what ice auger to buy

[newtofishing]

I need a new auger. I will not be drilling tons of holes each time out. Most likely always less than 10. The more I research this the more confusing it is- battery, propane or gas?? Looking for recommendation on the best type and value.

thanks

[NCLaker]

I'm a 2 stroke fan (Strikemaster Solo), but for your needs the new battery powered options may be worth considering. Zero maintenance, and more reliable because far less to go wrong except for new/sharpen blades every few years.

[Hawg]

You sure sound like an electric application to me, especially if you use a house, if not there are a lot of options. You can't really go wrong with any new auger.

[Northlander]

Yes I would surely look into the new Strikemaster Lithium Ion Auger. Great running, fast cutting and no smells. You can see them at www.iceforce.com

[Redlineracer12]

Zero maintenance, and more reliable because far less to go wrong except for new/sharpen blades every few years.

I don't know if I would say Zero maintenance... You don't need to monkey with gas/oil or tuneup issues, but you WILL eventually need to replace the battery. I haven't heard of any issues with the Ion batteries crapping out yet though, and they have been out a few years now.

[brian6715]

I like the electric idea, but IMO the battery technology is not where it needs to be yet. My experience with Lithium Ion is the batteries last about 3 years, and of course there will be guys who say "oh I have had my lithium ion tool 5 years and it's going strong!" but I really believe the average life is 3 years.

Now I think about that and the fact that I bought my Strikemaster when I was in college in 2006... meaning I would of had to replace batteries in 2009 and probably 2012. That's scary considering they are $150! So hypothetically if I could have bought an Ion in 2006, I would have at least $300 more invested in batteries at this point, maybe $600 if I am running two batteries. This is why in all my research I have done I am going to end up going with the 4-stroke honda... still light weight but doesn't leave the 2 stroke smell. I would stick with my Lazer until the day I die but I am now the owner of a nice wheel house and I am not a huge fan of musty 2-stroke smell; so hopefully the 4-stroke will last me 20-30 years!

[Hawg]

Brian, you are right on all counts, I think the battery expense just needs to be understood because no one knows how long they are going to last. BUT-Before you buy go out to a house with a guy with an electric and see how nice they are and how little mess there is because you don't have to sweep ice first, then get it out, and then wait for your floor to dry. I'll pay the $50 a year any day for the ease of them. But you're right in that a 4 stroke or propane is a huge advantage over adding getting the smokey air out to the list.

[brian6715]

That's a really good point Hawg and I bet you are right on with your statement. My problem is I am a hole hopper most of the time and a wheel house guy on long weekends when the wife wants to go. There are days where 40+ holes are not out of the question for me, and I worry about the battery life. If I wasn't a guy who drilled as many holes as I do or if I only fished out of a wheel house, I would probably be looking really hard at the electric options.

My ideal setup would be an Ion or Strikemaster Lithium for the house and a Solo Pro Lazer for hole hopping... but unfortunately I don't have $1100+ laying around in the auger fund

From my understanding the Honda isn't perfect either... it has a long warm up time (5 mins?) and sometimes can get caught at the bottom of the hole (my Lazer did that before a little adjustment too, though)

[Hook'emhard]

Find a used one on hsolist and go test it out. Get it started and warmed up and then shut off for 5mins and then pull again. IF it starts by 3rd pull give 50-100 bucks less than they want and buy it. ALOT of people want to get rid of them for 150bucks or less and at least you wont have to shell out a lot of money for a brand new one.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

A couple thoughts...

Find a used Strikemaster from about 15 years ago that is in good shape. Pre-yellow button days. Anyone who has one will know what I mean. They are indestructible. Should be able to find a good one for $200 or less.

After this season you should be able to find a nice used ION for about $300. I see these batteries lasting 5 years. I'm on year 3. Mine has been used a ton, and still holds a really good charge. Even if you had to pick up a new battery, you are about $100 ahead of buying new.

If I were going to only have one auger, I'd get a 2.5HP Solo and run it with Amsoill 100:1. There is zero smoke or oil splatter. It'll stink up the wheel house, but not like the old days of 32:1. Lightweight, reliable, fast, and relatively inexpensive. Wait for one of the big boxes to have a sale.

[dan z]

I found a strike light ( strikemaster 4 stroke)on c list early last winter and paid $200. Best deal I've ever encountered.

[Greenhornet84]

I think the reverse option on the ion will be nice when we get thicker ice

[ClownColor]

I was in your boat a few years back and bought electric cause I only drilled a few hole...flash forward...bought a gas and would never go back. Your style of fishing will change the more you get involved especially once you get an auger that'll drill more than 10 holes. Don't make a $400 mistake and just go get a gas auger that fit all fishing needs. When you get more money, THAN go buy an electric if you have a wheel house. No one should ONLY own an electric auger...

I got the Nils which is kind of expensive but I fits my style. I wouldn't hesitate to buy Eskimo or jiffy either. They'll all pop holes better than a hand auger.

[B-man715]

With your fishing style and if you are already hooked on the sport (and upgrade every few years), electric would be a great option. If you are just getting into it I would go with gas just for the longevity and resale in the long run.

A guy at work asked the exact same question to me. He is thinking about getting into the sport and asked what would be best.

He knows how much I love the Ion for what I do (wheel house and some tip ups + some bouncing around), and said that he was interested in getting one.

My advice to him???? Buy a used gas auger and a back up carb kit or even two...... Just for the simple reason of how fast technology is changing in the electric auger market.

Who the hell knows how available replacement batteries and chargers will be for the Ions and Strikemasters in say 2....5.....or 10 years down the road. My best guess is you will pay a crazy premium, and even more likely not even be able to get parts at all.

I love electric, but I know for a fact (since history repeats itself), that in twenty years every current Ion and electric Strikemaster will be buried in a land fill for just that reason.....or you could pull that back up carb kit off the shelf and be rocking the ice just like it was new.

You pay for convenience.......

[rascal23]

Just got SM honda. My main thing was weight. I've been luggin around a jiffy 3hp for 20 some years, and I drill alot of holes. Plain tired of the weight. Tossed around the Ion, SM 2 stroke and honda. Tried real hard to like the Ion, but couldn't bring myself to deal with ANOTHER battery. Next was speed. 2 stroke and 4 stoke were so close it was a push. No mixing and quieter sealed it on the honda, even for a little more $. I've used it on 1 outing so far - wow. I did not find that it needed 5 min warm-up. I'm impatient. A couple min. maybe and if it started to kill, I just let up. After a couple of holes, it was on. No catching at the bottom unless I did some side-by-side for sight fishing. Probabaly won't do many of those, don't want to take a chance on bending the blade mounts.

For you, what hook-em said was probably the way to go. Alot of used augers out there, including mine soon. Not sure about the 100-50$ off. 10- 15% off seems like a good counter unless you don't mind going away empty.

rascal