Strikemaster Lite 4 Stroke ice auger Review

[grundy]

Was wondering if anyone has tried the Strikemaster Light 4 Stroke with the Honda motor. I was thinking of getting one and would like some input on it.

[JSK76]

I can give some limited info that I found from owning a Honda lite 10" since Saturday. I found it to be hard starting in the really cold temps but after an email to SM I was told to set the idle higher and it now starts at -22 when before it wouldn't . I've started it a -21 but it took 40 pulls, -4 this morning and took 9 pulls. Not the best cold starter but my old jiffy 3hp 2 stroke didn't start at -17 on a trip for me so maybe it's not too bad for a 4 stroke. It sure doesn't start like a Solo but I knew it wouldn't. After it's been started it starts with a 1/4 pull of the rope. It did take a while to warm up too, I gave it about 2 min before drilling my first hole and it acted cold like it needed more time yet, it was 5 degrees out.

Power wise I've only drilled 5 holes and the ice was only 8.5" thick, wasn't exactly fast I would say around the same as the Magnum Solo 10" with a chipper but who knows it hard to tell with only 8" of ice. I did seem to get hung up a bit at the bottom of the hole when punching through, I bet it's better with the 8" bit then the 10". Another thing I noticed is it seems to spin faster for the first few inches and then slows down, it's almost like it has a governor kicking in.

Noise wise it's a bit quieter then a 2 stroke but don't fool yourself it's not quiet. At idle it was quiet until I had to turn up the idle speed.

Weight wise I found it to weigh 2lb heavier then the advertised weight . I got use too the light weight ION last year so this thing with a full take of gas feels like a tank (29lb 15oz wet) still much lighter then the older augers.

One issue I ran into was gas leaking from the tank, it looked like it was coming from the gas cap. I had a really full take of gas and now that I've burned some fuel the leaking has stopped. That's all I have for now.

[Diago]

JSK,

You mentioned you have an ION, I was thinking of getting one. Do you like the strikemaster lite better than the ION? Would appreciate your advise.

Jim

[Eric_Kruger]

I got to see one of these the other night. It was the first time it had been started out of the box. Took about 15 pulls to get it running and another ten minutes or so to get it to the point where it would drill. I personally like it, I have faith that it would start easier and warm up faster once everything has a chance to get broken in, like any other motor. It was a tad slower than my solo 2.5 Though. But man when at idle you can be standing right next to it and not hear it running.

[HardwaterHero]

I had one last year. A cold starter it is not. After a week on the ice below zero and hundreds of accumulated pulls on the cord, i was tired of it and went to the solo 3hp.

[JSK76]

JSK,

You mentioned you have an ION, I was thinking of getting one. Do you like the strikemaster lite better than the ION? Would appreciate your advise.

Jim

If I had to chose between the two I would take the ION. Both have there place but I feel the size, weight, instant starting, quiet, no smell and just flat out smooth cutting blade configuration make it a clear winner to me. If it wasn't for needing a bigger hole for lake trout fishing I wouldn't even own the Lite. I'm not even convinced the Lite is better then my old solo but I like only needing one tank of gas for everything.

[TrapMan13]

Crazy my strike lite starts immediately every time.... Haven't ran it since last week pulled once this morning no priming just choke and boom runnin like a top.

[JSK76]

Mine starts first pull every time too unless it's cold out.

[mww24]

Used my strikelite for the first time yesterday. Air temp was right around 0. Started second pull cold. It cut amazingly. May not be as fast as say a 3hp strikemaster. But it pulled itself right thru the ice. I did find that I cant have the gas cap cranked on tight or it stalls under load. Loosened it a hair and it solved that issue. You think the gas cap would have a vent. Overall im pleased.

[Northlander]

After using my Honda 4 stroke 8" for about 12 trips on the ice I have noticed that when it doesn't start after 2 pulls its usually some sort of vacuum in the gas tank. I burp the tank by opening it a bit then closing it and it starts just fine. I always let any auger warm up for about a minute and this one is no different. When I do so it cuts great and as Im using it and breaking it in its only getting faster. I would guess I only have 120 holes into it at this point. Its not the fastest auger out there but more than adequate.

I really love not having to mix gas/oil and its light. Im 6'6" and I wish the Honda Strikemaster was a couple inches taller but in a month when the ice is thicker I will just use a small extension on it.

Over all I find it a great auger and it cuts a nice smooth clean hole. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking at a new gas auger.

[Chris Barlage]

I got to see one of these the other night. It was the first time it had been started out of the box. Took about 15 pulls to get it running and another ten minutes or so to get it to the point where it would drill. I personally like it, I have faith that it would start easier and warm up faster once everything has a chance to get broken in, like any other motor. It was a tad slower than my solo 2.5 Though. But man when at idle you can be standing right next to it and not hear it running.

After the first run it has since started on the first pull. It is a fine auger. nice not to have to mix gas. it is not very loud at all. The solo is faster. I am happy with the purchase but that's not to say that I may end up going back to the 3 hp pro in a year or 2.