Ion x

[rkpolaris]

Opinions on the new ion X auger, worth and extra $140?

[Cliff Wagenbach]

If it is even better then the old Ions, it is probably worth every penny!

Cliff

[rkpolaris]

I've got a strikemaster gas auger which has been great, but i recently purchased an ice castle and dont want to fill it full of smoke every time i drill the holes... 

Edited November 1, 2016 by rkpolaris

[Cliff Wagenbach]

12 hours ago, rkpolaris said:

I've got a strikemaster gas auger which has been great, but i recently purchased an ice castle and dont want to fill it full of smoke every time i drill the holes... 

That was the main reason that I bought one of the first Ions that came out! No reverse on that model which would be nice to have but still a great investment!

I gave away both of my gas augers after using the Ion for one winter. It works great inside the house and also outside on remote trips.

Cliff

[eyeguy 54]

I would like a little less weight and I see the 6 inch is 21 pounds. My lazer mag express weighs 28.5.  Might be time to sell my express. tuned it up a year ago and put new blades on it last march.  in sauk rapids if anyone interested. 8 inch. 

[Hawg]

I don't have the X but I do have reverse. I had the other one w/o reverse and would not spend the extra money for reverse again. Outside you don't care if the slush come up and inside a Slush Copter works 100 times better. I don't see the need to go from last years model to an x for the few cosmetics they did to it. I am a hard core Ion guy just so you know. 

[eyeguy 54]

do you have the extension on all year. I see the auger is only 34 inches.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I keep the extension on all winter because I am 6' and it fits me better especially when the ice gets deeper.

Cliff

[JollyJoker]

Isn't the only thing that is different is the battery size? You can get the new bigger battery for your current ION and have the same thing. This will let you drill ALOT more holes.

[Hawg]

Clam makes an extendable extension that works very well and I leave mine on all the time.

[rkpolaris]

Bought an Ion X today, got a great price at the Hardwater ice expo! just waiting for some ice...

[Bass Thumb]

On November 7, 2016 at 8:56 AM, JollyJoker said:

Isn't the only thing that is different is the battery size? You can get the new bigger battery for your current ION and have the same thing. This will let you drill ALOT more holes.

 

Along with the bigger battery, it has a nicer grip/trigger setup. I feels a lot more sturdy to me. I also like the lights on it that aim towards the hole when you're drilling in the dark -- minor, I know. I've also heard that the new cast iron ring on the bottom allows for better and smoother cuts than the older model.

 

I picked an Ion X up last weekend and can't wait to use it.

[holmsvc]

Has anyone had issues with the cast bottom icing up badly in cold weather.

?  My buddy had his out the other day and it was a big problem for him.

[Bass Thumb]

2 hours ago, holmsvc said:

Has anyone had issues with the cast bottom icing up badly in cold weather.

?  My buddy had his out the other day and it was a big problem for him.

 

Yes, the auger is almost unusable because of that issue.

 

The issue is covered in this thread comparing the Strikemaster Lithium Lazer vs the Eskimo Ion X on HSO

 

http://hotspotoutdoors.com/forums/topic/180035-ion-x-or-strikemaster-lithium-lazer/

[millea19]

The x has a slimmer handle to get into the corners of the ice castles

[Ray Berg]

My ion x blade froze up on 3rd hole drilled this weekend. Until then it cut lick butter. Had to set up portable and soften up frozen blades on heater to chip it loose.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

The old Ion blades also freeze up on occasion but easy to clean. I just tap the back portion of the blades with my metal ice scoop handle to knock the ice film off, no big deal. Just do not hit the sharp edge! that will ruin the blades!

Cliff

[Sculpin]

Also, take care not to lay it on the ice with the battery down. The cold will take a toll in that situation very quickly.  

[Hawg]

Unlike last years, this years has a plate under/behind the blades that's holding the snow and ice. I'm a house guy so no problem but it would suck if I wasn't by the sounds of things. I'll have mine outside one of these days to see if it's a real problem or just inexperience, but it sounds like it might be for real. I bet Ion is absolutely terrified if it's true.