Strikemaster Lazer Synthetic Hand Auger vs. Nils

[djs21]

Can anyone give a detailed review on the new synthetic Lazer hand auger? I am going to purchase a new 6" auger next year and can't decide between the Strikemaster or the Nils. Has anyone been able to compare the two out on the ice? I am looking for one that is lightweight and cuts fast with little effort. I know that Nils has a reputation for this, but I am curious to know if Strikemaster's new auger is now on par with the Nils.

[BartmanMN]

I'd say if you are looking for light weight and fast cutting then the new Synthetic would be tops on the list for that. Not that any hand auger is heavy, but the synthetic would definitely be lighter. It has Lazer blades, so it should cut fast. I've not seen one on the ice, only watched Dave Genz use his on videos.

[hydro]

I gave that auger a very close look at the Ice Fishing Show in December. Looks well made and it is very light in weight. The auger section combined with an 18V cordless drill would be a great tool for the guy who likes to walk out and fish!

[djs21]

Thanks for your input guys. I love trying out new stuff, and I might have to give the new Lazer synthetic a serious look for next season.

[hamms-scooter]

I will also be looking to get a hand auger next season. The 5 inch lazer was on my list... May check out the synthetic as well. Saw a 5 inch on sale for 50 bucks at ff should have just got it...

[Northlander]

The synthetic isnt any faster than the old lazer its just lighter. If you want a fast easy cutting hand auger there is nothing better than a Nils.

[Jim Hudson]

The new synthetic auger does cut more efficiently than its Lazer cousin... The new head design on the synthetic allows for a clean cut, with no binding at the end of the whole. So, in the long run, it is faster, as you are not binding and cutting more smoothly.

I have cut with both this auger and a hand held Nils - pretty comparable in cutting I would say. Benefits to the new synthetic auger would have to be the non-binding, the flexible flighting (makes it easy to get ice off so you do not add weight), and the ability to use a offset handle or standard handle (however you like to drill).

[djs21]

Thanks for the review JKH431. I thought that I had read somewhere that the new augers weren't supposed to bind anymore at the bottom of the hole. Also, it seems that with the new cutting head the blade bolts don't get in the way as much. They almost seem flush with the blade carriage. Good to hear that cutting is comparable to the Nils. I think I'm going to pick up the synthetic for next year's ice season.

[Cyberfish]

Lazers are nice augers for sure, I used one for years, but since learning to use my offset handles on the nils, I could never go back to one hand action

[WallyGader]

Off subject i know but, cyber are you just using the standard gopro or the gopro2? Im thinking about buying the gopro2, i love watchin your videos.

[cichlid_baby]

I've often wondered why anyone would need 30+ inches of flighting on a hand auger if the object is to drill holes in early ice of somewhere around 6 to 12 inches thick before pulling out the power auger when the ice gets much thicker.

Less flighting on a shorter shaft would be lighter overall and more practical for early ice situations.. right?

[Woody Erickson]

The flighting is about the same height on all 3 of their augers, since each one can be used as a hand auger and each one can be attached to the power head.

I have the 4.5" / 6" / 8" Nils augers. It is fun to attach the 4.5" auger to the Tanaka power head. It is almost like the auger is free falling through the ice.

[Cyberfish]

Off subject i know but, cyber are you just using the standard gopro or the gopro2? Im thinking about buying the gopro2, i love watchin your videos.

Thanks! I use the hero 960 it is the cheaper model, but I have two for different angles. check out this one I just edited yesterday

[Cyberfish]

I've often wondered why anyone would need 30+ inches of flighting on a hand auger if the object is to drill holes in early ice of somewhere around 6 to 12 inches thick before pulling out the power auger when the ice gets much thicker.

Less flighting on a shorter shaft would be lighter overall and more practical for early ice situations.. right?

Because not everyone pulls out a power auger when the ice gets thick, I remember the days befrore I got my first power auger trying to drill through 3 feet of ice and wishing my auger was a bit taller!

[hamms-scooter]

That and parts of the BWCA are hand augers only

[hamms-scooter]

Great video Cyber! No live bait was harmed I love it. I would love one of those gopros! The picture is super clear on that thing.NICE

[WallyGader]

Dang cyber that video is awsome, my fav. so far for sure, and good music selection too.. I need to order up my gopro and find your spot, there was alot of good lookin gills in there..

One more question to what do you use for editing your videos?

[dfeste]

Those were cool vids. I bought a 6" Nils hand auger this year with the intention of getting an adapter to put it on my Stikemaster power head. I did that but the adapter took a long time to arrive. My point here is we were drilling through almost 18" and that auger flat out rocks. I guess the reason Nils is not changing and redesigning thier products every six months is because they just work great.

[Cyberfish]

Dang cyber that video is awsome, my fav. so far for sure, and good music selection too.. I need to order up my gopro and find your spot, there was alot of good lookin gills in there..

One more question to what do you use for editing your videos?

Thanks!

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