Reading this thread makes me feel better (in that there isn't anything wrong with my engine/boat) about my setup in regards to having a poor hole shot. When anywhere near 52 gallons of gas, full wells, and 2 people I really struggle out of the hole in the summer with this Cougar. A good hole shot isn't super important to me but it's frustrating to sometimes have to start over to adjust jp/trim to get going. But I've been using a 4 blade 28 and folks on here told me to try my 4 blade 27 in the heat of summer. I'm just choosing to not to mess with it.
Just my 2 cents to the OP from a Cougar owner. A Puma is the same hull as Cougar so I'd think my 2 cents would apply with the Puma as well. I can't speak about the Caracal having never sat in one.
I have read on multiple threads where folks say the Pantera models fly out of the hole. I've never sat in one to experience it. I can imagine it being an excellent feeling though.