I tried a search and couldn't find too much related to the topic.

I am considering a new spinning rod for light shaky heads, maybe some drop shot and some weightless plastics- mostly between 1/8oz-3/8oz, maybe an occasional 1/2oz bait.

In general, I like rods that have fast tips for these purposes.

My question is, can anyone give me a good comparison of the Shimano Cumara and the TD Fuego rods or some advice about either? I really like the styling of the Fuego and the hand-in-front-of-reel handle instead of the handle directly over the reel but from what I've heard it is a little heavier than the Cumara.

I have the Cumara CUS72M, which works really well for jigging and working light plastics.  It feels stiffer mid section on back than most rods and a fast tip, afterall it is a jigging rod, which is good to get a good solid hook set and detecting light bites.  It's light, sensitive, and performs great and will be a good choice for your application.

It this helps I have some experience with both the Cumara and Zillion. Both rods seem much stiffer then what you would expect for a Med. Power rod. As an example I bought a MH Zillion which I thought I would use for T-Rigs. A Med. power was much more suitable so I switched out. It seems this way for any of the Shimano and Diawa rods even the Crucial by my experience.

Both rods are very light and sensitive, but I'd go with the Fuego for the grip alone. I own a Fuego and two 6'8" Steez Compile-X spinning rods. The Fuego uses the same reel seat as the Steez, and it allows you to hold the rod in front of the reel. I feel it is a huge advantage, and due to the obscene balance advantage; I can give my baits incredible action. I'll have to take a pic to show you what I'm talking about...maybe I can get my wife to do it. The Zillion rods offer a lot of rod for the price....and I am super impressed with mine, but it's spinning cousin, the Fuego....is even more impressive for the money.  It is very close to my Steez Compile-X spinning rods, with Steez just being a hair lighter.  

It is very close to my Steez Compile-X spinning rods, with Steez just being a hair lighter.

Wow, that's quite an endorsement. I've been thinking that the Powell Max might be the best value for my budget. I might have to save a bit longer