The SMOOTHIE2 is our most recent blade mold. Made at the end of 2006, we call this the SMOOTHIE2, because it is based on the same ideas as the SMOOTHIE (1996 mold), but changes have been made that improve the handling in rough water on the recovery and depth control on the drive. Quantitative on-water testing has also indicated increased speed. Any of the blade designs that were previously cut from the SMOOTHIE mold are now being made from the new mold. These include the Fat SMOOTHIE Vortex (or Fat blade), the SMOOTHIE Vortex, and straight edged SMOOTHIE.
There are three features that characterize the SMOOTHIE:
- No central ridge on the blade
- The blade curvatures are not in line with the shaft. They are at an angle of 10 degrees from the shaft. This makes the blade curvature in line with the flow of water during the stroke.
- A small curved feature along the top edge of the blade prevents the blade from going too deep and allows the main blade surface to be under-pitched to hold the water better.
Areas improved with the SMOOTHIE2 changes include:
- A curvature change at the portion of the blade opposite the tip that facilitates quick entry at the catch.
- The “top lip” feature that keeps the blade from going deep has been reduced so the level-seeking aspect of the blade is not as pronounced.
- The cross section of the blade perpendicular to the shaft has been given a slight curve to improve handling on the recovery in the event the back of the blade touches the water.
Blades from the original SMOOTHIE mold are available on request.
