I thought someone would have answered this post before I bought this rod. I love the lightness of the Kistlers and their swimbait rod is no different. The rod is a little softer in the tip than some and is rated 1-5 oz at 8'. It seems like it loads up easier to me than the Dobyns or Powell that I have but I think my Dobyns is 3-8 oz rated and my Powell 8-16 oz. I can throw the 8" hudd on it but it takes some time to get used to for accuracy's sake because it loads up different than the others. It is my favorite rod and I can fish it all day without getting sore. I was fishing Graftechs and decided to go up and spend more money for a technique specific rod. I am glad I did I highly reccomend this rod and like to fish it on the new Curado 301 which replaced my Calcutta 401 te's, it feels like my most ergonomic combo.
Peace Rich