i have the saltist 50 (star drag) cant say i use it .. its not bad but there is soo much better .. its now just sitting on the bench gathering dust .. i much prefer the talica 8 

I have both the LD20 and the talica 8. The lever drag saltists are a fair bit different to the star drag ones. The 20 size is pretty damn small and compact makes in a nice little reel. The retreive ratio is pretty quick but its still quite easy to crank stuff up (perfect). The ball knob handle is the best i've used. Def go the 20 size over the 30, and I think the single speeds are nicer (who really needs two speed in a reel that small). I use it on a few diff rods and it makes a really nice combo. Managed to fit 600yd of 20lb tufline on it so has pretty good capacity.

On the down side, the waterproofing isnt the best (some odd choices, IMO). The bearing under the handle is succeptible to water ingress, and so is the lever. The lever design seems to 'stick' up a bit so sometimes it can be hard to push to engage (combination of the pin design and the salt build up, and yes I wash it after every session). Also, I've had sticky drag due to water getting in. Its not that hard to pull apart and clean though then its good as gold. The paint/coating could be a little tougher. Though, even though its not perfect, its still a great little reel, especially for the price. Just gotta take care of it and wash/clean it.

The talica is certainly a nicer reel. You can tell its in a new class just by playing with it. I havent used it a lot yet though. Lever is super smooth, reel is smooth, nice fishing, nice looks, supposed to be better at casting, etc. Has a nicer anodised clamp and even comes with a extra cam for 10kg mono! The booklet is really informative too which is cool. Explains how the drag cams work and how the drag changes with line leaving the spool. Ok, not everyone will care, but a nice point :p. Again, get the single speed one if you dont absolutely need the 2 speed (Brody at the fishing shop can order you in a single speed). Very similar size on the palming side, but more rounded. Handle knob isnt as nice though. The saltist is 380, and the talica is 450, so a bit heavier, but both pretty light anyways.

The talica is definitely in a class of its own, but then its also a fair bit more expensive. I still quite like the saltist, so if its more your budget, then i'm still happy to recommend it, but the talica is a better reel if the budget allows.

(long post I know, but a fair few people might be eyeing off either of the two reels)

 mate i had one and the main shaft tends to strip on heavy wear, i wouldnt bother cheers !!!!!!

Question is are you asking about the Saltist 20 star drag or Lever drag??

The other question is what size line are you planning to run on it and the rod???

The LD SINGLE SPEED SALTIST go pretty hard, but have a problem with the ratchet springs, too weak an just give out, i spose it doesnt help when ur 80 metres away from ur rod with a 2kg fish for bait and ur rod is screaming probly build up the kilometeres on the "ratchet odometre" haha i upgraded my springs to heavy duty ones made the biggest difference... 

Got the Saltist 30TH, not a bad reel but starting to have a few dramas with it now.  I reckon theres better options out there though.

ive been using the Saltist LD40H for around 6 months now and have yet to fault it! The retreivle speed is awesome when bottom bouncing over 60m and find the drag system to be pretty smooth. Stopped its fair share of monsters ;)

i

 thanks for all your advice guys really appreciate it.