I've had both at my disposal and when it came to purchase new I've always stayed with the 27.5. Like you, I feel a real loss in maneuverability with the larger diameter tire even if the ride is slightly smoother. I used to be able to thrash the trails on my old Raleigh 26" and it took me a bit to adapt to the 27.5. I never was able to adapt to the 29er. Then again, I've gotten older too so that might have something to do with it...