Disclosed are preforms which incorporate improvements in the region of the neck and upper segment of the body to allow the production of lightweight containers, such as bottles suitable for containing water or other beverages. In accordance with certain embodiments, the improvements include a tapered portion comprising a smooth transition from a diameter of the neck portion to a smaller diameter of a cylindrical portion comprising an elongate member that extends to an end cap; and a finish disposed on the neck portion and configured to threadably receive a cap. -19-
