Is it a symmetrical spinnaker or an asymmetrical spinnaker?
An asym is pretty easy to deal with, because you don't have to futz with the pole. You can always sail a deep angle and blanket the chute with the main so you get an easy hoist or takedown. Or blow the tack line and haul in with the sheet.
Jackdaw posted a video on his First 26 where they got caught by a puff, and the boat started heeling. Normally we are used to heading up to luff the sails and reduce pressure, but in this instance, you turn down and accelerate. Isn't that right, Jackdaw?
Remember asyms aren't dead downwind sails. Just as you tack upwind, you'll have to sail angles and gybe to go downwind. Depending on the cut of your asym, you might be able to get to a beam reach with it. The higher angles are where you might heel and broach with puffs.
I usually play with mine in light wind, because I sail solo most of the time. There was that one time I was out in a fresher breeze than usual, and it was pretty cool the feeling of acceleration as the puffs hit the chute.