I am picking up a new driftboat and can get either Sawyer 9' wood oars or the composite Cataract for a little more money. My question is is it worth upgradeing and why.

Yes !! lighter, longer lasting and less maintanance.

desertdog.
Go with the Cataracts. Get the 9.5 footers.
Cataracts are just a little heavier than the Sawyers, But I garuntee you will never break one. In fact the Catarcts I have were on a boat that sank. The rower got too close to a log jam and stuck an oar in it. The boat was pushed into the log jam side ways and rolled over. The oar that was stuck in the logs was the only thing holding the boat there. The oar was flexed in the shape of a bow. When we winnched the boat of the log jam it broke the rope and tumbled down the river. When we finally retrived the boat, the oars were the only things undamaged.
Get the Cataracts, You wont be dissapointed.

thanks for the insight. I could not tell much difference in weight but can see that the would last longer. Quess i might as well go for the gold on the whole package. FIrst trip will be the Satsop for the Slaughter on the Water. See ya there