Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Which auger brand is best?

GotALunker

By GotALunker
in Ice Fishing

 Share

Recommended Posts

GotALunker Collaborator

GotALunker

Posted
Posted

I'm new to the forums, so this post might be a review for some of you.

But I'm thinking of 'pulling the trigger' on a power auger. Not sure if I'll go new or used but I have a basic question for the forum.

What brand of auger would the forums recommend? Consider: engine dependency, brand loyalty, known issues, longevity, cost/value analysis, engine size, weight, auger size, etc.

Any information you might be able to provide would be helpful.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
The_Diesel Enthusiast

The_Diesel

Posted
Posted

I bought a new Jiffy this year, the cheap 2 hp 8" one when it was on sale at Fleet Farm on Black Friday. Works just fine for me. I know a lot of guys like the StrikeMasters because they're made locally and if any issues arise it's a bit easier to get them fixed. I don't see too many of the Eskimo ones talked about here, but when doing price comparisons they tend to be the cheapest of the options. They brag about their viper engine too, being the only true 'ice fishing engine.' Take that however you want.

All in all, I don't think you really can go wrong with any of these brands if you get a new one. I personally didn't elect to get an used one, just because I'm always a bit weary of buying any used motorized item. Can never really tell how it was treated before, how well it was maintained, what kind of fuels and oils were used, etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
zamboni Grand Master

zamboni

Posted
Posted

um yeah...I guess I wasn't thinking about the can o' worms situation.

It's like if you ask stereo enthusiasts what kind of speakers are best or what kind of receiver, or for that matter chevy vs ford.

Thanks everyone!

It's nothing against you, you are, like you said- new. This happens every year, augers and flashers. Go up the dark green stripe and type in auger in the search, you will find a ton of great info on all the companies, but I will tell you, the best way to find your favorite on both flashers and augers would be out on the ice, don't be bashful, if you see a guy drilling, take a minute and ask them about their auger- they may even let you drill a hole or two.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
olbaidhh Community Regular

olbaidhh

Posted
Posted

Had a Strike Master Lazer Mag for years, great auger, performed well easy to get parts, maintain etc.

Sold it to my buddy this winter and bought the Jiffy MAX 4 Just as nice, powerful etc. (don't have the years on it yet I did the Lazer) but I am sure it will last.

I don't think you can go wrong with most of the top end brands, get the one that fits your budget and needs (my MAX 4 is heavy) wouldn't recommend it for a lot of running and gunning... but for a perm... AWESOME.

So my point is ... budget, weight, etc. consider all those and then make your decision, you cant really go wrong with any of the top brands.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tsande00 Experienced

tsande00

Posted
Posted

Tight Budget/Light Weight: Eskimo

Fast Cutting/No Budget (expensive)/ Light Weight: Nils

Heavy Duty (tried and true)/But Heavy Weight: Jiffy

Fast cutting/Easy Servicing/Light Weight: StrikeMaster

The favorite on these boards seems to be StrikeMaster and Nils (to answer your basic question)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GotALunker Collaborator

GotALunker

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Okay...so I went out and bought a new SM Lazer Pro last Thursday. I tell you what, I can't be more pleased. Thanks to everyone for all the usefull information on here. All the tips and suggestions were really helpful.

A friend just ordered the new Eskimo Shark 3HP too so it'll be interesting just to have a showdown and see which one comes out on top.

Have a great year on the ice everyone!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Northlander Grand Master

Northlander

Posted
Posted

After running about every auger on the market including the new propane I am sure I made the right decision by buying my Nils. Light, fast cutting, can get the standard shaft and not need a extension or if your a short person get the shorter shaft.

Buy what you can afford and fits your needs best. If you only cut lets say 20 or less holes each time you go out just about any auger will do. If you re open a lot of holes get a chipper style and the Jiffy is the one I would get for that.

If you want electric I would go Ice Gator.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Brad B Veteran

Brad B

Posted
Posted

I am still running a Mag III that I bought new in 1986. When or if it ever dies it will be replaced by another Strikemaster.

can't go wrong with a Mag III I have a 1991 model and it is still like brand new plus I love the metal handles over the composites of today, no fear of breaking them. like you if mine every stops working another strikemaster is what I will get.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now ↓↓↓ or ask your question and then register. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Wanderer
      Just Food and Drink

      By Wanderer · Posted

      It’s done automatically.  You might need an actual person to clear that log in stuff up.   Trash your laptop history if you haven’t tried that already.
    • smurfy
      Just Food and Drink

      By smurfy · Posted

      😂 yea pretty amazing how b o o b i e s gets flagged, but they can't respond or tell me why I  can't get logged in here on my laptop but I can on my cellular  😪
    • Mike89
      Just Food and Drink

      By Mike89 · Posted

      I grilled some brats yesterday, maybe next weekend will the next round...  
    • Wanderer
      Just Food and Drink

      By Wanderer · Posted

      You got word censored cuz you said        B o o b ies….. haha.   Yeah, no… grilling is on hiatus for a bit.
    • smurfy
      Just Food and Drink

      By smurfy · Posted

      Chicken mine,  melded in Mccormick poultry seasoning for 24 hours.  Grill will get a break till the frigid temps go away!
    • Mike89
      Problems with Yetti

      By Mike89 · Posted

      good luck!!!   
    • rundrave
      Problems with Yetti

      By rundrave · Posted

      we had some nice weather yesterday and this conundrum was driving me crazy  so I drove up to the house to take another look. I got a bunch of goodies via ups yesterday (cables,  winch ratchet parts, handles, leaf springs etc).   I wanted to make sure the new leaf springs I got fit. I got everything laid out and ready to go. Will be busy this weekend with kids stuff and too cold to fish anyway, but I will try to get back up there again next weekend and get it done. I don't think it will be bad once I get it lifted up.    For anyone in the google verse, the leaf springs are 4 leafs and measure 25 1/4" eye  to eye per Yetti. I didnt want to pay their markup so just got something else comparable rated for the same weight.   I am a first time wheel house owner, this is all new to me. My house didn't come with any handles for the rear cables? I was told this week by someone in the industry that cordless drills do not have enough brake to lower it slow enough and it can damage the cables and the ratchets in the winches.  I put on a handle last night and it is 100% better than using a drill, unfortatenly I found out the hard way lol and will only use the ICNutz to raise the house now.
    • Wanderer
      Problems with Yetti

      By Wanderer · Posted

      I haven’t done any leaf springs for a long time and I can’t completely see the connections in your pics BUT I I’d be rounding up: PB Blaster, torch, 3 lb hammer, chisel, cut off tool, breaker bar, Jack stands or blocks.   This kind of stuff usually isn’t the easiest.   I would think you would be able to get at what you need by keeping the house up with Jack stands and getting the pressure off that suspension, then attack the hardware.  But again, I don’t feel like I can see everything going on there.
    • rundrave
      Problems with Yetti

      By rundrave · Posted

      reviving an old thread due to running into the same issue with the same year of house. not expecting anything from yetti and I already have replacement parts ordered and on the way.   I am looking for some input or feedback on how to replace the leaf springs themselves.    If I jack the house up and remove the tire, is it possible to pivot the axel assembly low enough to get to the other end of the leaf spring and remove that one bolt?   Or do I have to remove the entire pivot arm to get to it? Then I also have to factor in brake wire as well then. What a mess   My house is currently an hour away from my home at a relatives, going to go back up and look it over again and try to figure out a game plan.           Above pic is with house lowered on ice, the other end of that leaf is what I need to get to.   above pic is side that middle bolt broke and bottom 2 leafs fell out here is other side that didnt break but you can see bottom half of leaf already did but atleast bolt is still in there here is hub assembly in my garage with house lowered and tires off when I put new tires on it a couple months ago. hopefully I can raise house high enough that it can drop down far enough and not snap brake cable there so I can get to that other end of the leaf spring.
    • smurfy
      Just Food and Drink

      By smurfy · Posted

      Chef boyardee pizza from the box!

  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept