Nice report Goose. I'm sort of in the market for a new rod, and was considering one of these. I got to spend most of a day last year fishing with a Cumulus rod, and found it to be excellent.

I recently sold a Cumara; the first generation, because of the tiny grip. A nice rod, but not nice enough to put up with the grip.

I think you've convinced me to look elsewhere. Thanks.

how is this rod balance wise? ive read some reviews saying its tip heavy, is it?

I can't speak for the entire Cumara A series, but this particular rod is not tip heavy at all - the balance is excellent. With the Core 50 and spooled with line, the entire combo weight is 9.6oz so it's very light as well.

 

I have fished this rod quite a bit now, caught 40 bass up to 4 pounds with it and it is a terrific rod........................except for the tiny grips which I a now getting "used to".  When switching back and forth between rods, it takes a couple casts to "adjust" to the grip spacing on the Cumara but after that, it's also somewhat of a non-issue.  As I mentioned in the earlier post, perhaps it's this extended grip spacing that gives the excellent balance.