I am looking to upgrade my spinnerbait rod. Right now Im using a Vendetta 6'9" MH/F and it doubles for spinnerbaits and some topwaters. I found some good deals on Cumara's, but Im not sure which one would be best for these applications. I can either get the 6'8" M/XF for $139.99 or the Reaction series 6'9" M/XF or MH/XF for $159.99. Which rod would you buy and why?

Edit: Also just found a new Avid 6'6" M/F for $106.99.

I have all three of the Cumara's mentioned, and I use the 6-9 MHXF for more lures than the recommended 1/2-1oz baits. It's probably one of my most versatile spinnerbait/buzzbait/crank rods. The MXF is tremendously useful as well, but it doesn't have the span that the MH does.

I have all three of the Cumara's mentioned, and I use the 6-9 MHXF for more lures than the recommended 1/2-1oz baits. It's probably one of my most versatile spinnerbait/buzzbait/crank rods. The MXF is tremendously useful as well, but it doesn't have the span that the MH does.

Is that the Reaction Series or just the regular Cumara? Im not sure if I need reaction series or regular for the mentioned applications.

Is that the Reaction Series or just the regular Cumara? Im not sure if I need reaction series or regular for the mentioned applications.

Reaction.

I would highly recommend the 6'9 MH/XF. Excellent spinnerbait rod.

Reaction.

I would highly recommend the 6'9 MH/XF. Excellent spinnerbait rod.

Thats the rod that I was thinking of. At $159.99 it isnt a great deal so Im in no rush. I can get it at that price on Black Friday too.

yeah, i like the reaction much better... aside from a very good placement of hook holder.

not a fan of the MH/XF Cumara. IMO Shimano rates these rods lighter that what they are. the M/XF has a ton of backbone and will handle a 1/2 oz spinnerbait with ease.

on a side note, these rods for under $200 is a steal.

The Reaction Series is the one you should be interested in. The first Cumaras were designed for bottom contact techniques and the Reaction series for "reaction" baits. One is not better than the other per say, just built with different purposes in mind.

The 6-9 length is the Reaction. The 6-8 are both bottom contact. Sorry, should have clarified that initially. The 6-9 MHXF is a pretty serious rod, really. Like Skunked said, it's probably rated lighter than they say, but it's so versatile it's hard to classify it as being JUST 1/2 ounce and heavier spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. I fish a lot of 3/16 and 1/4 on that rod, too. I fish a lot of lipless and squarebills on it, for that matter. It's one of the most versatile rods I own.

Hooligan, is it good for ripping lipless cranks and throwing 3/8 oz. squarebills? My buddy got me into both those techniques and I may pick up a rig for it later this year.

Yes and yes. It's not the greatest thing ever for lipless baits, because of the length, but it works very well for it. I love it for squarebills because of the fact that it's so stinkin fast you can move fish with it pretty quickly, yet it's still soft enough that if a fish runs on you, the rod will load enough to protect the hooks. I really like it for fishing wood where there is grass mixed in. It's particularly good for baits like the Little John and Jackall. It's the perfect rod for throwing squarebills in tight cover.

The length was my main concern, I'm using a 7'2 MH/F Cumara right now and it even feels too short. Might have to look at on of the new Crucial Reaction rods, or even the cranking rods.

Probably go for a Dobyns though, LOL.