Ice Auger Comparison

[AsianSensation89]

Between these two gas augers...which one, and why?

(if I can get either one for $300 used, but in great condition)

[fisherman-andy]

both are great augers and have plenty of power the Lazer Mag is lighter and easier on you after a long day of drilling holes.

But if need to re-open holes go with the Eskimo Z51. Plus Eskimo/Ardisam's customer service is top notch! Strikemaster's service is a big ??? at this time.

[PurpleFloyd]

I bought the Z51 for under 300 new last year.

[AsianSensation89]

Hum, okay. Thanks for the .02 ... I'm usually someone who drills a lot of hole, but after drilling like 10 holes I usually hole hop around for a bit before I start drilling again so I don't really mind the weight on the z51.

[AsianSensation89]

Care to share?

And hdu you like the z51?

[AsianSensation89]

*bump

[fisherman-andy]

*bump

I have about experienced 5yrs+ using the Eskimo Viper augers. The Stingray, Z51, Z71 I have had some time on with through out on ice. All are decent augers and budget priced minded. The Z71 is just way too much power for me to handle as it causes a vibration feeling afterwards.

If your leaning towards the Z51 its a fine auger. Cuts well starts good and has plenty of power. 3-5 drills in a row you can feel some fatigue due to the weight and after 10 or so holes drilled in a row your definitely feeling tired. I can punch the same amount of holes with the Solo Lazer Pro and feel no where as fatigue due to weight. Typically on an outing I may drill up to 40-60 holes. Dont forget that your are also lugging and draggin the auger around too.

But if your a frequent run and gun or move often if necessary there is no beating the Lazer Mag or Lazer Pro here. 3lb-6lbs weight does make a difference lugging the augers around.

[AsianSensation89]

Thanks. How about drilling speed? Do you feel like there is a big difference comparing the z51 to the Lazer Mag?

Just from my personal experience, I have yet to be pleased with the drilling speed of a Strikemaster. Maybe it was just dull/bad blades, Idk, but so far from all the augers I've seen I've been really pleased with how quick the z51 cuts.

[PurpleFloyd]

Care to share?

And hdu you like the z51?

If you watch the web Artisdam has NIB models from trade shows etc at reduced prices. I believe I paid 279 for mine this past January.

Do I like it? Yes. I think for the money it is tough to get anything better. There may be more expensive augers that may be lighter etc but the size and power you get for the money seems to be a good deal. 8" auger, 51cc and only $279 seems more than fair.

[fisherman-andy]

Thanks. How about drilling speed? Do you feel like there is a big difference comparing the z51 to the Lazer Mag?

Just from my personal experience, I have yet to be pleased with the drilling speed of a Strikemaster. Maybe it was just dull/bad blades, Idk, but so far from all the augers I've seen I've been really pleased with how quick the z51 cuts.

The lazer Mag and Z51 is a closer comparison. I dont really feel that the Z71 is any faster, just more powerful. But then ive never put the Z71 on a 8" bit, mostly the 9" and 10", didnt felt any faster then the Z51 at full throttle. You'll find the cutting speeds similiar a second or so apart at worse. But it is a lighter auger once you start drilling all those holes and lugging it around.

[AsianSensation89]

Interesting.

I noticed after using the z51 I got off the ice with my clothes smelling more like gas fumes than other augers I've used.

Was it due to just a difference in the type of gas I mixed between the models? Is there a brand of gas to use that works just as great without that strong of fumes?

[fisherman-andy]

Interesting.

I noticed after using the z51 I got off the ice with my clothes smelling more like gas fumes than other augers I've used.

Was it due to just a difference in the type of gas I mixed between the models? Is there a brand of gas to use that works just as great without that strong of fumes?

Your gonna smell like gas/oil no matter what thats normal. Try non-oxy gas w/Amsoil Saber pillow packs 100:1 premix 2 cycle oil. This should help lessen the fumes and keep the auger running good.

[AsianSensation89]

Will do.

So after pondering between these two augers of the Lazer Mag and z51, I think I'm going to go with the z51. I've used it before and I just feel more comfortable buying something I've already had a good experience with.

Aside from that, Strikemasters are lighter, but being 5'6", I think having a slightly heavier auger will help me drill easier (considering with a lighter auger I'll have to be pressing down). Considering I usually go out with a friends also, we all take turns drilling so it shouldn't put too much sprain on the back.

Thanks for all the input. Happy fishing and hope to see you guys soon on the ice.

[broman]

I own a Strikemaster and at 5'7" I have no problem with the Solo Lazer Pro. It's cuts like butter. You don't have to push at all. Sharp blades make all the difference.

[gonehunting]

I have to agree with Broman. I have owned both the Eskimo Shark and Strikemaster Lazer Pro with the Solo motor. If you can afford the expense go with the Strikemaster in my opinion

[river rat316]

Agree about the SM but I would go used with an older tecumseh and the lazer imho, time will tell of this rapala deal screws up SM customer service on the new ones

[whitebassman]

Good luck with your z51.

You really shouldn't need to push down on your auger.

Horsepower isn't all there is to drilling holes either.

I'll put my Strikemaster Solo with Nils blade against any other auger out there for speed and lightweight. It literally does feel like hot knife through butter.

Either way. Can't wait for this ice to form fast enough. I really feel short changed on the short ice season last year.

[Jim Uran]

I think I may go with an Eskimo Z51 this year. Seems like an awesome auger without all of the hype!

[Nathansdad]

I won the Eskimo Z51 is a fishing contest late last winter. Seems like a real workhorse. I can't wait to try it in a few weeks and compare it to my Strikemaster. Bring on the ice!