What's up with the handle grip (right behind reel) on these rods? Seems really short, looks uncomfortable. What are your thoughts?

I hold reels with three or four fingers in front of the trigger so they work for me. If you like to cast with one finger in front of the trigger, don't buy them. You will be sad. 

I adore mine. I heard guys complain about it, but palming my reel, I only need enough for the edge of my palm pad to rest on. Also heard they're not as sensitive as the old IM10 model, but heard nothing but the greatest reviews on the Cumulus which the new Cumaras use that HM1 blank. The new Cumara is also $100 cheaper than the Cumulus was. Brian.

I only have one CumaraA - the 7'2" medium-fast in the worm & Jig series (CUC-72MA).  I finally got used to the short grip behind the reel seat and I now use this rod quite a bit. However, it's likely the only CumaraA I will ever own. Ergonomics are just too funky on the casting rods and, for me, the spinning rod reel seats would be even worse...

 

I gave a couple reports on this rod between Dec. 2012 to May 2013 here: New Cumara A Casting Rod - Initial And On-The-Water Reviews - Updated

I really hope Shimano quickly realizes the mistake and bring a new one out for 2016!

I have a spinning rod in the Cumara A line. The handle really doesn't bother me at all. I like the rod a lot.

I like 'em.  Mine's not quite so short on the Daiwa Jupiter rod, but it's still much shorter than I'm used to.

 

Palming the reel is a must.

 

Josh

I like mine but I can see where they could be small with a 200 size reel. I have 50s on mine and they palm just fine for me.

I palm my reels so it probably wouldn't be a problem. It really drives me crazy though when manufactures can't get the handle/reel seat assembly right. It's a major selling point for me. I buy rods when they feel good in my hand.

I palm my reels so it probably wouldn't be a problem. It really drives me crazy though when manufactures can't get the handle/reel seat assembly right. It's a major selling point for me. I buy rods when they feel good in my hand.

 

You might be happy. The seat is comfortable to me and the lack of a locking nut and exposed threads above the reel is something I wish everyone would change to.

You might be happy. The seat is comfortable to me and the lack of a locking nut and exposed threads above the reel is something I wish everyone would change to.

The reel seat on the casting looks good. The spinning looks horrible though at least for the way I hold a spinning rod.