I have done the same upgrade on my Saltist (Complete bearing set and Carbontex Drag) and the results have been nothing but pleasure. For rock and surf getting better distance on the casts as the spool is much smoother and the improved drag has been very impressive, Have taken a few nice size Dorado offshore with the reel on a Kingfisher Couta Ski rod and I will now only use this reel for the small to med game fish. When fighting size fish, the reel is alot smoother when cranking under load.
Has made a huge improvement and i say it was worth every sent. (still alot cheaper than a Saltiga, but now performing like one)