Ion vs Strikemaster Lithium or Ice Gator

[JoeMX1825]

The Strikemaster Lithium Lazer is $600 and a spare battery is an additional $250 (prices directly off Fleetfarm's HSOforum) That's just laughable...

[pushbutton]

If they have not upped the rotations per minute substantially or changed the blade design ....would not be a big enough incentive for me to switch back. For the average dude/dudess out there, willing to spend straight up money, would probably even take my chances with Gator. Not trying to pee on Strikemaster's leg either. They were pioneers with the electrics. The big volt is a great unit...limited, but awesome. But if they are putting lipstick on the same ole pig, and trying to charge more for it, shame on them. It might not be the case, but so far it looks like it is....again, anyone out there actually use one of the prototypes last year?

[Hawg]

Pushbutton- if the old pig had a Lithium battery it would have worked, it was just too underpowered. (and then theres those lazer blades that suck at reopening holes)

[DTro]

Just ask Tony

"Other Lithium Ion augers boast 40 holes in 24 inches of ice,” says StrikeMaster pro-staffer Tony Roach. “We can get 56 — sometimes more.” No half-pint show pony, the Lithium Lazer is a bonafide workhorse. “It’s a true full-size drill, so you’re not hunched over when you use it,” Roach says. “No sore backs or extensions.” With a removable 50-volt Lithium Ion battery under the hood, the Lithium Lazer provides consistent speed and torque from hole to hole without reduced power or slow-down from waning battery. “Providing clean, quick, efficient power, the Lithium Lazer is the perfect choice for permanent houses, wheeled fish houses and general use,” Roach says. “You’re able to quickly get through thick ice and crusty holes with zero emissions.” Built on a proven StrikeMaster 25:1 transmission with heat-treated steel gears and polymer gear casting, the Lithium Lazer delivers maximum efficiency with a lighter weight than ever before. Fitted with twin 8-inch, Swedish-made Mora™ stainless steel Lazer blades, it weighs in at only 24 pounds. Featuring an on-board indicator for easy battery level checks, the Lithium Lazer comes with a fast-charging, two-hour, two-amp battery charger. “So you can be back up and running in two hours on a completely dead battery,” Roach explains.

[Hawg]

Spin, Spin, Spin-Lazers suck at reopening holes-period. Strikemaster admitted it years ago, funny how they changed their tune now. Do you guys think were stupid here?

[Gus]

I have to admit, I've had a laser since 1996 and RE-opened 1000's of holes. Easy peasy. Only time I've had an issue is when the hole wasn't refrozen hardly at all. A small chisle would have worked had I had it with me. I dunno... I do have a chipper now on a Big Volt. But I've rarely struggled in all my years re-opening holes with a laser.