Back in 2009, due to both the bleak economy and draconian excises, I started making my own cigarettes. Initially, I injected tubes with a Premier Supermatic Twin hand held injector with varying results that were at best less satisfactory than factory made cigarettes. It was not long before I found that a roller provided me better cigarettes and, with the exception of a brief and equally dismal affair with another hand held inector from Gambler, I continued to laboriously roll my own-- until last week.
Last week, I used a Top-O-Matic T2 tabletop injector for the first time. After previous experiences with hand held injectors, I was skeptical of all injectors, especially one with a $39.99 price tag, so I carefully scrutinized the T2. Constructed of chrome plated steel with a thick, skid proof rubber mat on the bottom, the T2 appears robust, feels substantial, and is ready for business, right out of the box.
The Top-O-Matic T2 comes with a one year limited warranty which is comforting but the fact that a parts list with current pricing is included in the package is down right impressive. Advertised as "the world's toughest cigarette machine," it is apparent that the T2 is intended to provide a lengthy tenure of service. While noteworthy in an age filled with disposable products that must be replaced time and again, it is also indicative that the producer of the T2, Republic Tobacco, L.P. understands that its market is comprised of value conscious consumers.
With an impressive appearance and convincing supporting literature, the Top-O-Matic T2 seemed up to the task of producing quality cigarettes just as soon as I placed it on the table. Following the simple instructions provided, I quickly stuffed a Ramback Prestige tube with Cherokee Turkish Bold tobacco and soon lit a cigarette that was hard to distinguish from store bought. Amazed that the machine did just as it was advertised, I eagerly injected a few more.
Over the next few days, the Top-O-Matic T2 performed quickly, smoothly, and flawlessly, injecting four hundred Ramback and Windsail tubes with a variety of Cherokee and Bull Durham tobacco blends. It did not jam nor tear the tubes, the cigarettes were filled from filter to tip, and the finished products looked as good as those that are commercially manufactured. Moreover, the cigarettes made with the T2 did not suffer extraordinary tobacco loss (as has been my experience with tubes stuffed with hand held injectors) when carried in a case.
In my experience, hand rolling filtered cigarettes with a roller is time consuming and stuffing tubes with a hand held injector is aggravating and not very rewarding. Injecting cigarette tubes with the Top-O-Matic T2 is far superior to either method when considering efficiency and consistency: the T2 is fast and the finished product is uniform. As to cost, at $39.99 the T2 can pay for itself after about thirteen cartons, if one sets aside the roller and switches from papers and filter tips to attractively priced tubes.
Although I wish that the Top-O-Matic T2 was not made in China, I can find nothing derogatory in its workmanship or performance and, after using it, I consider it to be an exceptional value. For those new to RYO/MYO (Roll Your Own/Make Your Own Cigarettes), not investing in a T2 is a measure of false economy if one wishes to efficiently make quality filtered cigarettes at home. The Top-O-Matic T2 is a great cigarette machine at an exceptional price that has earned my highest recommendation.
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