Strikemaster unleashes a new beast!!

[Jim Uran]

"Not so many years ago the auger artisans at StrikeMaster again put their signature on ice fishing. Ahead of the pack, in conjunction with a universal tilt toward emission standards, they brought forth the industry’s first 4-stroke power auger. Cutting ice was cleaner, faster, and with the clear conscience of knowing you weren’t blowing blue smoke.

For winter wonderland 2012-13, they’ve outdone themselves and the rest of the field by upgrading the engine - previously thought undoable. In harmony with Honda™ - world leader in clean emissions - welcome StrikeMaster’s newest 4-stroke engineering marvel.

A fearless and fluid Honda™ 35cc 4-stroke OHC engine makes even the thickest ice feel like mere inches of first ice. Its clean and powerful cutting makes drilling effortless. And nobody appreciates that reliable horsepower more than StrikeMaster Pro and intrepid ice fishing guide Tony Roach. “I’m no stranger to drilling holes. We’re talking numbers deep into the thousands by winter’s end. So I can’t be saddled with anything but the most premium, trusted, and efficient auger along the Ice Belt. And that candidate is clear cut; it’s the StrikeMaster 4-stroke.”

Cradling the Honda 4-stroke engine are VANDAR® long filament high impact synthetic handles that yield the strength of an army with the weight of a single firearm. At a total weight of only 23 lbs, the StrikeMaster 4-stroke does all the heavy lifting with pure lean muscle mass.

The ice is rendered further helpless against StrikeMaster’s flagship 8-inch steel drill with Mora Ice Lazer blades. Sheer power and immaculate cutting unite into a single soldier of fortune.

Environmentally conscious, and fully emission certified, anglers can rest assured the only holes they’re opening are in the ice - not the ozone layer. Feather in an industry best 2-year warranty on that sweet running Honda engine, and there’s no need to count holes like clicks on an odometer.

StrikeMaster Pro and ice fishing vigilante Tom Neustrom sums it up this way. “If you aren’t running a StrikeMaster 4-stroke, lay down your arms. Because we’re going to drill circles around you...”

Suggested retail price: $569.99."

Story from Rapala's webpage

[Rick G]

Looks like I found my new auger for this winter . Can't wait to pick one of theese new Strikemaster/Honda combos up.

[slick2526]

this post just made me quit thinking about buying a used auger and buying new!

[fischer69]

Looks like I found my new auger for this winter . Can't wait to pick one of theese new Strikemaster/Honda combos up.

Looking to sell your old one around Christmas time???? I may know a buyer

[LMITOUT]

How many HP?

[bobbymalone]

I couldn't find anything about the HP on the manufacturer websites.

But there is a picture of one at that rainforest dot com shopping site... Zooming in on the motor looks like a Honda GX35. A little google searching comes up with 1.6hp on that motor but Honda specs show 1.3HP.

[McGurk]

It will take more than specs and talk to sell me on replacing my perfectly running 2 stroke tuned-and-tweaked SM powerhead. But the name "Honda" stamped on it does go a long way in making me at least entertain the idea.

[Jim Uran]

I would agree, the Honda name goes a long ways!! I'm excited to see how well this thing performs this winter. Hopefully in my hands

[silverbulletguy]

If they want to donate one to me for use in comparison to my Solo I will be more than happy to test it out and give feedback.

[401TE]

$569?!? Holy smokes are augers getting spendy! 4 years ago a brand new LazerMag was $329 during season and I bought mine for $270 at the end of the year.

[Neiko]

Comparing the price to the Strike Lite I think it is pretty close. When I talked to SM last year and they said they were going with a Honda Motor I was expecting $6 bills for it. It would be nice if they have a 10 inch option. I would love to sell my Strike lite if they have the 10.

[Jim Uran]

I'm done with 10" Augers... Gosh, I can't believe I've been running a 10" for so long, my style of fishing is to run and cut holes all day until I land on some active fish. 10"'s would be nice for the perm, dont' get me wrong. But I've never caught a fish that wouldn't fit up an 8" hole.

I was planning on getting an 8" Solo this winter, but this new one is peaking my interest.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Comparing the price to the Strike Lite I think it is pretty close. When I talked to SM last year and they said they were going with a Honda Motor I was expecting $6 bills for it. It would be nice if they have a 10 inch option. I would love to sell my Strike lite if they have the 10.

I too have a StrikeLite and I purchased a 10" for $75 to use in the perm. I've not had any issues with the Robin powerhead or transmission be affected by the 10".

[Chode2235]

I love my strike lite with the Subaru/Robyn engine on it. With the fully metal laser auger, and with what I am sure is a great Honda engine, these things should be pretty sweet.

[BEAU651]

Glad I waited on getting a new auger this sounds sweet

[harvey lee]

I realize Honda makes a great engine but it will be tough to beat the preformance of my Solo. This baby just plain eats ice.

[pulleye16]

Quote:

Cradling the Honda 4-stroke engine are VANDAR® long filament high impact synthetic handles that yield the strength of an army with the weight of a single firearm.

Strenght of an army...maybe an Afghan army! No offense-but I was hoping that after Rapala took over they would fix that and put "real" handles on those auger again.

However, the Honda motor might out weight the cons of a cheap (unless you have to replace) handle.

[Dozer]

Gonna put a bunch of used solos on the market!