Augers - Just the facts.

[josh_c]

I have a Eskimo Mako, bought this year and have drilled about a hundred holes with it. Works great and I don't think I've burnt a half tank fuel yet, it's quiet, and starts easy(1-3 pulls). They did go from a Tecumseh engine to a chinese made one, but you pay at least a hundo less then the comparable SM or Jiffy. And from what I read I'm glad the coin flip turned up heads when deciding between the SM solo and what I bought.

Only complant would be redrilling holes is a little tough, but I assume that's the case with all augers. I also don't have alot of experiance doing this as I hop around alot.

[Myrt]

I have a SM Lazer Pro 3HP Solo on the way. I hope I made the right decision. This was considered an upgrade for me from my 7 year old SM Lazermag, which had no problems. Should I wd-40 the recoil right off the bat, or not worry about it unless I have an issue?

[harvey lee]

When I picked my Solo up, StrikeMaster told me they corrected the recoil issue so no wd 40 is needed.

[hamms-scooter]

One thing I will say is that if I'm fishing in -20 weather, I will take my old Jiffy Model 30, or any good running auger with a chipper blade for that matter.

[Bob Clausen2]

Josh, Re-drilling is a female dog with most augers. With the Eskimos and their nearly flat head it's a NASTY NASTY female dog. I drill all the new holes with my Eski and my buddy does all the re-drilling with his Jiffy. My other complaint with the Eskimo is the lack of guidepoint to center the bit, but I made one and welded it on and it would hardly drill at all, so off it came. Any holes I drill in a fish house are centered in the floor opening only by coincidence. Those complaints voiced, I'll replace it when and if it dies with another Eskimo for reasons mentioned earlier. BTW, in 25+ years I've never had an icing issue...the auger fins may get some buildup, but the ice on the blades seems to shuck off as soon as I start drilling. I've never brought it in to thaw as I don't want it to develop any bad habits or false expectations.

[Myrt]

After talking with some people outside of this forum it sounds like if you would get a defective recoil on the new SM's you can get a new one fast from SM and quickly(week) and be on your way with no other issues. The guys I talked to , one has replaced the recoil and is very happy and the rest are too, with no other issues, except being extremely satisfied. I already have extension and extra blades so I'll stick with SM Pro purchase and hopefully be happy!

[Steve Foss]

I've never brought it in to thaw as I don't want it to develop any bad habits or false expectations.

Now that's funny right there!

[josh_c]

yeah i like that too

[harvey lee]

Used my new Solo again today.

Everything workes perfect and she cut like a dream. No issues with binding when going through the bottom.