Ion x

[Billy G]

Just curious if anyone out there spent the money for a new ion yet? I'd have to imagine there would be a sale somewhere before the season hits

[kudu63]

I picked one up about two months ago as I was looking for something to replace my 20 year old strike-master.  Just got a new ice house (8x16) and decided to give the ION a try.  The 3 to 4 people that I talked to that had the older series had nothing but good things to say about it.  And now with the 5 A/H battery I decided I would go for it.   Luckily for me I was able to find one online as someone had won it at a raffle and didn't want it and I couldn't pass up the deal.  He said he had tons of phone calls on it but I was the first to be able to go get it immediately.   I still have my old gas auger for a backup if needed.      I would look at the upcoming sportsman shows - you might be able to save some money there or get some stuff thrown in - like a battery case.   I might get the 10" auger for it yet for the fish house.

[Moon Lake Refuge]

What are you fishing for that your thinking about the 10"?  I've heard they can be a hassle and reduce holes drilled.  Have pulled 36+ through an 8" hole no problem.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I believe the 10in hole that he is talking of for his wheel house has to do more with the ice holes freezing down when it's really cold. Starting with a 10in and having it freeze down to 8in takes quite awhile vs comparing an 8in and having it freeze down to a 6in.

 

Now if the holes keep open boiling water and dumping it in the hole really works well to open the hole back up. What is hard though  is keeping a hole open when you leave for a few days.

Edited November 17, 2016 by Agronomist_at_IA

[Moon Lake Refuge]

If that's the case I would wait and see how the 8 inch does.  I have no problem reopening or widening up a hole with our ION.  Just a thought.  Then again if you have the money go for it.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

The problem is if you have a hole freezing shut from the top down and the sides inwards, and it's not completely froze and you go to redrill it out the water ends up flying all over the shack. 

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I have the first (pre reverse) generation ION and absolutely love it.  I may upgrade to the X.  The longer battery life means I'd easily be able to get rid of the gas auger (that has barely left the garage in 3 years+). 

[Billy G]

Ya with that bigger battery I think it would take care of most people's worries or doubts about the ion. 

[123fish]

I bought the Ion X last week from Dakota Angler in Sioux Falls for the going $629.99 that everybody is asking. Todd picked up the sales tax ($35) and threw in a new pair of blades ($35-$40) so I was pretty satisfied with that. Looking forward to using it in the new future.

[kudu63]

22 hours ago, Moon Lake Refuge said:

What are you fishing for that your thinking about the 10"?  I've heard they can be a hassle and reduce holes drilled.  Have pulled 36+ through an 8" hole no problem.

it would be just for the permanent fish house.  Once you get the transducer in the hole it is nice to fish out of a 10" hole.  But yes I have always fished out of a 8" hole.   I would only get the 10" if I can get a good price on one at a sport show.  Maybe even the older style ones as I would only be opening 6 to 8 holes in my wheel house.

[Bureaucrat]

On 11/17/2016 at 11:03 AM, Lip_Ripper Guy said:

I have the first (pre reverse) generation ION and absolutely love it.  I may upgrade to the X.  The longer battery life means I'd easily be able to get rid of the gas auger (that has barely left the garage in 3 years+). 

The guy at Scheels told me the new battery fits the old model augers.  I've got the original Ion as well and asked about it.  Verify, but that's what I was told. 

[pgunderson7]

The new X battery does work with the previous model for sure.  It gives you the same +60% efficiency with either unit.