Concept2 / Dreissigacker Racing Oars now have:

• A lighter weight blade
• A new sleeve and collar system

Since 2003, our blades have been 10% lighter.

This decrease in outboard weight results in significant improvement in feel, especially when combined with the features of the new sleeve.

Sweep and Smoothie Blades

Blade construction now uses all carbon surfaces rather than the fibreglass and lay-up of our previous blads.  Strength and stiffness are also improved.

Our Green Sleeves uss a new geometry and low friction material

• The interface of the sleeve and the oarlock holds your oar more securily in the two positions you want while rowing: full squared and fully feathered.  Particually unique to this design is the improved stability provided just before catch, when your oar is squared but not yet in the water.  This assures that you are in the right position to start the next stroke
• A low friction material is used to make both the sleeve and collar so it takes less effort to square and feather the oar.
• The combination of reduced friction and more stable interface promotes a relaxed upper body and less hand and arm fatigue.

Low Friction Sleeves

Off the water, you will appreciate these design features:

• A stainless steel band clamp secures the collar to the sleeve. Only one screw needs to be tightened to adjust the inboard. And the band clamp ensures that the collar will not stretch and/or slip.

• Interlocking teeth on the collar and sleeve allow for one-quarter-centimeter increments of adjustment over a 12-centimeter range for both sweeps and sculls. The teeth are recessed so that all surfaces interfacing with the oarlock are smooth.
• The collar is symetric and two-sided.  This means that if your collar wears, you can flip it over and use the other side.  And if that side wears out, you can swap bow for stroke and have two more surfaces to use.

Sleeves and Collars

Sleeve Oarlock Interface

The measurements indicate the contact area between sleeve and oarlock. The larger the flat area, the more stable the position. Measurements in the drawing are for the scull sleeve. Measurements in the parenthesis are for the sweep sleeve. All measurements are in millimeters.

The left drawing shows the new green sleeve in a Concept2 Oarlock.  The right drawing shows the white sleeve in a Concept2 Oarlock (pre-January 2003)

Drive Position

Feathered Position

Squared on the Recovery Position