Strikemaster solo 2.5 hp or 3 hp?

[Pete16]

I am looking at getting a new auger. Should i go with the 2.5 hp or for 50 bucks more go with the 3 hp. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

[Jarrod32]

Probably not enough difference there to make it worth the $50.

[MidCoast]

I have one with 3 hp and the extra hp is great.

[Superhog]

I have one with 3 hp and the extra hp is great.

I have the 3 HP and it blows through the ice with a 10" auger. I would recommend!

Adam

[Borch]

They weigh the same so no reason to go small other than $50.

[harvey lee]

I have the 2.5 hp and I am very happy with the cutting speed. I do not see where I would ever need the extra .5 hp.

[bigwalleyeguy]

I also am looking for a new auger. Is the strikemaster solo as good as it gets? How much does this auger weigh in at?

[harvey lee]

I believe they are about 25 pounds.

I have used many brands in the past years and I have alway been a huge fan of the Nils auger until the Strike Master SOLO came out.

The Solo is a couple pounds heavier than the Nils.

Cutting speed wise I believe they are about the same.

I think both have great cutting tips that will last even the busiest ice fisherman a full season plus if the tip is taken care of.

In regards to cutting the hole and leaving ice chips in the hole, the Strike Master is the winner there.

When it comes to service, since Strike Master is a local Minnesota company in Big Lake, from what I have been told and have read in the Fishing Minnesota forums, Strike Master wins there.

I could go fishing and use either auger but my personal choice would be the Strike master for the above listed reasons.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I had the same question last year. I ended up going with the 2.5HP simply because there were no 3HP models left. If both are available, I see no reason to not go with the 3HP. That said, the 2.5HP is faster than anything I have ever drilled with, almost to the point of being dangerous! I absolutely love that auger.

[Pete16]

thanks for the advice guys. i ended up going with the 2.5 hp. I hope to be ripping through some ice this weekend!

[Superhog]

Just a side note, I bought the 3hp last year and there was bit of an issue with the recoil having 2 heavy of a grease. I think they have since fixed the issue, but in case not here is some info....

[albhb3]

superhog they did fix it

[blackleech]

We get thick ice up hear in Canada, quite abit thicker then you guys in Minnesota and alot of people use the 2.5 hp They rip through the ice just as good as a 3 hp. If you were to go for a 10" auger I would take a 3hp but an 8"..the 2.5 hp work excellent.

[tsande00]

Agreed on the 2.5HP - I see no reason to spend another $50 for the extra 1/2 HP. I too have the 2.5 and it cuts so fast its crazy. Leaves a nice clean hole when done cutting too.

You won't regret this purchase.

[albhb3]

yep just pick up a lazer mag tonight myself come on ice!

[palisade1kid]

I like the 3hsp for when I'm at the hole bottom to rip through in deep ice.They both weigh the same....more power ...oh-oh-ohhhh!