I have never caught a steelhead, so I have no experience to draw on. I had an email exchange with an angler earlier this evening who said he has had steelhead break off when he was using 1X and 0X tippet with his 8 wt fly rod. I do not think the rod would be strong enough to stand up to force that would break 0X. (I do know of a somewhat similar rod that is rated for 12# test tippet, but it is a more expensive rod).

The Kiyose 53MF weighs 4.2 ounces without the tip cap (4.5 ounces with it).

I am confident that the rod could stand up to smaller stripers and wipers. The fish shown here was caught with a Kiyose 36SF, which is a less capable rod than the 43MF. I think it qualifies as "smaller."

kiyose-striper.jpg