Which Ice Auger?

[Carpenter]

Did a quick search, assume this topic has come up but didn't find anything.

Looking to purchase a new (at least new to me) ice auger. I currently have a 10" SM, but am thinking about downsizing as I have a new fishing partner in the family and don't want him finding holes that can suck up man size legs.

So I'm thinking 8", SM again, but that's as far as my decisions have gotten me. I typically fish out of a portable, but maybe someday I can build myself a wheel house. Any thoughts/recommendations? Anyone use that vex battery powered auger? I typically don't pound 100 holes when I go out. Guessing 20 tops each trip.

Thanks,

[tsande00]

Ice Augers...nope that topic has never came up.

It really comes down to a ford vs chevy debate but I think you'll find an 8" auger plenty big for any type of fishing you'll do in MN, especially if you're fishing out of a portable.

I bought a 8" StrikeMaster Lazer with the Solo power head 2 seasons ago. LOVE IT!. I like the fact they are based in MN, just a few miles from my house. I have had great experiences with their customer service and based off my experience I wouldn't consider another brand for my next purchase (even though I'm sure other brands are good too).

[silverbulletguy]

+1 on the Strikemaster 8"

[matthothand]

Get a gas lazer mag 8. If you do get a wheel house in a few years get a new electric and sell your well cared for lazer mag. I'm guessing the electric augers will improve a bit.

[hunt fish repeat]

Over the last ten year's I have been in a position to see many many augers in real world comparisons and the quality in all of them has improved greatly in that time, with that being said when I go out the 2 stroke Strikemaster is always with me weather I'am in the porty or the wheelhouse.

[Brad B]

if you have a 10" strikemaster why buy a complete auger just buy a replacement drill unit. it's alot cheaper then a whole auger. I personally have a 8" that I switched out and upsized to a 10" then sold the 8" drill(chipper style) from it. I am going to get a 6" & 8" lazer drill unit this winter(shaver style) for the power head. if I take my son I would put the 6" on and if it is just me then I would run the 8 or 10 inch (depending on what I was fishing for).

[tsande00]

if you have a 10" strikemaster why buy a complete auger just buy a replacement drill unit. it's alot cheaper then a whole auger. I personally have a 8" that I switched out and upsized to a 10" then sold the 8" drill(chipper style) from it. I am going to get a 6" & 8" lazer drill unit this winter(shaver style) for the power head. if I take my son I would put the 6" on and if it is just me then I would run the 8 or 10 inch (depending on what I was fishing for).

If your current auger is still running strong this is probably the best advice yet.

If you are interested, I might even be in the market to by your 10" auger bit off ya for redrilling old holes in the wheel house.

[Brad B]

Trent (tsande00),

email me at the address in my signature line. I have a 10 inch chipper style drill uint that I might put up for sale if my brother in law doesn't buy it from me first since my nephew wrecked the drill unit thiers last winter.

Brad

[Ziesmer]

Since we are still talking about augers I have another question. I have a Jiffy STX 10" that I am trying to sell since I now have a wheel house. Should I go electric or propane for the new one? Also, I have noticed that 10" augers don't work that great with a slush bucket so I am going to switch to an 8". Any thoughts?

[skippie]

Just buy a new drill unit for the powerhead, save some money.

[panfishpounder00]

skippie has the right idea! no sense in buying a whole new unit! now as far as the "auger" question, i first started out using an eskimo stingray and the shark z51, cutting was great..... when they actually started! then my dad got me on jiffy... he has had his model 30 for many years with , well, not the best care! that thing still starts on 1st pull!! so anyways, when i decided to go full time with the guiding business, i really wanted a SM strikelight... until i noticed the trannies were weak... exspecially on the 10" models! i then bought my jiffy stx pro in 8" knowingly that they were a bit more reliable.. another guide friend/coworker said to put his strikemaster and my jiffy to the test... we each had to drill 20 holes, and whoever wins... they had to switch to that brand! now he just preached to other coworkers bout how great his strikemaster was on how fast it cut..... fine and dandy.... they do cut fast! lets just say i ended up beating him by 5 holes cause his tranny went bad!!..... for the 3rd time!!! enough said!!

[Kettle]

+1 on the model 30, mine is at least 25 years old and it tears through the ice

Kettle

[fisherman-andy]

skippie has the right idea! no sense in buying a whole new unit! now as far as the "auger" question, i first started out using an eskimo stingray and the shark z51, cutting was great..... when they actually started! then my dad got me on jiffy... he has had his model 30 for many years with , well, not the best care! that thing still starts on 1st pull!! so anyways, when i decided to go full time with the guiding business, i really wanted a SM strikelight... until i noticed the trannies were weak... exspecially on the 10" models! i then bought my jiffy stx pro in 8" knowingly that they were a bit more reliable.. another guide friend/coworker said to put his strikemaster and my jiffy to the test... we each had to drill 20 holes, and whoever wins... they had to switch to that brand! now he just preached to other coworkers bout how great his strikemaster was on how fast it cut..... fine and dandy.... they do cut fast! lets just say i ended up beating him by 5 holes cause his tranny went bad!!..... for the 3rd time!!! enough said!!

That's funny ive never had a problem with the Eskimo stingray or z51 starting in below -20+ other then a busted fuel line that was easily replaced. I also have a Solo 3hp and haven't had any extreme issues either.

[panfishpounder00]

i tell you what... when you run a business that primarily brings in income... you better have the best performing equip.!!! now, i'm not saying the eskimo/strikemaster brand is junk!i'm sure every brand/model has their issues! this is just the norm i've seen and experienced! but then again,.. how many anglers really drill hole after hole 5+ days a week?

[fisherman-andy]

i tell you what... when you run a business that primarily brings in income... you better have the best performing equip.!!! now, i'm not saying the eskimo/strikemaster brand is junk!i'm sure every brand/model has their issues! this is just the norm i've seen and experienced! but then again,.. how many anglers really drill hole after hole 5+ days a week?

You'd be surprised. I may not drill holes 5 days a week. But I will drill up to 125 holes in a weekend regularly when out. Im pretty sure there are other business owners or individuals who use Eskimo, Strikemasters, etc without much hassle. You simply cant base the quality of a product on your own use as others may have different outcome. The Eskimo's I have are about 5 years old and starts every 1-3 pull when primed properly.

On which Auger whom ever chooses, just choose the one you like or feels right for you. Strikemaster, Eskimo, Jiffy, Nils etc their all reputable companies.

[Ziesmer]

But....Electric or Propane for a wheel house? Or stick with my gas one and deal with the smell?

[fisherman-andy]

But....Electric or Propane for a wheel house? Or stick with my gas one and deal with the smell?

Ive heard good things on the propane Jiffy. Although I havent had the chance to try one out. Personally I dont think its that bad just drilling a few holes. Fire it up outside first to warm up. Then just bring it in quickly for the drilling with the door or windows open for vent.

[CaptainMusky]

i really wanted a SM strikelight... until i noticed the trannies were weak... exspecially on the 10" models!

You "noticed" the trannies were weak? Interesting. Amazing xray vision.

I wouldnt say I fish a ton, but when I do I drill a fair number of holes and my Strikemaster Solo has never let me down. It doesnt weigh 87 pounds like a Jiffy and screams through the ice with ease. Drilled through over 4 feet of ice on LOW last year while guys and their Jiffys had to have 3 smoke breaks and take turns drilling one hole.

[Jim Uran]

Ive had just the opposite experience, I fish a lot in the winter time, drill thousands of holes every winter and never have an issue with my Strikemaster Lazer Mag! On the other hand, my friend with a Jiff, who bought his auger about the same time that I bought my Strikemaster, his is in and out of the shop all winter long.

Plus, I out drill him and his Jiff and he knows it!! lol

Nowadays, all augers are great, but to say a Jiffy will out perform and even outdrill a Strikemaster? Come on now!

[Get'n Jiggy]

AHHHHHH,,Auger Wars,,,,,,,,,, Happens every year.

[brian6715]

i tell you what... when you run a business that primarily brings in income... you better have the best performing equip.!!! now, i'm not saying the eskimo/strikemaster brand is junk!i'm sure every brand/model has their issues! this is just the norm i've seen and experienced! but then again,.. how many anglers really drill hole after hole 5+ days a week?

I have never ever had a single issue with my SM Lazer. I am not sure where you are getting this weak tranny thing? I haven't even heard of this before.

Jiffy being faster than a SM? I want what this guy is having!

One advantage of a Jiffy: you get ripped carrying them around!

[dan z]

I love my 224, light fast reliable local service.

As mentioned above just buy a new drill.

[TravP]

skippie has the right idea! no sense in buying a whole new unit! now as far as the "auger" question, i first started out using an eskimo stingray and the shark z51, cutting was great..... when they actually started! then my dad got me on jiffy... he has had his model 30 for many years with , well, not the best care! that thing still starts on 1st pull!! so anyways, when i decided to go full time with the guiding business, i really wanted a SM strikelight... until i noticed the trannies were weak... exspecially on the 10" models! i then bought my jiffy stx pro in 8" knowingly that they were a bit more reliable.. another guide friend/coworker said to put his strikemaster and my jiffy to the test... we each had to drill 20 holes, and whoever wins... they had to switch to that brand! now he just preached to other coworkers bout how great his strikemaster was on how fast it cut..... fine and dandy.... they do cut fast! lets just say i ended up beating him by 5 holes cause his tranny went bad!!..... for the 3rd time!!! enough said!!

I'll race you all day long with my 3hp solo... I'll also call bull chit on 3 bad tranny's. Myself, and many others put over 4000 holes a year on our strikemaster augers and I've never seen a tranny issue.

[tsande00]

AHHHHHH,,Auger Wars,,,,,,,,,, Happens every year.

+1 Love it!

[Jim Uran]

Flasher wars are next!! Then we will talk about who's dad is tougher