The Drybar Smooth Shot is a paddle-style blow-dryer brush designed to deliver sleek, straight results with minimal fuss — ideal for thick hair, but limited in styling range.
BeautiLAB Overall: 4.0 out of 5
The Drybar Smooth Shot strips things back with a single ceramic paddle brush, making it an easy pick for users who just want sleek, straight hair — fast. It’s simple, powerful, and effective on longer or thicker strands thanks to its wide head and high heat output. That said, it lacks digital precision, advanced tech features, and flexibility in attachments, which limits its versatility compared to top-tier hot air brushes.
If you’re exploring more options, check out our best hot air brushes of 2025 to see how it stacks up.
Who It’s For:
This paddle-style hot air brush is best for:
✅ Medium to thick hair types
✅ Users who want fast straightening and smoothing
✅ Longer hair that benefits from wide surface area
✅ Those who prefer simplicity over digital features
It may not be ideal for short hair, precision styling, or those who want multiple attachment options. Its higher heat settings (210°F and 250°F) are efficient, but too intense for fine or damaged hair.
What Sets the Drybar Smooth Shot Apart:
- Wide ceramic paddle head – Covers more hair per pass
- High heat settings (up to 250°F) – Ideal for smoothing thick, coarse, or hard-to-style hair
- Simple dial controls – Easy to use without a learning curve
- Extra-long nylon and tufted bristles – Great for detangling and creating tension
- 9-ft swivel cord – Offers more reach than average
- Sleek design – Lightweight feel with a balanced grip
However, it lacks features like smart heat control, or interchangeable brush heads — so it’s best suited for users who prioritize straight styles over styling range.
Key Specs at a Glance
| RRP: $155 | Barrel shape: paddle |
| Barrel width: 2.2″ | Barrel material: ceramic |
| Weight: 15 oz | Cord length: 9 ft |
| Heat settings: 210°F / 250°F | Noise level: 93 dBA |
| Wattage: 780 watts | Voltage: 125 volts (single voltage) |
| Model name: 900-3605-4 | Warranty: 2 year |
🔍 Performance Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | High heat (up to 250°F), great for thick hair, though not adjustable by degree |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Simple dial controls, intuitive for everyday use |
| Grip & Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Balanced feel, but paddle design lacks precision for shorter styles |
| Styling Range | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | Only paddle brush, limited in creating volume or waves |
| Frizz Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4) | Ionic technology smooths strands, though no ion generator |
| Travel Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3) | No dual voltage or detachable parts, but durable build and long cord |
What We Like ✅
✨ Design & Build
✅ Wide paddle head – Great for smoothing long hair quickly
✅ Long bristles – Helps detangle and grip thick strands with ease
✅ Sleek, lightweight design – Feels balanced and easy to hold
✅ 9-ft swivel cord – Adds professional-grade flexibility
💡 Performance
✅ Ionic technology – Helps reduce frizz and boost shine during styling
✅ High heat output – Works well for thicker or hard-to-style hair
✅ Simple dial controls – Easy for beginners to use
What We Don’t Like ❌
⚡ Power & Versatility
❌ Smoothing-focused design – Can’t create curls or waves, limiting your styling versatility
❌ No digital heat control – Less precise temperature regulation
❌ Higher minimum heat (210°F) – Not ideal for fine or damaged hair
🖐️ Ergonomics & Features
❌ No detachable base or filter – Not as easy to clean or store
✨ Design & Build
The Drybar The Smooth Shot keeps things simple with a paddle-only design, built for straightforward smoothing and straightening. Its 2.2″ wide ceramic paddle head covers more surface area than round brushes, while the 3.5″ brush section allows for efficient styling on medium to long hair.
Compared to other paddle brush options on the market, the Drybar The Smooth Shot stands out by featuring extra-long nylon and tufted bristles (1.25 cm / 2.5 cm). Most paddle-style hot air brushes only use detangling pins, but the addition of tufted bristles on the Smooth Shot provides better grip and tension, making it easier to smooth and straighten thicker or unruly hair with less effort.
Another important distinction is that the Smooth Shot’s paddle base is ceramic, not cushioned or padded like some competitors (such as the Knot Dr.). The ceramic surface heats up during use, helping to style hair faster and more efficiently by combining airflow with thermal smoothing.
That said, the paddle shape doesn’t offer the same lift or bending ability as round-barrel brushes — so it’s not ideal for adding volume or curl, especially on shorter hair or layers. Still, for thick, long hair that needs a fast, frizz-free finish, the Smooth Shot does exactly what it promises.
💡 Performance & Technology
The Drybar Smooth Shot takes a more traditional approach with manual dial controls and three basic settings: high, low, and cool. While it doesn’t offer the digital precision of more advanced tools, it delivers reliable performance — especially for users who value simplicity over complex tech features.
The brush heats up to 250°F on its highest setting, with a lower setting around 210°F. These temperatures are strong enough to tame thick or coarse strands, but they are too intense for fine, fragile, or color-treated hair..
The tool uses a ceramic-coated barrel and ionic technology, which help reduce frizz and enhance shine during styling. While the heat levels aren’t adjustable by degree, the simple control dial is easy to operate, even for beginners.
The handle reached 100°F during extended use, which is slightly warm but remains within a comfortable range.
Its 780W motor runs a bit lower than average but still delivers consistent airflow.
In short, the Smooth Shot offers a dependable, fuss-free experience — best suited for those who want quick results and smooth finishes without needing advanced features or precise heat customization.
🔌 Ergonomics & Convenience
The Drybar Smooth Shot is designed with straightforward usability in mind — no attachments, no digital features, just a single paddle brush built for easy, efficient styling. At 13.5 inches, it’s slightly longer than average, but the 1.55″ handle offers a slimmer, more comfortable grip than bulkier models like the T3 AireBrush Duo.
Weighing 15 oz, the brush feels balanced and not overly heavy in the hand, making it a good option for users who prefer lighter tools. While it doesn’t feature a detachable base or filter, the solid construction gives it a premium, durable feel.
Its 93 dBA noise level is slightly above average, but not excessive — suitable for regular use without being disruptive. The 9-ft swivel cord gives plenty of freedom to move around during styling sessions, although there’s no Velcro strap included to keep it tidy in storage.
The brush uses single voltage (125V), which is typical for hot air brushes — while it isn’t dual voltage, that’s not uncommon in this category. An ALCI safety plug is included, adding an extra layer of protection during at-home use.
In short, the Smooth Shot scores well on user comfort and practicality, even if it doesn’t come with extras or travel-friendly features.
🔄 How It Compares
If you’re exploring alternatives to the Drybar Smooth Shot, a few standout hot air brushes offer different strengths depending on your styling goals.
The Drybar The Double Shot is best for long, thick hair and users looking to add major volume while smoothing. Its 2.4″ oval barrel and high airflow make it more effective for root lift and soft bends than the Smooth Shot, which is paddle-shaped and focused purely on straight styles.
The Drybar The Single Shot and The Half Shot feature round barrels (2.25″ and 1.5″ respectively), designed to create polished curls, waves, and bends. These tools are better suited for layered cuts or shorter hair. In contrast, the Smooth Shot skips volume and curl to prioritize flat, sleek finishes.
The Amika Double Agent 2-in-1 Blow Dryer + Straightening Brush offers a paddle-style design like the Smooth Shot but adds heated tongs and airflow through the brush for drying and straightening at once. It’s a good choice if you want styling versatility in a single tool, though it may be bulkier in the hand.
Finally, the InfinitiPRO by Conair The Knot Dr. Smoothing Dryer Brush delivers a similar smoothing experience at a budget price. It features a cushioned paddle, gentle airflow, and optional attachments, making it ideal for fine to medium hair. While less refined in design, it’s lightweight and easy to use for quick detangling and everyday styling.
Each of these tools has strengths, but the Smooth Shot stands out for users who want fast, no-frills straightening with a salon-quality finish. If you’re after curl, volume, or root lift, other models may be better suited to your needs.
🏁 Final Verdict: A No-Fuss Smoother for Long, Thick Hair
The Drybar Smooth Shot is a solid choice for anyone looking to streamline their blow-dry routine. With its wide ceramic paddle brush, frizz-fighting ionic technology, and simple controls, it delivers exactly what it promises — sleek, straight hair with minimal effort. While it lacks digital settings, interchangeable heads, or lower heat options for fragile hair, it’s a great match for those with medium to thick strands who want a quick, reliable straightening tool.
If you’re after lift, curls, or greater versatility, you might want to look elsewhere. But if your goal is smooth, no-fuss styling, the Smooth Shot is an efficient, well-built tool that gets the job done.
