I've had Ash (wood oars), Sawyer counterbalanced, and Catarac oars. The Sawyer oars were factory balanced with weights in the upper handle. Like the previous reply I see no reason to counterweight them, since the cataracts are so light. As for the blade design, they now make different blades, chck their website for pics.

If I were you i'd set the oars in the locks at a comfortable hand space and go (bring whatever tools you need to adjust the oar rights, or rings). Also check out Bob's article on how to modify the oar rights, in my opinion it is a great modification.