Electric Auger options?

[Savage Brewer]

So I am due to get a new auger, and have been thinking about electric augers, what are your thoughts on the "Ice Gator" and "ION" electric auger powerheads?

Just trying to get some opinions on these options, as most auger threads are strikemaster-clam-jiffy threads.

I am looking to drill 8" holes, I just dont see the need for a 10" auger.

Thanks

[Hawg]

i've never used, or even seen a Gator, but I'm very happy with my ION. I'm a permanant house guy with a few outside holes so it's great for me, but I do like the the Big Volt 10inch my friend has. There is no comparison to any electric out there to the battery life of an Ion. It drills a lot of fast holes on a charge.

[wanderlust]

i picked up an ion last year and it worked real slick until i was transporting it on my snowmobile and the rubber strap came off and i lost the battery. i contacted ion-ardisam and they told me that you shouldn't transport it with the battery on it. I don't think anyone told me that?!? expensive lesson, $180 retail thru them. I think i've seen them for around $150 somewhere tho? anyone know the best place?

all in all: i'd do it again. i can drill a lot of holes with it with no problem

(except that battery gauge isn't too helpful. It will show full charge and within a few holes its dead. typical lithium ion battery behavior. It happens on my power tools too.)

[Wanderer]

I've used both but haven't owned either. I like to drill alot of holes and for me, gas is the only way to go. The times I've been with people who have electric augers, we wind up finishing the day with a gasser - if we have one with.

That being said, I'd go with an ION. The Ice Gator is too heavy and takes a while to charge. I'm not sure how or if they've change the electronics on the Gator but in the early version I used, the wiring fried and there was no way to fix it due to it being molded into the head. Deal breaker right there - I never looked at em again. Have they improved? No clue.

The ION will last longer if you drill your holes, take the battery off and put it in your suit or house to keep it warm. I'm not a fan of carrying around the battery pack in my bibs while I'm open holing it. BUT I will say while the auger is powered, it does cut nice and if you're not cutting many holes in a day it's also nice to just be able to grab and drill - and quietly.

[JeremyCampbell]

My uncle made his own electric auger and we used it a lot seems like a hassle carrying the battery around .We had a car battery on it.IT had a few modifications here and there but it gets the job done.I think gas auger will be my tool this year.

[hovermn]

I have the IceGator Lithium and love it. It's pretty light weight for what it is, cuts very quickly and I've never run out of juice. They advertise 60 holes through 28" of ice. While I haven't tested that, I believe that it can't be too far off. I'd put money on at least 50 with the lithium pack. I own a gas auger, but haven't fired it up on the ice in 4 yrs now, and yes I run 'n gun. Not 100+ holes/day, but enough.

To touch on charge times, the lithium pack charges up in a couple three hours and has never been an issue.

Like any battery powered auger, it's best to keep the battery pack in the shack with you between uses. No battery likes the cold, and you'll get a longer run time this way. The ION and drill powered setups are no different. With the lead acid pack, that was a pain. When I received the lithium battery pack last year, I thought they had sent an empty case it was that light. No problem now.

The ION is a nice unit, and you get an auger with it, but I'm still sold on the 'Gator. It's just too smooth and fast!

[pushbutton]

Maybe I am just a better fisherman than Wanderer and do not need to drill many holes but more likely is that I am lazier and don't like being cold and can't think of a time I have drilled more more than 30 holes ......well, maybe to get Duffman's keys out of the lake Yeah, it really does boil down to how you fish. Have used and owned a number of electrics. The Gator is for sure is a beast at drilling holes and really liked the reverse, but used to be heavy and suspect as far as customer support. Have heard they are making them lighter and addressing the other issues as well, but like Wanderer, have no recent first hand knowledge. The ion is also a very nice rig. For a first year run they performed really well and would think they will be even better this year. If you are solely using it in a hard house, see no reason not to get a big volt. The gearing and blades will make short work of even 10 inch holes....they are my preferred size for a weekend in cold weather. The electra is simply outclassed.......

[ClownColor]

I agree with push and wander...if thats possible.i bought an electric and hate it...though its an electa lazer from strikemaster. It works good....for like 10-15 holes in the deep of winter. You are " very" limited. I use it to drop 4 holes in my perm and a few more for flags outside but if nothing bites, i am hosed. So, if i plan to "fish" instead of hanging with friends, its gas all the way. I have no problem using gas in perm, just be smart about it and drill them asap with doors and windows open, pop your holes outside, set up, then all should be good. Mix oil to lowest ratio allowed, keep carbs clean and enjoy.

[Wanderer]

Maybe I am just a better fisherman than Wanderer and do not need to drill many holes

Meh, it's possible I spose.

I did pick my screen name for a reason though. . I used to think 20 holes were alot until I started keeping count.