Strike_Lite or Solo?

[Sportland_Bait]

I am going to pull the trigger on a new auger this week. What do you guys think. Strike-Lite or the new Solo? All I care about is dependability, easy starting, etc. I assume they both cut at about the same rate.

Jason

[zamboni]

If you got the $$$$ StrikeLite all the way.

[Esox_Magnum]

I wouldnt overlook the Nils, has what you want. But Strikemasters are good augers just beware of the grease problem in the new Solo Recoils and clean it or have it checked before using.

[Spearing Machine]

Jason, Be aware too that the strikelite doesn't work very well later in the winter when the ice gets thicker. We had had problems with the blades icing over and not cutting and the synthetic (plastic) auger bit isn't real high so it doesn't auger the ice out of the hole real well. I would suggest if you picked up a lite to pick up a metal bit (its a little heavier but eliminates problems)

[river rat316]

I was gonna say the same thing, strike lite with a metal blade

[joneshat11]

Go for the 3hp solo, you'll be amazed at the speed.

[hibanks1]

Checked out those solo powerheads yesterday and couldnt believe the amount of plastic on it...especially the throttle linkage....looked really flimsy...i have an older mag 2000 and have had problems with the throttle lever breaking, recoil, and the on off switch..all but the throttle lever were covered under warranty....i don't like the chincy plastic on the new powerhead...but I am sure they run good..

[Sportland_Bait]

Thanks guys, I ended up going with the Solo 3hp. Sounds like they are both great. Hopefully it works out.

Jason Erlandson

[Quetico]

I fished with someone Friday that had the new strike lite. It was a scouting trip so we drilled a ton.

Pro: Very quiet and easy to start. We must have drilled 50-60 holes without making a noticeable change in the gas tank. Barely used any gas at all. No noticeable fumes or exhaust.

Con: The bit is where the weight difference is. It seems flimsy. To re-enforce it they put a huge plastic ring around the blades. This causes massive ice build up on the blades and is difficult to clean. The engine seemed a bit light on the power. Not the power I'm used to from my old 2hp Jiffy.

The owner loves it but he's trading out the bit and going with a standard Lazer bit.

[joneshat11]

Sportland, it's a sweet engine but call strikemaster and ask the best way to treat the bad grease in the recoil. Otherwise, you will spring it!!

[jigginjim]

I have an older strikemaster, if it does clean the ice chips out to my liking. I just stop and clean out the chips which has save some of the scooping ice out of the holes.

[Zaraspooks]

I've always been a Strikemaster guy so I talked a buddy into purchasing a new one this year. First pull on the cord and it would not recoil. Talked to a gu at Joe's Sporting Goods and he says they have had some issues with the grease they were using in the recoil. Not an official recall but sounds like Strikemaster is fixing it for free and it sounds like they are fixing quite a few of them

[Bigslugger]

Just picked up a Solo 3 hp on Saturday. The thing is a champ on the ice. I haven't had any problems but it chews up the gas fast. Cuts like a dream and is fast as heck. Easy starting and it wont die until you kill it, even when holding it upside down. It also needs little warm up time.

[fishing is hot]

The WD40 dilutes the little grease there is. After you are done you won’t need to add any other grease. This is what I was told at Strikemaster today. If I knew how to post a PDF file . I could scan the procedure that Strikemaster recommends

[jltimm]

Here Ya go. Conditioning Your Recoil

Prior to putting gas in your auger’s power head we recommend (in a warm environment), liberally spray WD‐40®

on the recoil mechanism as show in the pictures below:

Spray the WD‐40® where the recoil rope and the metal guide meet. Again, please liberally spray the WD‐40® to

ensure it lubricates the whole recoil mechanism. This will ensure your power head performs in the conditions

Ice fishermen encounter during the winter.

[wbliceman]

the solo is sweet!!

[&JAG]

Good to see you came to Strikemaster Big Slugger! Last season I was ready to tell you to hang out with the Jiffy Cheese Heads we fish with on the backwaters lol