 1 o-ring, has the highest tar removal rate compared to my other reusable filter systems, almost as much as the disposable one, and most off all compact.
Like the other reviewer, i prefer the clear holder as the black one had caused me to have embarassing facial contortion when the tar overflowed unnoticed when smoking. Highly recommend this item. I recommend stopping smoking altogether highest though. I am working on it and hope the filter hepls.

Targard Permanent Filter - kittyneedsanap on Dec 8, 2010 I Like

Wow. This thing works! The sticky, nasty tar (and other stuff) it pulls out are a real shocker! It is not easily cleaned with hot water. I have found alcohol is a MUST, and it doesn't eliminate the odor (or discoloration on clear tip) from the plastic piece completely. Keep in mind, this thing does it's job well and therefore STINKS! I just keep mine in a little zip-lock bag to contain the smell. This filter works like a charm, and I will definitely keep using mine!

Better Than Expected... - Chris M Cover on Jul 21, 2010 I Like

Excellent item. I bought this for two reasons: 1) knowing HST used them, which, as genius as the man was, made me think, "Hey, maybe there's something to these things." And 2) what the hell, why not?

I first tried the Targard with a Pall Mall light, and I could hardly tell I was smoking and didn't care for it (I like that "hit" sensation). I then cut the filter in half and finished the rest of the cigarette with satisfaction. I immediately noticed the "tar" buildup in the filter, and the taste dissolved in my mouth exceptionally faster than that of a non-Targard (regular) cigarette. I didn't want to continue cutting filters off light cigarettes, so I moved up to filters (Marlboro, L&M). The taste was just as good, I still received that first cigarette nicotine buzz, and the draw was nearly identical. (People ask why I don't just smoke lights instead of smoking filters with the Targard. Read on...)

The ultimate test came after a night at the bar. Within a few hours at the bar I'll smoke 5-7 cigarettes, and what bothered me the most about regular cigarettes (lights or filters) was the morning after breath, yellow tongue, and tickle in the back of my throat. That alone forced me to quit smoking a couple times. With the Targard there is none of that--even with filters. (It feels as though I didn't even smoke the night before.)

Cleaning is simple. Just some rubbing alcohol, a few q-tips, a paper towel, and running water. Takes five minutes, if not less.

I've noticed improvements with my breathing and stamina when I ride my bike. And like I said before, I can't taste the cigarette five minutes after smoking one. I know it's not necessarily a "safe" alternative to smoking regular cigarettes, but after cleaning the black gunk left behind from 10-12 smokes, you have to wonder you're doing something "healthier."

Give it a shot.

GRODIE!!!!! - Subrosali on Dec 31, 2010 I Like

I bought this to use until I can afford the e-cig. It's awesome, yet gross at the same time. The pictures of the "smoker's lungs" in Health class never worked, watching my grandfather die slowly and painfully from emphysema didn't work....but it's just plain disgusting to actually see what is going into my lungs with one single cigarette. GRODIE. Good product, easy to clean.

Targard Really Works - John P on Oct 9, 2010 I Like

I just purchased 9 Targard and a couple of bags of O-rings for close family members. They range in age from 17-50.

I started smoking (in 1951-2) when I was 9 or 10 years old (inhaling at 11-12 ) with Old Golds and in high school switched to Pall Malls then after college and educated switched again to filtered brand (but still very strong). I was at 2-3 pack in my later 20s when my father had his first heart attach (which was attributed to smoking and diet).

I started using the Targard and was so surprised to see, smell and taste all the crap that "was" going into my lungs. My dad died of a massive heart attack about 5-6 months later. I truly believe that because I had involved sight-smell and taste that when I stopped smoking it was very easy. I was about to open my third pack for the day (1973) and at that moment I said enough. I carried that unopened pack with me for two days and at work someone came and ask for a cigarette and I GAVE THEM THE PACK AND THAT WAS ALMOST FOURTY (40) YEARS AGO. I NEVER HAD ANOTHER CIGARETTE.

Simple, Effective -- Eye Opening - Alaric on Jun 4, 2009 I Like

1. It collects tar: you can see it. Lot's of it (:d)

2. The draw. --Mechanically, it measures the volume of smoke drawn so that the thickest, darkest tobaccos will billow like the meekest generic light cigarette. If anything, this will be extremely helpful for chain smokers trying to quit.

3. Combination with other preventative measures. --If you're in the habit of wetting your filters, you'll already have recognized that the moisture draws much more tar than a dry one. Additionally, if you wet the tobacco itself (e.g. with coffee) maybe you've noticed a slightly more billowy volume of smoke, and less harshness with the cooling effect it has**. If these are combined with the filter, horrifying quantities of tar appear in the filter even after 3-5 cigarettes --just be sure that you don't over do it, or the filter will gargle with tar-liquid straight into your mouth (learn from my mistake! haha-)

Summary:

A great, cost effective tool. Invest in the permanent one, the disposables advantage only lies in sparing the user the inconvenience of cleaning -which really isn't altogether difficult or time consuming. The quantity of nicotine ingested is also reduced - if you absolutely need the 'buzz', smoke the first fourth and then apply the filter.

Great purchase, get one.

(**Note on Clove and Kreteks: These produce twice as much or more tar than standard tobaccos, though you won't notice because of the neurasthenic quality of the chemical the cloves give off when burned. This filter system can help ameliorate this idiosyncrasy and spare your health undue burden at the same time.)

Good Product - James Beverly on Jan 14, 2012 I Like

This is a good filter that works as advertised. Vendor provided prompt shipping. I would recommend both filter system and vendor.

Looks Good. - Xiaofang Zang on Jan 12, 2012 I Like

No use it yes, becasue buy it for father. But looks very good, just like the picture, very good. I will choose it if next time also need it.

Tar Guard Filter - R. Grote "amazon sho on Jan 6, 2012 I Like

I really like this filter. It's the best deal for a cigarette filter that lasts for a few years, with the replaceable o-rings. One bag of o-rings and the filter kit lasted me about 3 years, not bad for about 7 bucks. You can buy the disposable filters but I doubt you can spend around 7 bucks for 3 years.

Don't Leave Home Without It - Kenneth R. Mortimer on Jan 3, 2012 I Like

While I only smoke occasionally, I fell in love with the TarGuard filter system from the first time I used it. For one, it looks damn cool, but more importantly, it WORKS! I clean out the filter with some paper towels after every few cigarettes. As I found out the hard way, if you don't clean it out regularly, the tar will build up, and if you're as unfortunate as I am, it'll end up leaking out of the mouthpiece, and that stuff has a very unpleasant taste.

Others have mentioned that you need to drag a bit harder when smoking with this, but I haven't noticed that myself. Maybe it's something that depends on the cigarettes you smoke.

The only fault I can think of is that, since the mouthpiece is plastic, if you have a habit of biting down hard or chewing like I do, you'll probably end up needing to buy a replacement mouthpiece one day. But they're cheap, so I'm not that concerned.

As a side-note, I'm curious to see if there's been any research done to see exactly how many harmful compounds are captured by this system. I know there's no "safe" way to smoke, but I would be interested to see if this makes it any "safer."

Pinhead - Pinhead on Dec 6, 2011 I Like

I was very disappointed. The holder is too narrow for slim cigarettes and they don't mention that anywhere in the ad. I have to hold the cigarette in place with my other hand. However, it does take out a lot of the tar, so I guess if they fix the problem it might be a great product.

Helped My Friend Quit - manindercimar on Nov 28, 2011 I Like

Made him realize how much tar he was going in his lungs
was a gift for him . he loved it..
god bless the creators

These Really Work!! - Reincarnated on Oct 6, 2011 I Like

I had to try em not a bad price for a permanent item now I use them all the time,really filters out allot of tobacco and needs to be cleaned after a pack of smokes which takes a little time for me here cause I use just a bar soap,I can't afford to buy alcohol to clean which would make it much easier,I had to get the brush also to get in the little vents but is worth it..

Tag Gard - M. Rachid Ghozali on Aug 22, 2011 I Like

excellent product and service. the product exceeded my expectations in terms of removal of nicotine and tar
i would recommend it to smokers

Wish I Found These Years Ago!!!!! - d.m.s. on Jul 24, 2011 I Like

I love smoking and I don't see myself ever quiting. In the past year I've developed a nasty smokers cough and found it hard to do much exercise. I started using a electric cigarette and seemed to make my cough worse, thinking maybe it was the kind I was using I starting looking at reveiws on amazon and I stumbled upon targard. I've only been using it a week and my cough is almost gone and that heavy feeling gone. I'm so impressed I bought them for every smoker I know! I've used both the permanent and disposable ones...both are great, but once you clean the permanant you'll never want to smoke a cigarette without it...maybe someday I'll quit but until than I'll be using targard.

Great - regal "Randy Gill" on Jul 4, 2011 I Like

Great item, did what it was said to do. Trapped a lot of tar and nicotine. Mine broke but it did work.

The Best Cigarette Filter Available - Time Keeper on Jun 22, 2011 I Like

I have been a smoker for 50 years now, and they are just too much a part of my life to 'give them up.' Besides, with the craziness of the world today, anything without a prescription that relieves anxiety, is more than welcome by me.

I have used every cigarette filter there is out there today; or for that matter, that has ever been made, bar none. And by far, these are the best I have ever found. They greatly reduce the tar, without significantly reducing that glorious chemical complex, nicotine. The Tar Guard - both the permanent and disposable - also do not substantially reduce- or change - the taste. And they leave the maximum amount of desirable product, the nicotine, in tact. Without this wonderful chemical, all smokers would be doomed to a life like those of the non-smokers: no thank you.

If you really enjoy - or need - you hourly nicotine fix without the over concern about the tar and its associated by-products, then get Tar Guard filters. I just ordered another bag of 100 disposables, and will continue ordering them from a company who knows what they are doing: the Venturi company. And remember: keep your head in the (smoke) clouds!

Neat Filter - CaffeinatedCajun on Jun 13, 2011 I Like

The filter is pretty nice, keeps it away from my face so I can leave it in my mouth as I smoke it. Its good for when I'm playing guitar or want to be hands off with my smoking experience. The draw on it is a little bit harder, and it starts to give a slightly metallic taste. I dont mind either of these things, unless I'm snacking or drinking something tasty. It'll ruin those flavors. Otherwise really nice! easy to clean too!

Awesome - Judy on May 17, 2011 I Like

I love this filter. I love that it is reusable and is manufactured in the United States. I would definitely recommend to others!

I'll Never Smoke Without One. - Jpeppard on Mar 26, 2011 I Like

I had known about the targard brand but never used one until today, the amount of tar that came from one cigarette was astounding. Some have complained about a limited draw but any sacrifice is worth removing the tar. You will be disgusted with what you used to be putting into your body with every cigarette. It is still far more unhealthy than just quitting, though better than nothing.

I purchased the O-rings and cleaning brushes as well, both very helpful to maximize the products use.

Cant Believe How Much Tar Was In The Filter - Mario on Mar 9, 2011 I Like

I'm going to make this short and sweet. Targard is a amazin product. Its blocks the tar and it makes a great holder. Another great thing about this, is that it prevents smoke from going into your eyes! unless you look down, the smoke won't go in. Anyway, buy this if you smoke!

Cigarette Holder - Darrell N. Dawson on Nov 12, 2010 I Like

The tar guard did not work well, but they replaced it with a better item free. Thanks Darrell

Permanent Cigarette Filter - TLH on Oct 11, 2010 I Like

It accumulates excess tar inside filter; but says you only clean it after 7-10 cigarettes. I had to clean it every time I smoked. Otherwise it made a new cigarette have a really bad taste. Besides the tar in the filter looks disgusting. Really makes you see what is going in your lungs. It doesn't fit on all cigarettes either. If you smoke the 120s and some 100s the filter is too big.

Wonderful - Raelene Rios on Jan 18, 2011 I Like

my breath doesn't smell anymore! :) I usually smoke about a half pack a day. However, this is very easy to clean, and does what it says--filters out any bad tar from being inhaled. Smoking is bad (yes we know), but this is the safest thing to smoking a real cigarette (safter then without). I starting also using e-cigs from Volcano, and those are also helping me..so if I really want a real cigarette (before switching to ecigs permanently), then I use this. :) Very nice.

Surprised - Christian Alvarez on May 10, 2010 I Like

I wanted to buy this for the novelty of the Hunter S Thompson, but it actually works very well, it was shipped very fast, if anyone likes Hunter S Thompson or smokes, it is a nice novelty

Just The Tar? - LilyFleur on Feb 17, 2011 I Like

Tar is just one of the few damaging carcinogens in a cigarette. I've used a filtration system before and all it did for me was make me extra dizzy because I had to inhale on it so hard.

I've tried everything under the sun to quit, patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, everything. Nothing worked for me. The only thing that worked for me after 10 years of smoking was the electronic cigarette. I've been cancer stick free now for more than a year.

Electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers are definitely top notch in my book. I've saved thousands of dollars in my year now as an e-cig smoker. All the effects of smoking that damaged my body making me cough and unable to taste or breathe properly are gone but I bet I've saved even more money because I refilled my cartridges instead of purchasing new cartridges each time they've gone dry. I also purchased my starter kit for a great price. The company I buy from is fast, affordable and always answers any questions I have, I really recommend them and I've been a happy customer. FreshSmoking, one word, google them. You'll be surprised how easy it is to stop smoking normal cigarettes. Your wallet will thank you too!

Cool Product - M. Duval "Mikeo88" on Jul 23, 2008 I Like

i totally felt like Hunter S. Thompson after useing this, in fact thats one of the reasons i got it beacuse i saw it in the movie fear and loathing las vegas and i know hes famous for his cigarette holder. overall this is good but the shipping took hella long thats why i give it a 4/5

Impressive Results!! - Maria E. Morales Zel on Sep 1, 2007 I Like

Using the clear filter you can see a lot of tar added to the metal bar. Neumologist says these kind of filters don't help you at all, better quit smoking.

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