Auger options

[ANPACMN]

Hey guys I just bought a new ice castle and am gearing up for this year! I have to get an Auger for the house. I would like a 10inch hole. I have been looking at the Jiffy propane auger and also the Ion 8" electric auger that is being released this year. Any one give me an ideas what a good way to go is? I would like to stick with the propane or electric so I don't have to deal with fumes. Also I have been looking at some hole sleeves and a slush bucket. I think I am going to go with the 4" sleeve. Any do or dont's in that area would be great. Thanks!

[Brad B]

Don't over look the Strikemaster Big Volt in a 10" model

Reeds has them for $429.99 in their catalog that comes with the infisherman ice guide.

[ANPACMN]

Do you have to plug it in? I would like to have something that I could you for my portable...

[Brad B]

that's the only negative to the big volt. it needs to be hooked directly to a battery like a deep cycle in the wheel house or to your truck battery with the truck running.

[silverbulletguy]

Flashers will fit thru a 10" hole but not an 8". Not many fish won't fit thru an 8". Unless you are targeting but pike a lot.

[ANPACMN]

Silverbulletguy that is a good point. I fished out of Zipplebay houses a lot do they have an 8" hole or a 10" I wonder?.. Has anyone heard any reviews on the new Ion

[Mid-Lake Rock]

When I'm in my wheel house, I like a 10" hole. With the gap between the floor and the ice the larger hole just seems to work better when landing big fish in the middle of the night. A curling pout at 3:00 am is easier to land with the bigger hole.

I run a Strike-Lite. The four-stroke doesn't cloud the house in smoke and there is very little odor. I open the windows when I drill. After I drill my 10" holes, I put the 8" bit on for run and gun fishing. I purchased the auger on sale and later found a 10" chipper on sale for $75. Best of both worlds.

I think the Jiffy propane is a very nice auger, however I don't want to carry the weight during first or late ice. The Big Volt is great for the wheel house, but doesn't help for run and gun fishing.

These are just my opinions. Do what works best for your situation and your budget.

[Ice_n_eyes]

I have the Jiffy propane Auger it is a great Auger. I drill the holes in my Fish House with the door and windows shut no smell or fumes and it doesn't set off the co detector. I think its the perfect Auger for a Permanent House. I have used the Auger for 2 seasons with no issue.

[bee]

Keep in mine that you will reopening old holes and you will an auger that will do that.

[FirstIce]

I would stay away from anything that has a lazer/shaving blade for the wheel house. They do not re-open holes nearly as easy as a chipper style blade will. I would also stay away from the big volt as it would be a pain in the butt to have to have a battery follow you around to drill a few holes around the house (maybe your scouting near by or you want to pop in a few tip up holes). Personally I would get the Jiffy Propane. It is an awesome auger to re-open holes and you don't have to always worry about batteries getting to low.

[ClownColor]

Coming from a guy who owns a Strikemaster electra lazer, I would never buy this unit again. I'd NEVER think about the big volt as that is WAY too pricey for a one purpose auger. That Ion seems pretty neat but it's new and untested amongst the masses. Jiffy propane seems to have a good following though NOTHING beats a regular gas auger...NOTHING!

Get the 4 stroke if you hate the fumes that much or just do what most everyone else does...leave the doors and windows open for a few minutes and you'll be fine!

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I am a Jiffy fan through and through. I have a gas powered, 2 stroke auger. If I was to get a new one, it would either be the 4 stoke or propane. I have heard good about both. I also have to agree with everyone else. Just leave the windows and doors open or go propane. I also know a lot of people with electric augers and they love them. The choice is yours.

[Northlander]

Even the Jiffy propane kicks out some fumes in the house. For a 10" hole it would still be my #1 choice though. If you go electric the Strikemaster is very nice.

[IcerRon2010]

Look into a Ice Gator Anihalator. Its a 36volt lith ion electric model. Ice gator only sells the head unit. They do sell any adaptor you need to put on a strikemaster or nils bits. In your case Strikemaster would probably be the best bet. That way you could purchase a 8 and 10 inch bit. I do some tournement ice fishing and the guys who use these out on the circuit love them. Easy to use plus a reverse button that is a handy feature. Oh yea, there really fast too.