✨ Quick Take: Is It Worth It?
If you want a paddle-style dryer brush that smooths fast and shines bright, the Drybar Smooth Shot delivers salon-grade straightening power in one simple tool.
Its 250 °F ceramic surface and long bristles generate strong tension and polish for thick, frizz-prone hair.
The trade-off: its 780 W motor and single-purpose paddle limit airflow and styling versatility.
✅ Best for: Medium-to-thick or coarse hair needing quick smoothing
❌ Skip if: You have fine, short, or layered hair requiring flexible styling
👉 Want more options? See the Best Hot Air Brushes of 2025 we tested.
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Drybar The Smooth Shot Paddle Brush Blow-Dryer | Smooths Hair for Easy Blowout, Reduces Frizz, Added... | Check Price |
👍 What We Like
- Reaches 250°F — hotter than most paddle dryers
- Ceramic paddle base smooths thick, coarse strands
- Long bristles offer deep tension and reach
- Wide paddle (2.2″) covers medium to large sections quickly
- 9-ft swivel cord adds flexibility
👎 What We Don’t Like
- No additional attachments (paddle only)
- No digital temperature display or heat lock
- 780W motor underperforms on very dense hair
- No dual voltage for travel
🔍 Key Specs: Drybar The Smooth Shot at a Glance
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| Attachments | Paddle only |
| Heat Settings | High / Low / Cool (210 to 250°F) |
| Weight | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft swivel |
| Wattage | 780W |
| Voltage | 125V |
| Model | 900-3605-4 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
🎯 Who Should Buy the Drybar Smooth Shot
This is a great pick for:
- ✅ Medium to thick hair types needing strong smoothing
- ✅ Long hair needing faster blowouts
- ✅ Users who prefer simple dial control over digital interfaces
🚫 Skip It If You Have:
- ❌ Fine or short hair (bristles may be too long)
- ❌ Travel needs (single voltage only)
- ❌ Desire for multiple styling heads
✨ Design & Build
Its matte yellow finish and streamlined body match Drybar’s signature aesthetic — cheerful yet professional. The Smooth Shot looks and feels like part of a salon-quality lineup, balancing a lightweight build with a durable shell.
It stands out for its full ceramic paddle base, a material known for even heat distribution and the ability to hold temperature longer. This means faster styling and a smoother finish, especially on coarse, dense, or frizz-prone hair.
The 2.2-inch paddle head is wide enough for efficient smoothing, while the 3.5-inch brush section gives precise control without feeling bulky. Extra-long bristles — 1.25 cm tufted rows for tension and 2.5 cm nylon pins for detangling — are the longest we’ve measured among hot air brushes. This design grips dense, textured hair firmly, allowing it to straighten curly or thick strands in fewer passes and work as an effective detangler.
👉 If you’d prefer interchangeable heads for more styling flexibility, see the T3 AireBrush Duo review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Smooth Shot runs on 3 heat settings (high, low, cool) with a maximum barrel temp of 250°F — one of the highest we recorded in testing. Paired with ceramic coating, this makes it effective for resistant textures like coarse or frizz-prone hair.
Its 780W motor is lower wattage than many oval brushes, so while the barrel heats quickly, the airflow is modest. This means it smooths reliably but can be slower at drying very long or dense hair.
In testing, the low heat setting still reached ~210°F — hotter than average low settings. For fine or damaged strands, this intensity may risk heat stress, since studies show that frequent high-heat exposure weakens delicate hair fibers.
The handle temperature stayed ~98°F after extended use — comfortably cool and safe to grip.
Although it lacks a dedicated ion generator, it relies on ionic ceramic materials, which release negative ions as the surface heats. These ions help reduce frizz and static by smoothing the hair cuticle, giving softer results on frizz-prone hair even without active ion technology.
👉 If you need higher heat and stronger airflow for coarse hair, check the Hot Tools Black Gold review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 13.5 inches long, the Smooth Shot is compact enough for everyday styling without losing paddle width. Cord length: 9 ft swivel — longer than the category average of 7.6 ft, offering extra reach and flexibility when working around a large mirror.
The tool weighs 15 oz, placing it in the average range — light enough for most users without feeling flimsy. The 1.6″ handle width makes it easier to grip than bulkier designs, though those with smaller hands may still prefer a slimmer handle.
Noise levels measured 93 dBA — slightly above category average (~92 dBA) but sits within safe exposure limits to everyday noise.
Convenience-wise, it lacks a removable filter and doesn’t include travel features like dual voltage or a Velcro strap — meaning the cord can be harder to store neatly.. That said, for users prioritizing ceramic heat and salon-style smoothing, its simplicity keeps the design functional and professional.
👉 If you want a shorter cord and more compact build for travel, the Revlon One-Step PLUS review is a better fit.
📊 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Tops at 250 °F—excellent for medium-to-thick strands; airflow limits speed on ultra-dense hair. |
| Ease of Use & Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Lightweight 15 oz build and slim 1.6 in handle make it easy to maneuver for quick blowouts. |
| Styling Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 780 W motor delivers moderate airflow — efficient on straight hair, slower for thick or curly textures. |
| Frizz & Finish Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Ceramic-ionic barrel reduces static reasonably well, though no built-in ion generator. |
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | Three heat options (high, low, cool) suit most users; limited barrel shapes keep it best for straight styling. |
| Comfort & Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Handle temperature held at 98 °F after extended use; ALCI plug ensures extra electrical safety. |
| Travel-Friendliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | 9-ft swivel cord offers reach; single-voltage restricts overseas use. |
💡 BeautiLAB Lab Highlights
- Max Temp Tested: 250 °F
- Handle Temp: 98 °F (excellent insulation)
- Noise Level: 93 dBA (slightly above average ≈ 92 dBA)
- Wattage: 780 W | Voltage: 125 V (single)
- Length: 13.5 in | Weight: 15 oz | Handle Width: 1.6 in
- Cord: 9 ft swivel | Barrel Material: Ceramic
- Barrel Width: 2.2 in (paddle) | Bristle Length: 1.25 cm / 2.5 cm
- Built-in Ion Generator: No | Ionic Coating: Yes | ALCI Plug: Yes
- Detachable Filter/Base: No | Warranty: 2 Years
🔄 How It Compares
| Feature | Drybar Smooth Shot | T3 AireBrush Duo | Hot Tools Black Gold | Revlon One-Step PLUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Shape & Size | 2.2″ Paddle | 1.7″ Round / 2.2″ Paddle | 2.8″ Oval | 2.4″ Oval |
| Heat Range (°F) | 210–250 | 130–200 | 210–260 | 185–225 |
| Weight | 15 oz | 17 oz | 16 oz | 15 oz |
| Cord Length | 9 ft | 9 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft |
| Best For | Thick, frizz-prone hair needing paddle-style smoothing | Versatile styling with ion generator & smart heat | Coarse, textured hair needing max tension & heat | Budget-friendly styling with a detachable barrel |
💛 Other Drybar Models: How the Smooth Shot Compares
Drybar offers multiple hot air brushes — each with a unique styling focus:
- Drybar The Double Shot: A 2.44″ oval barrel built for volume and bounce. Includes a dedicated ion generator and firm tufted bristles for tension and lift — best for medium to long hair.
- Drybar The Single Shot: Slightly smaller round barrel (2.25″) tailored for curved ends and polished curls on longer lengths. More versatile than the Smooth Shot for styling movement.
- Drybar The Half Shot: A compact 2″ barrel version ideal for shorter hair, bangs, and layering. Easier to maneuver for precision styling and detail work.
The Smooth Shot stands out for its paddle-style design, which prioritizes fast, straight results. It runs hotter (~250°F) than the other models and offers a slimmer handle (1.6″) and lighter build (15 oz) — great for users who want simplicity and speed, but less ideal for adding volume or shape.
📣 User Experiences & Real-World Feedback
- Users with thick hair saw faster smoothing results compared to their previous paddle brushes
- Some noted the lack of digital controls and ion generator but appreciated the high heat
- Comfortable grip for most users — slimmer than bulky digital models
User Quotes:
“Gets hot fast — smooths out my frizz way quicker than my Knot Dr.” – Vanessa L.
“Wish it had a cool tip or detachable head, but it’s solid.” – Lauren D.
“Definitely quieter than my Revlon. Easy to maneuver.” – Kim T.
💬 FAQ: Drybar The Smooth Shot
Q: Is it good for thick hair?
A: Yes, the ceramic paddle and 250°F temp smooth coarse textures quickly.
Q: Does it work for fine hair?
A: It can be too aggressive — opt for something gentler like the T3 Duo.
Q: Is it dual voltage?
A: No — 125V only.
Q: Frizz control?
A: Moderate — the ionic tech helps smooth flyaways, but no ion generator.
Q: Good for frizz?
A: Yes.
Q: Quiet operation?
A: Slightly above average but not disruptive.
Q: Can I use it daily?
A: Yes, though we suggest heat protectant due to high temperature.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Drybar Smooth Shot proves that simplicity can still feel professional. Its 250 °F ceramic paddle, extra-long bristles, and ergonomic balance make it a powerhouse for sleek, straight finishes on medium-to-thick or frizz-prone hair. During testing, it consistently produced glossy, tangle-free results with minimal effort.
However, its lower 780 W airflow and single-purpose design limit styling range and speed for very dense textures. For users who value fast, controlled smoothing over versatility, the Smooth Shot remains one of the most dependable paddle-style brushes in BeautiLAB’s lineup.
