I am currently rowing Sawyer oars (9') and considering trying Cataract oars. I have no complaints with the wood oars, they have good feel, but I could use a little more "bite" in the water I think. Is anyone out there using Carlisles or have suggestions about the Cataract blades-regular or magnum. I am thinking of going with the SGG shaft and magnum blades assuming the regular blades come with the oars at Sportco. Any info or advise is appreciated.

Also, I have a wide bottom 16' guide model Willie. I am using 9 footers now, but I wonder if 9'6" would be better.

I have a 16 Fish-rite and have a set of 9's and a set of 91/2's, both with the magnum blades. I use the longer oars in bigger rivers and the 9's in smaller rivers. If I had to keep just one set it would be the 9's.

Hey Riverdog,

do a search on this topic, it was discussed not very long ago. If you find a deal on the oars let me know, have been wanting some myself but finding the CATS quite spendy. My shoulders would be eternally grateful to you. Happy Oaring.

jed

This is regarding oar length. Several years ago I broke one of my 9'4" Saywers and had to replace it with a 9 footer. So I row with a 9'and a 9'4". I really can't tell any difference with the length. They both seem to work good.
My boat is a 16+4 Willie. fp

I have used Cataract Oars on 2 boats now, 1 with the magnum blades and 1 with the standard blades. I prefer the standard blades. They float higher in the water and are much quieter than the magnums.