Concept 2 Oars
Concept2 Oars - Sykes Australia
Sykes is the exclusive Australian reseller for Concept2 Oars. Concept2 has continued to revolutionize the sport of rowing with increasingly efficient oar designs over the past 40 years. Top athletes around the world rely on Concept2 oars.
Quick Turnaround and Stock Availability
To reduce lead times, Sykes now stocks a range of pre-assembled Scull and Sweep oars suitable for most customers, available for direct online orders.
For custom oars, complete the Custom Order Form. Custom orders require a minimum of 12 weeks for dispatch, placed monthly with Concept2 USA. Additional fumigation charges may apply depending on the season, with notification provided if applicable. Retain a copy of your invoice or order form for reference.
Blade Options Comparison
Comparison of Concept2 Blades:
| Blade Type | Date of Innovation | Description | Feel | Tips for Optimizing Performance | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
COMP (NEW) |
2020 | Lightweight blade retaining critical features of the Fat2, with less effective areas trimmed away. | Solid lock in the water at the catch with great acceleration into the finish. | Similar lengths, shaft stiffness, and rigging to Smoothie2 blades. | Competitive rowers seeking maximum efficiency, only available with the Skinny Shaft. |
|
FAT2
|
2006 | Most efficient blade, offering the greatest potential for increasing boat speed. | Firm feel early in the drive with less resistance toward the finish. | Oar length should be 4-8 cm shorter than Smoothie2, more effective when rigged further through the pin. | Competitive rowers willing to try shorter/softer shafts for maximum efficiency. |
SMOOTHIE2 VORTEX EDGE |
2001 | Incorporates Fat2 innovations with a slightly smaller surface area. | Resistance focused on the early part of the drive. | Oar length should be 1-2 cm shorter than Smoothie2, more effective when rigged further through the pin. | Competitive athletes seeking good efficiency without major rigging changes. |
SMOOTHIE2 PLAIN EDGE |
1997 | Offers less slip than the Big Blade and stays consistently loaded throughout the drive. | Less resistance early in the drive. | Best oar length may be slightly shorter than the Big Blade. | Competitive crews wanting efficiency with a softer feel. |
BIG BLADE
 |
1991 | Older design, recommended for those familiar with it or preferring older oar sets. | Lacks the firm feel of newer designs early in the drive. Vortex Edge can increase efficiency. | Compare with Concept2's newer blades. | Crews with specific reasons for choosing the Big Blade. |
Loading Profile
The loading profile refers to the varying resistance an athlete feels as the blade moves through the water. Efficient blades like the Fat2 offer more resistance earlier in the drive, influenced by shaft choice. The Skinny shaft, for instance, provides a softer loading profile while maintaining efficiency. Fine-tune the overall load using oar length, spread, and inboard adjustments rather than blade type alone.
Shaft Options
Concept2 offers various shaft construction options, catering to different rowing needs and preferences:
Skinny (Sweep and Scull)
- Description: Smaller diameter shaft offering less wind resistance, different bending characteristics, and softer flex options.
- Wind Drag Reduction: Reduces wind drag by 25% for sculls and 50% for sweeps compared to the standard Ultralight shaft.
- Material: High modulus carbon fiber.
- Weight: Comparable to Ultralight shafts.
Ultralight (Sweep and Scull)
- Description: Standard lightweight, all-carbon fiber shaft widely used at all levels of rowing and racing.
- Durability: Refined construction for maximum durability.
Shaft Stiffness
The perception of oar stiffness or "flex" is a result of the blade and shaft working together as a system. Concept2 offers three different shaft constructions with various stiffness options:
| Stiffness Option | Description | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Soft (Skinny Only) | A good choice for those who want the efficiency of the Fat2 blade but prefer a softer feel at the catch. | Those preferring a softer feel with the Fat2 blade. |
| Soft | A good choice for smaller athletes, women, masters, or anyone who prefers a softer feel, especially with the Fat2 blade. | Smaller athletes, women, masters. |
| Medium | Works well with Big Blade, Smoothie2 Plain Edge, and Smoothie2 Vortex Edge. Ultralight shafts with Medium flex are the most popular and meet the needs of most rowers. Fat2 blade on a Medium flex shaft works well for those accustomed to a firm "lock-on" at the catch. This is the stiffest option available for the Skinny construction. | Most rowers, including competitive crews. |
| Stiff (Ultralight and Low I Only) | Appropriate for those who have a preference for the stiffest shaft. | Those who prefer the stiffest shaft. |
Oar Length
The length of the oar, along with other variables such as spread, blade size, blade type, inboard, and catch angle, determines the boat gearing or “rigging.” Concept2 offers adjustable and fixed-length oars to help you achieve a comfortable, effective rig.
Adjustable Length Handles (Recommended)
- Range: Adjustable within a 5cm range.
- Benefits: Allows sharing of oars between boats, adjusting for different wind conditions, and testing different riggings.
Fixed Length Oars
- Recommendation: Order only if you are certain you will never need to change the length of your sweep or scull.
Oar Length Recommendations
Setting your sweeps or sculls shorter is recommended when rowing:
- With more efficient blades like the Fat2.
- In a slower boat.
- With a narrower spread.
- With a longer reach/a greater catch angle.
- When needing less handle overlap while sculling.
Typical Oar Length Recommendations
For more information and to place your order, please visit our website or contact us directly.