Have you tried Sportco? Which places have them dropped that much? I know a few boat company owners who buy directly from Composites Inc (cataracts) so buy that way instead of in shops. But most places are on set prices. Who are you looking at that would ship free? They hit oversized charges, so wonder if they're selling seconds? You're talking probably $45 to ship a set of oars with oversized charges. To beat a local price and free shipping, would really like to see the company. Unless you're talking about NRS, Clavey, or Cascade Outfitters. They do have a "free shipping" over a certain price. BUT, you have to check, usually doesn't go with oversized products. Especially on which oars you buy, they may have to be drop shipped via freight company (not UPS, FedEx, but an actual Freight forwarder).

I'd say go with what you're looking at. If they can beat Sportcos, and some of the other companies (including Swiftwater supply in Seattle) go for it. I doubt these companies will drop that much to make a sale (but you just missed sportco had 10% last weekend thanks to Sportsman show).