I've had three sets of Cat's on three boats. Looked at the Sawyer composites when I bought my latest boat, but I was steered away when I saw the only thing that was really composite was the blade tip and or shaft depending on the model. I don't know about your uses, but I'm lazy. I like to use my oars to pull me off rocks and gravels bars sometimes, instead of getting out and pulling the boat by hand. I'm not sure a wood oar would stand up to the pressures I've put on my cataracts without breaking.