Depends on what you mean by over-rated. The line classification that Shimano puts on this rod doesn't mean that you have to use that heavy of line. For instance, this rod is rated for 50-100 pound test. I would use 30 pound line. If the rod can't take but 10 pounds of drag, then why put on anything heavier?
The trevala series of rods by Shimano have sold by the thousands. It wouldn't surprise me if they have sold over a million trevala rods the past year worldwide. They are not for my style of fishing. I like a stiffer rod. But, with a lifetime warranty, Shimano has opted to make this series almost unbreakable. It bends and bends and bends. I call this type of rod a "noodle rod". When you line starts hitting your foregrip, you will loosen the drag. No way you can break this rod without cutting yourself with the line pulling off.
I think as long as you use it for small fish (5-30 pounds) it's an OK rod. The
5'8" XXH rod is stiffer but I wouldn't put more than 14#s of drag on it. I wouldn't attempt to use any of the trevala rods for hogging up big fish. Not enough backbone. But, there are a lot of people that love to fight a fish for a long period of time. If you like light tackle fishing the trevala series is for you.
