Dreher Sculls - Latest High Modulus REX Design:
Dreher Sweeps - Used by the Winning Crew At Jr. World in 2005:
History of the design: Durham Boat Company started manufacturing Sculling oars in 1988 and by 1989 the first sets were used at the World Rowing Championship in Bled. We introduced the adjustable carbon scull handles in 1991 and sweeps in 1992. Boron enhanced carbon oars (sweeps and sculls) were then introduced in 1995. That was also the year that the wood veneer over carbon sweep handle was introduced to provide the "wood handle feel" with the carbon performance. In 1997 a Synthetic Suede grip wrap was developed that would solve the problems of previous rubber wraps. Since 1998, seven new scull and four new sweep blade designs have been introduced as well as our top three competitive shapes have been made for use on high modulus sculls.
The high modulus sculls that we introduced starting in 2001 were the APEX-RX, APEX-X, BBX and the REX 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.
The following sweep oars are presently offered for sale: The BB5299 introduced in 1999, APEX introduced in 2000, and the APEX R in 2002, which was replaced by the APEX RG in 2004.
The design: All shafts are autoclave cured at high temperature and pressure for maximum strength and durability. The completely modular system allows for custom tuning of length, handle size, blade type and blade pitch; providing you and your crews with versatility while maintaining cost efficiency and high performance standards. Only the best construction materials are used to make Dreher Oars and Sculls. All the major components are made from prepreg carbon or, in the case of the blades, sandwich core construction of prepreg carbon and specially formulated syntactic foam to obtain the highest quality parts with the desired strength, weight, weight distribution, durability and surface finish.
Some manufacturers use glass/foam composite for their blades and glass composite handles instead of stiffer, stronger, and lighter components made of carbon. Not only are the materials and design used in Dreher Oars are of higher quality, but the components are also modular. If a Dreher shaft is broken through a collision or an accident it can be easily replaced. The blade can also be as readily removed as well as the handle. The blade is held on with high temperature hot melt adhesive, so blades are easily removed with an industrial grade heat gun or torch. If blades are broken or as new blade shapes evolve, you might want to change your blades. With the Dreher modular system, this can be done without the expense of purchasing a new set of oars. The major advantage of the modular design is easy replacement of parts and protection against product obsolescence due to blade shape optimization.
The Dreher Oar system was designed specifically for adjustable length. The key is the adjustable handle system consisting of an all carbon handle end that fits into the straight (non-tapered) end of the shaft. This makes for a tight fit that eliminates any movement between the shaft and handle. This "carbon on carbon" design eliminates the possibility of movement because the handle is precisely constructed to tightly fit into the straight part of the shaft.
All adjustable Dreher Oars are equipped with an extra long sleeve to accommodate the 10 cm of continuous adjustment. All adjustable oars have decals that show the total oar length and outboard setting so as to easily derive the inboard setting without the need of a tape measure.
The design of the shaft/blade stem attachment point on Dreher Oars is worthy of mention. The transition point between the blade stem and shaft is almost seamless. That is to say, the diameter of the Dreher blade stem is not as large as on other brands, nor is the shaft to blade stem transition as abrupt. As a result, the overall performance of Dreher oars are superior, especially as the stroke rate goes higher. Less effort goes into releasing the oar from the water, while less friction is observed on the drive as well. The result is smoother entry and extraction, which can be felt and appreciated by rower who have tried other brands.
All oars are equipped with a new Dreher Label that is reflective and will be more visible for rowers that go out before first light and say out after dark. The new Dreher label is not intended to replace lights, but to augment the use of lights after dark and further improve rower safety
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