New Ion Electric Auger report

[Dahitman44]

We hit a small local pond with six inches of great clear ice. It was my first chance to try out my auger. I could not be happier.

Not only is it quiet and obviously smoke free, it grips the ice and rips through with ease. When it hits the bottom edge of the ice I don't have to fight the auger either.

I have owned Jiffy and Strikemaster -- and they are fine -- but I am VERY happy with this new electric!!!!

BTW -- a buddy that was with us had the new propane by Jiffy and to see the difference -- the weight the sound and the light smell -- for me it is the Ion hands down.

If you have any questions I will be happy to field them.

Hitman

[Hawg]

I would buy one in a heartbeat if they had a chipper blade.

[broman]

I wonder how the battery charge holds up if it sits outside in 10 degree temps the entire day? Will it be able to drill holes from the morning to the evening assuming you're drilling less than 40 for the entire day?

[Dahitman44]

Great question -- can say that it was 26 degrees and a 15 MPH wind and it sat on the ice. We drilled about 15 holes in six inches of ice and it "showed" a full charge when I got home.

You are right, though, that will be the big question.

[tsande00]

How was the fishing?

[magicstix]

It looks like the Quantum blade which is a modified chipper blade. I've used the Quantum blade before and liked it.

[masoct3]

Saw this at the show. Looked pretty cool

[pathogen]

I wonder how the battery charge holds up if it sits outside in 10 degree temps the entire day? Will it be able to drill holes from the morning to the evening assuming you're drilling less than 40 for the entire day?

According to their HSOforum, the battery should not be left out in the cold overnight or for extended periods of time. They recommend that if it does sit out in those conditions that it be brought inside or tucked under a coat for 5-10 minutes before using. I guess 'cold' is subjective, but I'm assuming it means something like in the teens or lower. Just my guess.

[hovermn]

I'm not going to hijack this thread, but I've been using the Ice Gator exclusively for the past 2 yrs. To answer the question about the battery, it's best to take the battery off (or out in the Ion's case) and keep it in the shack with you. No battery likes the cold, and a warmed up battery will last longer than a cold one. Electrons can not easily or freely move within a cold battery.

That said, I've left my battery on the auger for hours in the 10's and still cut. The power drop is noticeable after hours of exposure, though.

To sum it up, keep the battery warm whenever possible.

[fisherman-andy]

It looks like the Quantum blade which is a modified chipper blade. I've used the Quantum blade before and liked it.

It definitely looks similar in shape to the Quantum blades but without the chipper grooves. I wonder if you could slap on the Quantum blades?

[Hawg]

Was that blade good for reopening holes? Why is it any different than any other razor style?

[Dahitman44]

tsande00 --

Fishing was NOT good. But beer was cold.

[Dahitman44]

Hawg --

No idea on the reopening, but the HSOforum said it was "ideal" for reopening holes.

[Hawg]

I just went out to Fleet and looked at them. They sure look like any other razor blade to me. Has anyone checked on the price of a spare/new battery? The HSOforum says to call the customer service, and the battery warrenty is only one year.

[Dahitman44]

It does have a funky blade that is supposed to rip the bottom of the hole ...

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I just went out to Fleet and looked at them. They sure look like any other razor blade to me. Has anyone checked on the price of a spare/new battery? The HSOforum says to call the customer service, and the battery warranty is only one year.

I helped in the testing of the ION last spring.

It easily cut 30 plus holes through 25 inches of ice on one charge and was still going strong. It was around 20 degrees that day. We did not get a chance to try on old holes but they did say that it works great for reopening holes.

I bought an ION this fall as soon as they came out! Also purchased a spare battery. It cost around $150. Warranty is for one year, but like most batteries I am sure that it will last a lot longer then that!

They did recommend that the battery be kept in a warm place when not being used for a long period of time between holes,(inside of your house or in an inner pocket). No big deal there as the battery pops in and out as easily as the one in a cordless drill does! Not much heavier either!

The blade does break through that last inch of ice at the bottom of the hole with ease and absolutely no grabbing! Works as advertised for once!

Cliff

[Dahitman44]

Right on Cliffy!

[Chad711]

Couple questions for ION owners. Is there a 5 second delay before the auger starts? The "thottle" handle, pushbutton lock seemed goofy to me. (easily breakable) .Almost bought it but wanted to hear about it a little more.

[JordyED]

In my experience using this machine, maybe a two second delay at best. I wouldn't say much more than that, and that is another saftey feature to help with unwanted start-ups. As far as the saftey switch goes, I don't see it being that breakable. I'll also take it a step further, and say the safety switch is easy to operate with gloves on, which is something I questioned before using. IMO 40% of the jury is still out on the ION, but so far it is a sweet piece of equipment. The other 60% is the most important IMO (cold weather, thicker ice performance). so I am interested to see how it plays out. But as they said before, the battery is easy to keep warm in a coat pocket, and pops on and off with great ease.

[Dahitman44]

I agree with Jordy ... But who really knows down the road if the switch is "breakable"

I do know that other augers that have had plastic handles seem to break very easily.

[DRH1175]

I just bought a strike lite 2 last year. I am kinda kicking myself as the ION seems to be the way to go. No gas, no oil, just plug and go. Plenty of holes for one day. Also I would think it could be charged in the truck with an inverter pretty easily.

[Hawg]

I might hate myself but I just put my brand new never been used Jiffy Propane auger on Craigs list for $100 less than new, I think I'm going to give the Ion a try. Gosh I hope it's not a mistake.

[Hawg]

No, it wasn't HSOlist.com.

[Bobcatjerry]

Interested if for sale

[Hawg]

sold it today. Screwed again, talked to 2 different reps from companies I trust that were close to this ION thing last year. Both advised me stay away from the ION. They are NOT good at reopening holes.