Auger--Confirmation

[BRBHAWK]

Need some feedback.

I am going to buy my first power auger after having a lazer hand auger, I am sick of drilling through 30 in of ice by hand come mid winter.

I mostly walk onto the ice, and pull my gear in a sled. I fish in a eskimo QF III. I just got a new SUV, so when I saw the propane auger by Jiffy I was pretty excited. The weight, though has turned me off--as my sled gets heavy enough.

I have no brand loyalty, and after looking around at the show and the stores I was thinking of getting the SM S-Light II.

What are peoples thoughts, is there a better product for me?

[team wild]

I have had A strikemaster for about 18 years still runs great.Plus they are located right in big lake and has excellent customer service!!

[palisade1kid]

To answer your last question...no.

Strike Master's Strike Light is just perfect and when you think about how long they have been building them, the high quality & preformance plus they just blow through the ice...why not? Oh that was rhetorical.

[Esox_Magnum]

Since you walk out alot and have a big heavy shack ( I have the same) Look into a Nils, been around for 30+ years light weigt and drills great. Cost is not much more than the 2 mentioned but is a high quality investment that will give you many many years of use.

[Northlander]

I have been very happy with my Nils but when going from a hand auger to a power auger any of them is better than cutting by hand.

Get what fits your wallet and fishing size needs. Im guessing a 8" will do ya fine. Cut over lapping holes if you need.

[Surface Tension]

To answer your question, yes.

Nils Master. Tanaka powerhead and transmission made for industrial use.

Or a SM will suit your needs.

[Steve Foss]

There's no doubt about the track record of the SM or the Nils. I've cut a lot with the Nils and have been impressed with how it compares with other augers, but have not cut with that SM model. I'm curious about weight difference.

A pound or two = no substantial difference in the real world. Five pounds = something worth considering.

[slurpie]

I just got the nils in 8" and it cuts pretty darn good. Been cutting with a Strikemaster 2 stroke 8" for last five years and the nils may be a touch Faster. Weight is close to the same, Nils is a little lighter. was hoping to have better ice to cut some thicker to really see how it cuts. Strikemaster has great customer service and a plus if you live in MN. If you get a Nils i would get the shorter shaft option. If not in a stationary You will cut way more holes where you would not need an Extension. My nils shaft w/motor on is 60" high thats pretty tall. Good thing its light or would be really uncomfortable carrying. Strikemaster does clean out the hole better but i didnt use a scoop for either auger. They are both good augers you would be happy with both.

[Steve Foss]

Slurpie, if you get your Nils cutting head to Surface Tension for sharpening, it'll come back sharper and cut faster than the factory edge. Not kidding. Or get a second one and have him sharpen it and compare. Fella should have a second cutting head anyway for backup, though the Nils ones are pricy.

[slurpie]

That would be impressive if it could cut faster yet.

[harvey lee]

Frank does wonders with sharpening the Nils cutting head.

Steve, I believe the SM Solo is approx 2.5 pounds heavier than a Nils. Not much and the SM leaves a much cleaner hole.

Both will do a great job for anyone ice fishing.

I was a Nils believer but now use a SM Solo and love it.

[MN BassFisher]

If your budget is tight, I saw FF has the Eskimo Mako 43cc auger on sale for $254 for the week. Which is one heck of a deal. I've only used Strikemaster's and they are nice!

[MNfan]

BRBHawk I would think the propane when hauling in a SUV would be nice.

[brian6715]

BRBHawk I would think the propane when hauling in a SUV would be nice.

I have a SM Lazer Express and a Trailblazer, I have never had an issue with carrying it in the SUV. There might be a tiny bit of oil of it, which can be easily wiped off or you just always put it in with that side up.

If you are worried about it, just switch over so AMSOIL which you should anyways, and it would never ever be a problem.

I lifted one of those Jiffy augers up at a sporting goods store yesterday and just laughed. I don't know why anyone would want something that heavy!

[Cyberfish]

Nils/Tanaka! just used my new one for the first time. the only regret is I waited so long to get one!

I got the 6" bit since I fish mostly panfish, but the 8 would be great too

[Mainehazmt]

Well where you already have a lazer check out the icegators!

[Surface Tension]

A new Nils blade cuts pretty darn good. Nothing I can improve upon there. When they get dull or chipped then its time to send them in. The damage isn't always obvious, here is a good sized chip.

The material taken off to fix then sharpen a blade differs. I just like making them cut good again.

Back to the topic.

Things to consider.

Weight. I don't always hole hop but when I start drilling 10 - 50+ holes weight shouldn't be the reason I stopped drilling.

When your holding and auger out in front of you going from drill spot to drill spot you'll notice your using muscles that you might not use everyday.

Ease of cut: Same as above, the side torque eventually will get to you when drilling multiple holes.

I volunteered for a drill team at a local Tourney drilling holes before the event. Brand new Eskimo augers where part of the prizes and what we used to drill with. They cut great but the first thing I noticed was how much torque I had to hold back.

Dependability: We want our stuff to work when go out to play.

Price: That is more important to some then others.

Lastly is speed of cut:

That is somewhat important to me. If I'm fighting an auger to get a hole in the ice then sooner the better.

[Agent Andy]

Someone mentioned a propane auger. I am wondering how they start and if the cold temps will hinder starting??? I assume they are 4 stroke as they need oil in the crank case instead of in the fuel.