Anybody use the Ion in the cold???

[WalleyeBIZ]

Just ordered the new ion with rev., was wondering how cold does it really need to affect the batteries? Good or bad opinions welcome!!!

[Roger_Tango]

Just don't lay it battery side down on the ice, take the battery in the house with you and you will be fine.

[pushbutton]

Couple years ago when it first came out and knowing nothing of the battery issues; first time using it....it was about 5 degrees when going out in the morning, got up to about 15 degrees by the afternoon, drilled about 35 holes in 8 inches of ice, it sat outside all day, and maybe? ... dropped one bar on the meter, can't remember for sure. Did not drill after a about 3 hours though. Soon after and by the next time out, began hearing of the reports of of the cold battery issue ....and have always had it "inside" with me ever since, and never an issue. That's all I got....if you feel like doing further "testing" please report back Enjoy!

[WalleyeVision]

My buddy has an ION and he just keeps the battery in an inside pocket of his coat to keep it warm. I've seen him use it in -30 degree weather as long as the battery is warm when he starts.

[Big A]

I have been using the Ion since its birth.

Never an issue. Just keep the battery warm. Simple process that applies to all battery operated devices.

[Hawg]

It's soooo easy to pop the battery out, why risk it? I have the first year model and it's never been an issue.

[drscholl14]

Asked the Ion rep about this at the Blaine Hardwater show. He said the same thing. As long as it's not sitting on the ice or in terribly cold weather it will work great. Recommended keeping it in the shack as well.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I have the first generation, so it's seen quite a bit of use. I learned to keep the battery in the truck on the way to the lake, and then keep it inside the house after drilling holes. It takes 1 second to pop off, and another second to pop back on, which is way less time than starting a gas auger and letting it warm up. I've let the auger and battery sit on the ice down to about 10-15 degrees and not had a problem. Hole hopping in any temp isn't a problem if you start with a warm battery.

Here is the trick in case you forget and leave it on the ice overnight:

When you go to drill your first hole, let the auger spin freely for about 10 seconds. Then start to drill, but lift up on the auger slightly for another 10 seconds or so. By the time it spins for 20-30 seconds with less than a full load, it should be ready to go!

[WalleyeBIZ]

Well i used my ion for the first time tonight!!i must say it felt really awkward! but after it drilled the first hole i was really impressed!! I will use this forever! Did a little test! After drilling 6 or 8 holes, i layed the auger on the ice for 3 hours tonight! picked it up when i was leaving and drilled a hole no problem!! And i got a 17" walleye to boot!!!