✨ 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 210–250°F ceramic surface gives fast smoothing for medium-to-thick hair, but may be too hot for fine or fragile strands.
The trade-off: its 780 W motor and single-purpose paddle limit airflow and styling versatility.
✅ Best for: Medium-to-thick hair needing quick paddle-style smoothing and frizz control
❌ 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.
👍 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 | $155 |
| 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
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Drybar The Smooth Shot Paddle Brush Blow-Dryer | Smooths Hair for Easy Blowout, Reduces Frizz, Added... | 64 Reviews | Check Price |
✨ Design & Build
Drybar’s Smooth Shot is a straightforward, smoothing-focused paddle-style blow-dryer brush. Its 2.2-inch paddle headand 3.5-inch brush section give it a compact but effective footprint—wide enough to smooth large sections, yet small enough to maneuver around shorter layers and face-framing pieces. The ceramic-coated surface keeps heat more even across the paddle, reducing the risk of localized overheating that can stress the cuticle — consistent with structural damage patterns described in this PubMed heat-damage study.
The bristle system pairs 1.25 cm tufted rows for grip with 2.5 cm detangling pins, creating enough tension to stretch and smooth fine and medium-density hair while helping guide thicker strands through without snagging. This layout excels at straightening, deflating puffiness, and creating sleek ends, making the tool ideal for users who prefer smoothness over volume. Those with very long or dense hair can still achieve sleek results, though they may need to work in medium-sized sections since paddle brushes don’t wrap or lift like round brushes.
👉 If you’d prefer interchangeable heads for more styling flexibility, see the T3 AireBrush Duo review.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Smooth Shot uses low, high, and cool heat modes controlled through a simple dial switch. In our lab tests, the low setting measured around 210°F, which is warmer than the low modes on many hot-air brushes. This makes it particularly effective for quick smoothing on medium-density hair; fine hair can smooth quickly, but we don’t recommend this brush as a daily driver for fine or fragile strands, in line with AAD’s recommendation to use the lowest effective heat.
The high setting reached roughly 250°F, placing the tool in the hotter tier of paddle-style brushes. This helps it stretch and smooth medium-density and moderately coarse textures with good tension. Very dense or textured hair can still be smoothed effectively, but performs best with smaller, deliberate sections to ensure enough heat and tension are applied evenly.
The 780W motor provides gentle-to-moderate airflow, giving users enough force to smooth roots without blasting sections out of control. The ceramic heating surface keeps heat more evenly distributed, and the brush uses basic ionic technology (not a built-in ion generator), offering mild frizz reduction rather than the stronger smoothing effect of active ion systems.
The handle stayed around 98°F during testing, remaining comfortable to hold even during longer sessions.
👉 If you need higher heat and stronger airflow for coarse hair, check the Hot Tools Black Gold review.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
At 15 oz, the Smooth Shot falls into a comfortable mid-weight range, easy to handle for most users without immediate fatigue. Its 13.5-inch length is typical for paddle-style dryer brushes, offering good control at the back of the head and near the face frame. The 1.6-inch handle width provides a slim, secure grip suitable for smaller and larger hands alike.
The 9 ft swivel cord gives more maneuvering space than many similar brushes, making it easier to reach around a vanity or larger mirror. The simple dial control is intuitive to adjust, and with no attachments or detachable parts, the tool is straightforward to maintain. The filter is non-removable, so cleaning remains surface-level only.
Noise levels measured around 93 dB, slightly louder than some round-brush dryers but still within a normal range for paddle-style tools. The Smooth Shot operates on single voltage (125V), meaning it’s intended for domestic use rather than travel. A 2-year warranty provides solid long-term coverage.
👉 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; 780 W airflow can struggle on very dense or tightly coiled textures. |
| 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, not powerful enough for very dense or coily 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. |
🔄 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 thicker strands quickly; very coarse or tightly coiled hair may still need a more powerful, higher-wattage brush.
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.
⭐ Final Score: 4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆
At BeautiLAB, we buy and test every product independently — no sponsors, no freebies. See our full testing process.
