New Shimano Cumara--Mh/fast Or Mh/xf

[mnvp31]

Which one would ya prefer for jigs and t-rigs or overall?
I know the MH/F lure wt at 1/4-3/4 oz and the MH/XF lure wt at 1/4-1oz.
Have anyone tried them?  Does the MH/XF feel more like a Heavy?  Because i know some Heavy/F in some brands lure wts from 1/4-1oz. 
 

[kickerfish1]

What size rigs do you plan on fishing. I have the previous generation 7'2 MH XF rod. It is a great rod but I would not throw much below 3/8 oz with it. It takes a decent sized bait to load it but its performance is outstanding. I don't fish many baits above 1/2 oz plus jig trailer so this is the biggest and most powerful bottom contact rod in my lineup outside of dedicated frog and swimbait rods.

I would say the fast action rod would lend itself to more all around fishing and have more versatility if that is what you want.

[mnvp31]

kickerfish1..thanks for the response.  i am looking for more of an all around rod.  For t-rigs and swimjigs, i throw 1/4 to 3/8 oz, and for jigs(pitching/football), i usually do about 3/8-3/4oz depending on the season/cover. 
How does the Cumara MH/XF compares to the Powell Endurance MH/XF?  I hear Shimano has a softer tip, but for what i plan to use it for, i just want to make sure it's not over powering the rod.

[kickerfish1]

I don't have the Powell rod so I can't make a fair comparison. The cumara 7'2 MH xf does fish more like a heavy as it is very powerful. Personally I would not consider it to have a soft tip... more the opposite. I tried weightless baits with this rod just for fun a few times and it performed ok but took some getting used to. I have since decided that it excels more as dedicated 3/8 to 5/8 oz bottom contact bait rod. It would have no problem going 3/4 oz plus trailer. The weightless bait I tried is close to 1/4 oz so it may work for that range though it really isn't this rods sweet spot which I believe to be right around a 1/2 oz give or take.

If you want ONE rod to accomplish 1/4 to 3/4 oz baits that is tough call. For me I use two separate rods for these ranges. You may ask yourself what you think you will be fishing "majority" of the time. Under 1/2 oz I would say get the fast and over I would get the extra fast.

[deep]

kickerfish1..thanks for the response.  i am looking for more of an all around rod.  For t-rigs and swimjigs, i throw 1/4 to 3/8 oz, and for jigs(pitching/football), i usually do about 3/8-3/4oz depending on the season/cover. 

How does the Cumara MH/XF compares to the Powell Endurance MH/XF?  I hear Shimano has a softer tip, but for what i plan to use it for, i just want to make sure it's not over powering the rod.

 

What's the model number for the Endurance? Is it a 3 power or a 4 power. I have a couple of 753 Maxes, and might be of help regarding info on the Powells.

[jbsoonerfan]

I don't have the Cumaras, but I do have both the Crucials in a MH-f and MH-xf. I use 30lb braid and 1/8 - 1/4 oz weights on the MH-f when thowing a t-rig. I use 50lb braid and 3/8 - 1/2 oz weights when using the MH-xf. I will sometimes have the same soft plastic on, but will throw them in different areas (open water vs. grass etc.)

 

If I just wanted one rod to do the things you plan on doing with it, I would opt for the x-fast.

[MrSwimJig]

The Cumara MH/XF rod is a excellent rod for jigs and t-rigs. It also handles other baits very easily and is a very versatile rod.  But it is excels as a bottom contact rod.

[skeletor6]

I don't have the Powell rod so I can't make a fair comparison. The cumara 7'2 MH xf does fish more like a heavy as it is very powerful. Personally I would not consider it to have a soft tip... more the opposite. I tried weightless baits with this rod just for fun a few times and it performed ok but took some getting used to. I have since decided that it excels more as dedicated 3/8 to 5/8 oz bottom contact bait rod. It would have no problem going 3/4 oz plus trailer. The weightless bait I tried is close to 1/4 oz so it may work for that range though it really isn't this rods sweet spot which I believe to be right around a 1/2 oz give or take.

If you want ONE rod to accomplish 1/4 to 3/4 oz baits that is tough call. For me I use two separate rods for these ranges. You may ask yourself what you think you will be fishing "majority" of the time. Under 1/2 oz I would say get the fast and over I would get the extra fast.

 

As harsh as it may be, Kickerfish is right in what he is saying. Most rods do not cover the entire 1/4-3/4 oz weight ranges. Not saying that you can't take a rod and go out and cover all of these weights, but in reality rods usually have a much smaller range for which they fish well. A 3/4oz bait with a trailer is a large difference from tossing something that is truly 1/4oz. It takes the right rod to load and cast 1/4oz bait accurately and consistently. Most rods that can cast 1/4oz baits well are overpowered when it comes to 3/4oz baits and vice versa. 

 

I have found rod manufacturer's ratings to be off pretty much across the board. The actual ranges for which they fish well is usually much smaller than advertised. Just my 2 cents. 

[mnvp31]

Thanks for the info. 

[Crappiebasser]

I have 3 of the new Cumaras and they fish lighter than rated to me. I mainly fish St Croixs which run a little heavier than rated so it may just be my perception. I have the 72MHXFA and it is good for jigs up to 1/2 but not much more. It is a nice rod though.

If you get one I suggest a 50 series reel. My Core 100 felt awkward on them.

[mnvp31]

I have 3 of the new Cumaras and they fish lighter than rated to me. I mainly fish St Croixs which run a little heavier than rated so it may just be my perception. I have the 72MHXFA and it is good for jigs up to 1/2 but not much more. It is a nice rod though. If you get one I suggest a 50 series reel. My Core 100 felt awkward on them.

 

Crappiebasser...thanks for the info.  I recently ordered a Powell Endurance 723 MH/XF, but the lure weight is only 1/4-3/4oz.  I was hoping for it to be my jig rod, and planning to get the Cumara MH/F for t-rig and lighter jigs.  However, the MH/F Cumara lure weight is 1/4-3/4 oz, same as the Endurance MH/XF.  Would u suggest i should just get the MH/XF Cumara (lure wt. 1/4-1 oz) to be my jigs/football jigs rod and keep my Powell Endruance MH/XF for trigs and ligther jigs?

[Crappiebasser]

Crappiebasser...thanks for the info.  I recently ordered a Powell Endurance 723 MH/XF, but the lure weight is only 1/4-3/4oz.  I was hoping for it to be my jig rod, and planning to get the Cumara MH/F for t-rig and lighter jigs.  However, the MH/F Cumara lure weight is 1/4-3/4 oz, same as the Endurance MH/XF.  Would u suggest i should just get the MH/XF Cumara (lure wt. 1/4-1 oz) to be my jigs/football jigs rod and keep my Powell Endruance MH/XF for trigs and ligther jigs?

I really can't speak to the Powells abilities but the Cumara MHXF still wouldn't be my first choice for heavier jigs. It would throw 1 oz but not well.

If you're really looking for a rod for 1/2 to 1 oz jigs I suggest you try the 711 HXF. I got to fish one briefly and it's surprisingly light for its size.