Shimano Cumara Vs. Kistler Helium LTA Vs. St. Croix Avid

[Vinny Chase]

This is a follow up thread from a previous question I had on spinning rods. Out of these three what do you guys think? Right now I am leaning towards the Avid, but I could save $30 with the Kistler

Thanks,

VC

[.ghoti.]

I have one Cumara, one LTA, and several Avids. Mostly casting, not spinning rods.

The Cumara 6'8" m-xf and the Avid 6'8" m-xf are completely different rods even though they are the same length, power and action. Both are, in my opinion, under-rated. Compared to all my other rods, these are both what I would call med-heavy powered rods. The Cumara is more of a fast action rod, while the Avid is extra-fast. I like both, and use both, but will admit to preferring the Avid. Mainly because of the grip. Nothing against the foam grips. I have them on other rods and have no complaints about this material for rod grips. It's the size of the Cumara grip that bothers me. It is way too small in diameter. I much prefer the larger grip on the Avid.

The LTA rod is a 7' ML rod with what I would call a mod-fast action. Can't even begin to compare this one to the other two. It is just a totally different rod, for totally different applications. The grip is very nice though. Not at all too small.

Of the three, the Cumara feels the lightest in the hand; the Kistler is the more sensitive; and the Avid is the most versatile, and the one I probably use the most.

I would suggest that you go to a store and mount a reel on each of these rods and see what they feel like to you.

When i was in the market for another spinning rod, I checked out the Cumara line. The minimalist reel seat and grip on the Cumara may very well present a problem. For me, it is not even close to being comfortable, and is NOT something I would be able to use all day. I have two Avid spinning rods that I no longer use, for the same reason. The reel seat / grip is just too small to be comfortable. Those two rods are now my wife's. Her hands are a lot smaller than mine, and she seems to have no problem with the small grips.

I have not tried a Kistler spinning rod. Can't comment on those.

[Vinny Chase]

I have one Cumara, one LTA, and several Avids. Mostly casting, not spinning rods.

The Cumara 6'8" m-xf and the Avid 6'8" m-xf are completely different rods even though they are the same length, power and action. Both are, in my opinion, under-rated. Compared to all my other rods, these are both what I would call med-heavy powered rods. The Cumara is more of a fast action rod, while the Avid is extra-fast. I like both, and use both, but will admit to preferring the Avid. Mainly because of the grip. Nothing against the foam grips. I have them on other rods and have no complaints about this material for rod grips. It's the size of the Cumara grip that bothers me. It is way too small in diameter. I much prefer the larger grip on the Avid.

The LTA rod is a 7' ML rod with what I would call a mod-fast action. Can't even begin to compare this one to the other two. It is just a totally different rod, for totally different applications. The grip is very nice though. Not at all too small.

Of the three, the Cumara feels the lightest in the hand; the Kistler is the more sensitive; and the Avid is the most versatile, and the one I probably use the most.

I would suggest that you go to a store and mount a reel on each of these rods and see what they feel like to you.

When i was in the market for another spinning rod, I checked out the Cumara line. The minimalist reel seat and grip on the Cumara may very well present a problem. For me, it is not even close to being comfortable, and is NOT something I would be able to use all day. I have two Avid spinning rods that I no longer use, for the same reason. The reel seat / grip is just too small to be comfortable. Those two rods are now my wife's. Her hands are a lot smaller than mine, and she seems to have no problem with the small grips.

I have not tried a Kistler spinning rod. Can't comment on those.

Thanks for the feedback. I am planning on going to the store to feel the differences between the rods and hopefully that will give me a better idea of what I am looking for

[midnighthrasher]

Cumara all the way!!! I have 4 of them and i love them!!!

[Beastie Bass]

Avid will make you sell all your other rods and replace em, with more Avids! CAUTION  Bought one two yrs ago, now I own 7.........soon to be 8 ;D

[ArcticCat500]

I dont claim to be an expert like some, but I have fished 2 out of the 3, and owned a Kistler,  this is just my opinion.

the Cumara, felt bulky and tip heavy to me comapred to the same exact rod in a Rainshadow RX8+ blank.

the Avid, I liked it alot, fished it in the AVS68MXF,( a friend has 1) very responsive, light and plenty of backbone to rip the hook through heavy plactics and get the job done. 

I owned a Kistler He69MHC, liked it but I dont miss it, for a MHF rod it almost felt pole like to me and found my self ripping lips more then setting hooks, maybe Im just use to the XF tips, I dont know.

The choice for me is easy, I'll take the Avid, but I wont trade my Mossybacks for one.

Good Luck...keep en eye open for a G Loomis in our classifieds and other forums, they can be had reasonable, I just picked up a Mossyback BSR852 super cheap and it was handled once.

[zbigbadaaron]

You might want to look at St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass also.

[Rolltide09]

I like the Cumaras to a point. I have broken three so far from hook sets and figting fish. All of which have been exchanged over the counter at BPS (big plus).