10-inch ager or 8-inch auger ?

[tsande00]

Not to totally sidetrack the convo, but could someone elaborate on the strikemasters having trouble re-drilling holes? Why do they struggle? Do all of them struggle? How bad is it?

It's the type of strikemaster blade. Their "lazer" bit tends to grab the edge of the old hole and buck and twist a bit. It still cuts, but I'm always nervous I'm going to knock my blades out of pitch. The chipper blade doesn't cut as fast or smooth but doesn't buck like the lazer.

[EBass]

I had a 10" and sold it. I saw my buddy put his leg down the hole (he wasn't happy) and then saw a lil girl do the same (she and her dad were not happy either). I also use those round frabil tipups and they don't sit well on a 10" hole. I would like a 9", but I think I'm going to get an 8" as the GF has a 3 yr old that wants to catch sunnies with me this ice season

[muskE]

If you want to cast, get a 10 and stack up about 30 holes in a row.

I have a 10 and a wheeler and don't want anything less. I'd like an electric too but 10" probably puts too much torque and battery drain on the unit to make them efficient. I've eyed and considered the 9's as a compromise, then wake up and save the money with the 10 I have. Like the above post stated there's no contest between an 8 & 9. Good luck digesting all the opinions.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

My Jiffy also has a ring at the blades and seems to "re-drill" holes better than the Strike Masters I have seen or used.

[CANOPY SAM]

Best of both world's = 9 inch auger bit. I'll decide, and I've already decided! 9-inch. End of discussion.

[Brad B]

Not to totally sidetrack the convo, but could someone elaborate on the strikemasters having trouble re-drilling holes? Why do they struggle? Do all of them struggle? How bad is it?

the lazer style blades are shaver type blades and work best on ice that has not been drilled before. if you try to reopen a hole with them you run the risk of throwing the blades out of pitch because it will grab at the bottom of the hole and then it won't cut right no matter what type of ice you are trying to drill through. the chipper style blade is more geared towards reopening holes because it chips the ice as the auger turns instead of shaving it. if you plan to reopen hole get a chipper style drill unit.

[hamms-scooter]

I switched to the jiffy stealth enough said... Fire it up and drill no worrying about pitch of blades or if I can reopen holes it rips through the ice. It is a little heavier then the sm but it is all metal too. No plastic. 8 inch drill and ordering a 6 for it soon. Love the 6 for the stlye of fishing I do most. Pannies!

[lawnbuilder]

I want an 8 last year I had my 13 year old daughter out for some evening fishing and it was cold out. So I was rushing trying to get the portable set up so she could have some heat and ended up above the knee in a hole. It was comical because we were catching fish with my boot and sock hanging over the heater.

[fishersofmen]

I'm in the 9" club also, got one of the few remaining SM's a year ago and love it.

[Dahitman44]

Ya -- except I am thinking about getting the new ION electric and that is an 8-inch. So I am still stuck.

[bbfenatic]

Hit:

I have my aforementioned 10" Auger I took off my Eskimo when I switched to my new 8" last season, you can use it this season so you will have both and then decide what size hole you like and make sure the ION can handle it OK, it should fit the shaft just fine. I live in DL and could meet you sometime over this way.

PM me your phone number, you are not set up for PM's.