Unless you get lucky, there is no cheap way out.

The first 2 seconds I rowed the Sawyer MSXG with Dynelite blades, I was hooked. They are light, strong, and just have the right "feel". I use Cataracts on the pontoon boat and would gladly trade them for MSXGs. To me, the Cataracts feel heavier and stiffer. I had to use pencil lead just below the handles to get them to balance.

The MOST important factor in balance though is getting the right length oars for the boat. That is best accomplished by either trying out oars on your boat or talking to people with the same boat. FYI, my Clacka uses 9.5' oars. I bought 8.5' Cataracts for the 2 man toon and had to cut them down to about 8'2" to get them balanced.