Strikemaster Hondas - Updated Opinions?

[TMF89]

I'm getting a new auger this year (because I want one that works more than one out of five outtings), and I'm considering the Honda. The two big cons I've heard about are cold starting and thick ice. I've read plenty of reviews, but almost all of them were from people who just got the auger, or had only taken it out a few times. Being a small engine I'm sure it has some sort of break in period, so I'm looking for information from guys who ran a Honda last year. After using it for a full season or two, what do you think? Thanks!

[fishattacker]

I bought one last year in the beginning of the season. I used it from December to April. I had zero issues starting it well below zero. I maybe had to pull it three times. One time it did catch at the very bottom and I had issues getting it out of the hole. That was more due to my error.

Late season I had no issues going through thick ice. I never measured it but I know I needed an extension. The only thing I had to make sure I did was clear the ice chips when the auger screw got below ice level.

I am very happy with the auger and cannot wait to get out on the ice again shortly.

[Hoey]

I picked one up last year at the Ice Fishing Show, an 8 incher. The only remark I have is that I was shocked at how quite it is, and just about everyone who used it or were standing around when I started it up was, a double take. No issues with starting, not as cold blooded as my Solo, and I do not recall any issues with thick ice.

Odd was the little jug of crankcase oil that you had to pour in, something like 4 ounces....

The only problem I had with it was, it got banged around a bit in the portable behind the sled and some of the plastic cowling got busted up - fishing guests do not take care of stuff like I do. This year it will ride in a new auger rack.

[DRH1175]

I would buy one in a heart beat. I currently have the last year of the Strike Lite 2 with the Robin engine and love it!! The Honda is even better because of no worries of leaking oil. No worries in thick ice, Just empty out the ice from the hole a couple times while drilling in 30" Ice and no issues.

[WARRIOR 2090]

I have one with the 10 blade it does take a little break in it cuts better with more time on it starts good in the cold needs to warm up more than a 2 smoke I like it alot and so does anybody that sees it work and it is very quite

[TMF89]

Warrior, how does the engine handle that 10" blade in extreme cold and thick ice? You guys are definitely making me feel like the Honda might be the way to go!

[shooter_mcgavin]

Not a Honda review, but I had the previous generation of 4-stroke strikemaster for a few weeks. Every hole I drilled, the bit would catch hard right before breaking through. I had to brace myself for it every time. The last time it caught, something in the transmission broke and the engine wouldn't spin the auger anymore. Returned it and bought a 2-stroke. Probably just had a defective one but wasn't willing to give it a second try. The 2-stroke never binds before breaking through.

[gogophers]

I had the opposite of the above. My old 2 stroke strikemaster used to catch at the bottom of the hole, and with the change to the Honda, I haven't had any problems. As you said, its probably the blade or pitch vs the engine though.

I love my Honda 4. Super quiet compared to the 2 stroke, easy cutting, and no stink when I am done drilling holes. I didn't notice a big change for better or worse in terms of cutting speed compared to my old 2 stroke.

[JSK76]

I bought the Honda lite 10" last year. It wouldn't start in extreme cold but a call to Strikemaster and they told me to turn up the idle, after that it started in 7 pulls down to I think it was -25. Warmer weather starts first pull. I have the catching at the bottom of the hole issues, it just seems like the 10" might be a bit much. I also don't have more then 20 holes on it so maybe after the break in period others talk about it won't catch at the bottom anymore. I love how quiet the engine is, I start it every few weeks in the off seasons just to listen to it purr!

[Northlander]

I love my strikemaster Honda. Quiet, no messy mixing of gas/oil and plenty fast and light. Only issue I had was having to open the gas cap and burp it in cold temps or it would bog down. After I learned this trick, especially after traveling long distances in the truck or on ice its been a great unit.

[Iceboy]

Do you guys have to change the oil every year then in the 4 strokes?

[BartmanMN]

Do you have to to? No.

Should you? Yes. Well it depends on how much you fish

It takes 2 minutes to do.