I didn't like the composite cages I tried years ago. Like you, I found it not too easy to place the bottle without looking.
I use generic
stainless steel cages, like these. "44 grams", about $16
9 years on my current bike, they look like new. I can reliably slam the bottle back in without looking. They grip the bottles securely, and don't leave black marks like cheap aluminum cages do.
The
King cage costs a little more. 48 grams $26.
I see they also have a version with the mounting holes up higher, to move the cage lower by about an inch.