The high modulus sculls that we introduced starting in 2001 were the RX, APEX-X, BBX and in 2005 the REX. This scull model type were offered to provide a scull that was light but had a balance point to fit the skill level and preference of each customer. The high modulus sculls are overall the lightest weight sculls offered on the market today and provide the best overall "swing weight" characteristics. On the recovery, lower "swing weight" results in far less energy usage and is especially helpful in reducing fatigue as the stroke rating goes up.
High Modulus Adjustable Length Sculls that come in adjustable length, your choice of 3 handle sizes, 3 grip types, the four blade types with the choice of three weights to tune the oar balance, with 3 levels of shaft stiffness and choice of average length/inboard with adjustment of +/- 5cm.
This blade and model was used by at least two winning singles at the HOCR in 2005.
APEX-REX (2005): This is our latest addition to the high modulus family. This is a blade shape enhancement that is made from an existing RX blades. This is done here at the factory or can be done by the customer, so that you do not have to purchase a new set of sculls. We are only offering the design change on new Apex-RX sculls at the present time, because we do not have dedicated tooling at this time.
Our Club Racing Team has been testing and racing with them all summer and fall with good success. It was even used at the World Rowing Championships in 2005 and was used by several top finishers in races at the 2005 HOCR including at least one winning single that we know of. We feel that for the correct rowing style, this change appears to be beneficial. We will soon be putting a procedure on the web site for you to make your own modifications.
BBX (2004):A as result of the strong following of the BB2198, we made this in a high modulus version and it was used in the Olympics that year.
APEX-X (2003): A high modulus version of the popular APEX blade type. This is the second competitive blade design that couples the APEX 2000 blade shape with the new integrated scull design using the new scull shaft with high modulus carbon and carbon weave in its construction. The construction methods for the blade and handle have been modified as well to improve overall scull performance by allowing greater customization of the sculls. The blade comes in 3 weights to allow an adjustable balance point according to shaft stiffness, skill level, and rig. These sculls are offered with three handle sizes and five grip types.
APEX-RX (2002): This design incorporates the Dreher APEX R (Round) shape described below. This was the first of the new high modulus sculling oars and also had our latest blade design with a brand new integrated scull design. This scull design replaces the high performance boron enhanced scull shaft with new construction materials incorporating high modulus carbon and carbon weave in its construction. The construction methods for the blade and handle have been modified as well to improve overall scull performance by allowing greater customization of your scull. The blade comes in 3 weights to allow one to adjust the balance point according to shaft stiffness, skill level, and rig. These sculls are offered with three handle sizes and five grip types.
This blade shape and type was used at the World Rowing Championships in 2005.
The adjustable competition with the choice of three handle sizes, three blade types (Apex, Apex-R and BB2198), 3 shaft levels of stiffness, choice of average oar length/inboard with +/- 5 cm of adjustment, with three handle sizes and multiple grip and color options.
BB2198 (1998): This blade shape was completed at the end of July 1998. After conducting several iterations of blade shapes using a rapid prototyping technique, new permanent tooling was made. Our challenge was to improve what we believe to be the best sculling oar design on the market at that time. To do so we have, and will continue to, make continuous product improvements through subtle changes. In the summer of 1998 we improved the finish of blades and made minor changes to blade curvature and attack angle. This was the first of the Dreher blades have a sealed edge surrounding the foam core. This helped to increase blade strength and performance.
Whenever we make changed to the design we make sure that the change integrates well into the overall sculling oar design resulting in a sculling oar that is very easy to use and has excellent release characteristics, balance, and tracking through the drive. Additionally, a more polished blade finish reduces drag on the blades. The BB2198 blade shape continues to be an especially popular and successful blade design.
APEX (1999): The APEX blade shape was introduced at the 1999 Head-of-the-Charles Regatta. This blade has both a smooth front surface, and most importantly, a smooth back surface to provide better hydrodynamic lift. By 2000 numerous boats were using APEX sculls. In the 2000 Olympics several US crews used our APEX Sculls. The US Men's Quad got a bronze medal in a World Cup event in Vienna in 2000 in very rough conditions, finished first in the Olympic Qualifying regatta using the APEX sculls and had respectable showing in the Olympics. In 2001, three of the US Quads and three doubles used Dreher APEX Sculls. Two of the quads won medals. Many US Team members as well as from other countries have used APEX Sculls in international competitions since they were introduced. This blade and model was used by at least one winning single sculler at the 2005 HOCR.
The theory of a smooth faced blade causing less disturbance to the flow of water over the front face of the blade seemed to us to be in direct contradiction to basic hydrodynamic theory. Potential gains in hydrodynamic lift could be achieved if the back, not the front face of the blade, is free of impediments to the smooth movement of water in the direction of flow. It is not the front, but the back of the blade with its longer curved surface that accelerates the water flow and should provide a lifting force as the blade traverses out to the 90 degree stall position and back again during each stroke. By making the back surface "smooth" with the spine, or shaft attaching ridge parallel to the water flow, the blade would be more efficient and easier to handle.
The APEX blade shape is a significant design improvement. What we have done is to move the attachment spine to the top of the blade on both the front and back parallel to the direction of water flow as the blade traverses out and back from the boat. The spine was changed to a smooth contour and the volume calculated to effect a displacement enough to give the correct buoyancy as well as the right weight and weight distribution which affects the balance point. In addition, the blades can now be made just a hair above the FISA minimum thickness of blades to provide (i.e., of 3 mm thick blade; 2 mm in from the tip) more efficient blade work.
The initial tests were made using the current production BB2198 blades as the control and the C2 'Smoothies' as a comparison. Tests (i.e., involving short maximum speed trials and longer "cruising speed" trials) and continued feedback from individuals that have tried the APEX oars and/or raced with them have been very positive. We had a number of sets that were used in the 2000 Olympics and the 2001 World Championships with USA crew capturing a silver and bronze medal.
This blade size and shape appeals to the following groups of competitive scullers:
- Who have learned how to scull with a hatchet type blades;
- May not have the quickest catches;
- May have started rowing in sweep first and want to make the quickest transition to sculling;
- Focus on the middle of the stroke;
- Row shallow; or
- Have a high center of gravity and set issues.
APEX-R (2000): This design is a modification of the Dreher APEX blade shape that eliminates the three squared corners as well as deepened the blade to change the aspect ratio of the blade to further enhance its hydrodynamic performance. The "rounded" blade shape that was announced at 11/2000 FISA Coaches Conference, but was not perfected until the following summer. The APEX R was later rowed in several 2001 Summer and Fall Regattas, including Jr. and Lt. Wt. men's 1xs trials and Jr. Worlds Championships and at elite Worlds in 2002.
This new design, is theorized, to increase hydrodynamic lift. Because of the rounded edges, especially the bottom two edges of the blade, there is less turbulence observed at the finish and less chance to catch a corner at the finish resulting in an overall "cleaner" finish.
Non-productive blade area in the APEX R has been eliminated, while additional area has been added to increase the blade depth, below the center point of pressure and resulted in a smaller blade shape with a larger “sweet spot”.
This blade size and shape appeals to the following groups of competitive scullers:
- People who have learned how to scull with Macon blades and have good blade work;
- With a quick catch;
- Just starting out and wants to develop high technical skill;
- Who like to row through the pin; or
- Who like to row an up tempo style.
Just as with any high performance scull, the better the sculler, the greater the potential benefit with this design.
Fixed Length Sculls: The Dreher Fixed Length Sculls are an option for the quality and cost conscious rowing consumer. These sculling oars are produced with no options. Their specifications have the greatest appeal to the greatest segment of the sculling population. Many scullers have little idea as to what grip to get or what handle size, rig or stiffness is required. We have designed a high quality Dreher carbon sculling oar with no frills. We offer a shorter black nylon sleeve with green and red buttons instead of the longer adjustable length sleeves. In addition, only the popular BB2198 asymmetrical hatchet blade shape is offered direct from the factory. The shaft is less stiff and has a circular design. The oar length is 289 cm with an 88 cm inboard at mid-sleeve. This oar should appeal to all scullers except for the top scullers, who generally like the ability to customize their sculls. These oars are especially suited to those individuals who are not interested in multiple choices and who most closely fit the norm.
Dreher Adjustable Length Club Sculls: These sculls are designed for the high-end recreational, master or youth customer, who wants the same choice of specifications as the competitive adjustable scull customers. The features and adjsutments include Adjustable Length, 4 Blade types, 3 shaft levels of stiffness, choice of average oar length/inboard with +/- 5 cm of adjustment, with three handle sizes and multiple grip and color options.
This blade shape (i.e., the large symmetrical or sometimes called the “Big Macon” was completed at the end of December of 1999. Since some masters and recreational rowers still used the symmetrical "Macon" spoon shape blade but the Big Blade has become the norm, we decided to revisit the "symmetrical" shape and to increase the blade area to almost the same area as the Big Blade and shortened the length of the oars. The new LS1999 blade shape has a surface area that is 97% that of the BB2198. The width of the blade is 19 cm, only 2 cm narrower than a BB21. The average length of the scull was set at 289 cm, with +/-5 cm adjustment in the handle, the same as a standard Big Blade scull.
The proportions of the blade is reminiscent of the "tulip" shape blades in the 60's which were shorter and wider than the typical Macon shape. The new symmetrical shape is much easier to handle due to the lighter weight composite carbon fiber construction of present day sculls relative to the wood construction used in the '60's. Trial rows on the design proved to be very enlightening and enjoyable. Frankly, we were surprised to find the performance in all respects is equal to a standard BB21 (Big Blade). Entry and exit were very smooth, constant depth was apparent during the drive and it was also fun to be able to again row "oars squared" easily. The ability to row at race cadence and to achieve speeds comparable to with what we were able to do with 'Big Blades' was a pleasant surprise. At the very least we feel confident that our dedicated group of customers who prefer the symmetrical, spoon shaped sculls should be very pleased. The new blade shape seems to have the best features of the both the Macon and Big Blade design and should be especially appealing to the recreational, intermediate and master level scullers.
This Little Big Blade (LLB) blade has a blade area almost identical to the LS1999 (Large Symmetrical) in blade area, but it is the narrower version of the Big Blade (BB2198).
The LBB Sculling Oars were initially designed for European Touring boat scullers and has become a favorite Open Water / Recreational design in the US. It appeals to youth scullers, lightweight women and touring rowers. We have found that blades are appropriate for what we call recreational rowers, open water rowers, young junior rowers and lightweight women that also want the adjustable length feature and the option to choose their own specifications. The oars are made of the same high quality molding process used on our other competition adjustable length sculls.
This blade size and shape appeals to the following groups scullers:
- People who like the hatchet shape;
- Row in rough water;
- Are lightweight women;
- Are youth scullers; and/or
- Who are slight of build masters.
This blade type is attracted to two different populations: the competitive flat water racer and the Open Water or Touring boat rower. The smaller, rounded blade area is suitable for the rougher conditions four in open water rower and the harder load found with larger displacement “hulled boat”.
This blade size and shape appeals to the following groups of scullers:
- Who row in ocean or rough water conditions in recreational boats and/or
- Who like a lighter load.
They are the traditional 17CM wide by 52CM long Macon blades that are perfect for young rowers with a total oar length of 289-290CM. This blade shape has been almost exclusively sold in Europe up until now.
These three categories cover the full range of scullers from the top end elites to the entry level recreational scullers and to serious open water enthusiasts.
| BLADE TYPE | BLADE AREA | BLADE TIP WIDTH | TOP LENGTH |
| APEX-REX | 743.5 CM*CM | 11 CM | NA |
| APEX-R or APEX-RX | 757 CM*CM | NA | NA |
| APEX or APEX-X | 816 CM*CM | 21.6 CM | 43.3 CM |
| BB2198 | 796 CM*CM | 21.6 CM | 43.3 CM |
| LBB2000 | 748 CM*CM | 20.1 CM | 43.3 CM |
| LS1999 | 747 CM*CM | 19.3 CM | 45.8 CM |
Missing is the 17 cm wide "Kinder" blade (17 cm wide older traditional Macon shape)
See Blade area comparison of the top three competitive shapes (not included is the newest APEX-REX design which is cut 2 CM from the tip to made an 11 cm edge:
Dreher Highest Performing High Modulus "X" Custom
Dreher High Performing Competition Adjustable Length Sculls
Club - Dreher High-end Adjustable Length Sculls
Club - Dreher Carbon Fixed Length Sculls
For German and other European customers call or e-mail to obtain prices:
For UK customers call or e-mail to obtain prices:
+/- 5 cm of continuous adjustment standard.
+/- 5 cm of continuous adjustment standard.
+/- 5 cm of continuous adjustment standard.
Not an option; all sculls are set and 289 cm in length.
Other Relevant Information:
Price and Ordering Information:
Contact Information: Please call, write or e-mail:
C. M. Fuerst
Durham Boat Company, Inc.
220 Newmarket Rd. (Route 108)
Durham, NH 03824
Phone 603-659-7575
Phone 603-659-2548
Contact: Cfuerst@cris.com
BBG Bootsbau Berlin, GmbH
Müggelseedamm 70
Berlin-Reiedrichshagen, 12587
Germany
+49 (0) 30 /64 55 374
+49 (0) 30 /64 55 251 Fax
Contact: E-mail BBG
Dreher UK
7 Vicarage Close
Waterbeach
Cambridge CB5 9QG, UK
+44 (0) 79 7073 4330 Rebecca Caroe
+44 (0) 79 7026 6180 Grant Craies (Cell)
Contact: E-mail Dreher UK Information
---or---
Contact: E-mail Dreher UK ServiceFor other related Carbon Fiber Products made and sold here:
Home Last Updated: November 1, 2005