fishinpunk

Mike, for what it's worth, I own a 6'8" mh xf that I initially used for 3/8 -1/2 oz jigs. It's a great stick for jigs, and is extremely well balanced with about any reel. I also have a 7' 2" mh xf that I use for t rigs. I like the extra length for bomb casts, and I have learned that I like working creatures and such with a longer rod also. I think the xf rods work the lures better, but they fight the fish well also. Both rods also have plenty of power and are tough as nails. That said Shimano has changed there warranty to one year vs.the lifetime warranty they used to have, something to consider. On a side note, since purchasing the 6' 8" cumara last year I have upgraded it to a 7'1 nrx, not that there was anything wrong with it , I'm just a gear junkie like the rest! Hopefully you have a shimano dealer near by to see for yourself. Rip some lips brotha !

I had the same dilemma . My solution, I took a big enough piece of shrink tube and put it around the butt cap then placed a couple of quarters in the end until I achieved the perfect balance, then heat the shrink tube. It may sound dumb to disgrace such a rod but it looks clean and most importantly, fishes like a dream.