Finally a 10" ION !!!

[JSK76]

Well don't get your hopes too high, I made an adapter to run a strikemaster bit today. Went out to the lake and with just over 8" of ice I got to try it out the 10". Bit is new the first holes it's drilled is with the ion. It started off well, just a little bit of a sound that the battery was getting week. At the end of the hole the bit gets hung up and it just doesn't have the power to go straight through. If you lift it up and try again you can make it. I did this to try to drill 5 holes in my wheel house and when the ice gets thicker I don't think it will get the job done. It's so close I think a 9 lazer would work. I think if ION made a 9" identical to its 8" it would work awesome because the ion bit punches a hole like butter from start to finish.

[Hawg]

Is that a chipper or lazer? Can't quite tell from picture.

[JSK76]

Lazer

[walleyeseeker]

I did that last year and used it on Upper Red Lake toward the end of the season. The ice was close to 30 inches thick and I was able to get 6 holes drilled before running out of battery. It was difficult and the auger made some funny noises. I decided to go back to the 8 inch bit and call it good. Maybe you'll have better luck.

[aanderud]

The difference between an 8 and a 10 inch diameter doesn't sound like much, but it's actually over 50% more for the 10 incher. I wouldn't want to damage my ion motor running it on a 10 inch bit, personally. If I needed/wanted the 10 inch holes, I'd get a big volt if it was for in a wheel house, or a gas engine for outside.

[eyeguy1]

I am considering an ION for the wheelhouse. Have you or anyone else had good luck with them? How does the battery last? I was looking for previous posts on the electric auger but was unable to find any....

[JSK76]

If you don't mind a smaller hole and keeping the battery warm and don't demand a ton of holes you will love it. Nicest drilling auger I've used and I've had a jiffy 3 hp, solo 2 hp, big volt 10" and just picked up the honda lite. To be honest it will rune you for any other augers once you use it. I didn't realize how much I love my ion until I just bought the honda lite. It's so big, heavy, smelly, and loud but that's because I'm comparing it to the ion. Take the ion out of the picture and it's the best in all those category's. I just needed a bigger hole for lake trout fishing and would be nicer for in the wheel house for the hole freezing shut but then again the ion redrills holes so nice it's not a big deal redrill when needed. For me my only real complaint is the smaller hole size is hard to get use to after using a 10" for years. If I never switched to a 10" years back I'd be fine.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

What about the Ice Gator

Ice gator vs. Ion

[TruthWalleyes]

What about the Ice Gator

Ice gator vs. Ion

That's some swiss cheese ice. Looks like the ice gator is a clear winner.

[Hawg]

JSK, I agree with all you said. I really like mine too with the exception of a little bigger hole. I'm curious though why you like it over the Big Volt in a house? I was kind of wishing I would have gone with the BV. I have adapted to the hole size now so bringing an indoor and outdoor auger seems crazy as Ion can do both. The big thing about ION also is it doesn't throw ice all over your house. A true 8 or 9 inch hole would be my only improvement. Maybe a reverse switch like Gator to clean holes too, but that's no big deal.

[fishadb]

Why the ten inch hole? I have never had a fish I couldn't get up a 7". But I have gotten wet feet from other peoples 10" holes.

[fsnrod]

Why the ten inch hole? I have never had a fish I couldn't get up a 7". But I have gotten wet feet from other peoples 10" holes.

AMEN.

[aanderud]

I wouldn't use a 10 incher with a portable house. However, the 10 inch hole is nice in a permanent shack because holes will gradually get smaller as they freeze from the outside in. You can save on some redrilling by starting with 10 inches and waiting until they're 6-7 before you redrill.

[eyeguy1]

Thanks for the info- strongly considering purchasing one....

[JSK76]

JSK, I agree with all you said. I really like mine too with the exception of a little bigger hole. I'm curious though why you like it over the Big Volt in a house?

Same reason I like my cordless drill over my corded drill. I have nothing against the BV other then I use a generator on my wheel house and don't keep a battery in there. Driving the truck or 4 wheeler close enough for the cord to reach is also a pain especially when you house has snow drifts around it.

I would never choose a 8" BV over an ION for a wheel house because the only benefit would be that it's about 100.00 cheaper. But if looking for a 10" and already keep a battery in your house it's a great choice.

[Big A]

You got me!!

My heart skipped a beat and I was immediately in turmoil thinking OF COURSE THEY WOULD DO THAT AFTER I JUST BOUGHT AN 8"!!!

Excellent title... GOT MY ATTENTION. LOL

[DarthBaiter]

I'm considering an ion, nice to see the reviews seem positive. It's just shelling out $500+..... but from what I've read there seems to be more positives then negatives.

Have they put a point/tip on the bottom yet from keeping it from "wandering" on the ice as you start to drill? Or is this not really an issue for you ion owners??

[FishFindHer]

We are also debating between the Big volt and the Ion. Just sold our 10" Jiffy because we don't want to deal with fumes in the new wheelhouse. Leaning toward the ion just because it would be more convenient for drilling tip ups and/or if we do any fishing without the wheelhouse. Kinda hate giving up the 10" hole, but it's not a necessity. Glad to hear people seem to be happy with their ions.

[Hawg]

I don't know if they have a point or not, I don't think so. It does prove it doesn't wander though because I've never missed one. It's a great little machine.

[Big A]

$440 out the door at the show this year

I'm considering an ion, nice to see the reviews seem positive. It's just shelling out $500+..... but from what I've read there seems to be more positives then negatives.

Have they put a point/tip on the bottom yet from keeping it from "wandering" on the ice as you start to drill? Or is this not really an issue for you ion owners??

[DarthBaiter]

$440 out the door at the show this year

Not a bad discount. It'd sure be nice to catch one on sale somewhere