Does anyone fish this rod?  

Looking for a rod to do some jerkbait duties and throw squarebills. I'm mainly wondering if a KVD 2.5 is too much for this rod? 

It specs the same as the Randy H. Elite ML rod, which I've heard handles them fine. But wondered if anyone had first hand experience. 

Honestly, I can use the same rod for jerkbaits, 1.0 and 1.5 (6'10" M MF), but for the 2.5, I use my spinnerbait/chatterbait rod which is a 7' MHMF with 15lb fluoro.

I own and use the Tatula XT 7' MLR, and use it almost exclusively for bombing Strike King 3XDs.  It'll handle a bait up to ½ an ounce very well, and probably cover a ton of water with a 2.5 size squarebill.  I've never tried it with a jerkbait because I prefer a rod with just enough tip strength to work a jerkbait with minimal movement, but still load up with a green one on the other end of the line.

1 minute ago, Hook2Jaw said:

I own and use the Tatula XT 7' MLR, and use it almost exclusively for bombing Strike King 3XDs.  It'll handle a bait up to ½ an ounce very well, and probably cover a ton of water with a 2.5 size squarebill.  I've never tried it with a jerkbait because I prefer a rod with just enough tip strength to work a jerkbait with minimal movement, but still load up with a green one on the other end of the line.

 

Good info. I'd assume the actions in the XT and Tat are similar... maybe. 

KVD 2.5s are technically 5/8oz, which I know it's "rated" for... But you never know on a "ML" rod. 

 

I have two of the original black/gold Tatula 701MLRB casting rods with the short rear handle.  One is brand new with tags (extra) and the other I use the heck out of.  I have either an SV103H or an IP68 on it and it fishes jerkbaits, small spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and crankbaits really well.  

I really wonder if the Tat MLR blank is about the same as the Elite MLR blank. Because Brent Ehrler says he’s throws up to 3/4oz top water on the elite MLR.

Anyone else have this rod? Or the Medium Regular? 

Unfortunately there's no where near me that I can put my hands on one. 

Just to update for readers in the future. 

 

The 7' ML/R just delivered. This is the graphite Tatula labeled "jerkbait". 

The tip definitely has some give to it, and it seems faster than what most companies would call "moderate". I'd say definitely "moderate-fast". 

 

It's rated up to 5/8oz, but I'm questioning that. It feels like a KVD 2.5 is going to push it pretty hard. I think it may be a little too soft, and a little too fast to be the rod I'm looking for.... But it does seem like a great jerkbait rod. 
 

ETA:

I spoke too soon on not handling 5/8. This rod is actually pretty stiff. The tip is soft, and that’s what I was feeling earlier, but it gets beefier fairly quick.  
 

For comparison, this “ML/R” is as stiff or stiffer than my “M/F” Carbonlite, and pretty much just as fast. They are almost identical rods as far as power/action. Weird. Was definitely hoping for a slower action. I may return it, as it feels too much like a duplicate in my lineup. 
 

It’s definitely slower than my 6’10” Fast Tatula, but that one would be considered XF in a lot of brands.