Eskimo Shark 2005

[Buzzin']

I am new to ice fishing and am going to buy an auger. I have tried to find as much info as possible and the eskimo shark looks good to me. I am curious though if anyone has had problems with the plastic that is covering the engine, etc. It seems pretty weak and could break. Also they made a lot of changes from last years model and I was wondering if anyone knows why (smaller engines,less rpms,different handle, and so on). To go along with that is there a noticeable difference between the 2.1 and the 1.75?

I have also looked at the Strikemaster mag 2000, seems to be built better but only 1 blade and no primer (possibly harder to start?) Thanks for any info. I am starting to lose my mind!

[hanson]

I haven't had much experience with the Eskimos so I'll let a few other FMers help you with your question.

I can tell you that my Strikemaster Lazer doesn't have a primer either, but a choke lever. It starts just fine. Choke it, give it a few pulls, and it'll fire right up. The mag2000 from Strikemaster uses the same powerhead so I'd assume it has the choke lever also.

[Paul Waldowski]

The Mag 2000 does have the choke lever. No matter how wet or how cold it is, and I have put a beating on that thing, it has never, ever not started on the first or second pull

[Sportland_Bait]

I've heard good things about Eskimo but I've always ran Strikemasters and never had any problems. Every few years I'll give them a tune up and they run like new. The mag 2000 is a winner.

Jason Erlandson

[loebs93]

Although it sounds like you're more interested in the Eskimo I'm going to chime in for the Strikemaster Company. After reading virtually all of the auger talk on this site I was convinced that Strikemaster was the way to go.

I just got one the other day and love it. My dad has an older Magnum III which I guess is an equivalent to today's Mag 2000 and he has had awesome luck with his.

Hopefully somebody will shoot you something about the Eskimos.

[Northlander]

I dont know about this years models because they changed power heads again. Getting them out of Japan or China now. I think they were from Finland or Sweden or something last year. Some guys I have talked to arent too impressed. I know these augers were great last year.

Im running a new Nilsmaster this year and waiting for some real ice to give it a test run. Ill give a full report when I find 8" of ice or more.

[R_B]

I own a Shark that I bought 2 years ago. It runs great but you really have to lean into it to go through. I paid a lot for it and it should work better. I am bringing it back to where I bought it today. They said that they had some problems with that model and will see what they can do to fix or replace it. I guess Ardisam is really customer focused and will work with customers to make them happy. I have also heard that this years Shark is supposed to be very good.

We'll see what happens.

[John19]

I don't have the Shark, but rather the Barricuda, and haven't had a problem. I think Eskimo in general is a pretty reliable company. The biggest thing, with any auger, is to keep those blades sharp!

John

[dwag70]

I am also looking at buying a new eskimo auger and have been reading what has been said. I will tell you this I have an eskimo ice auger from the 70's and just contacted them about getting a replacement tank for it online. They got back to me the same day and the email I recieved had a REAL PERSON'S name on it and was able to replay back directly to her and she gave me a name and phone number of SOME ONE REAL in the company to contact in case I could not find the model number on it. I am very impressed with there customer service and will only by there product for a new auger !!!!!

[R_B]

I brought my aguer back yesterday. They are going to replace the bit for free. I was just inside my 2 year warrantee.

[Dan Wood]

I don't know about the 2005 model, but I purchased a Shark last season and have been very happy with it.

[Buzzin']

Thanks for your posts. I am going to go with the strikemaster. It seems that more people use them and not much is known about the new sharks. MAkes me a little nervous that they keep switching the engines.

[R_B]

My buddy has the 3 HP Strikemaster. It goes through very well. Doesn't start as easily as my shark though,

[honda400ex_treme]

we just bought a eskimo shark Z51 i haven't used it yet we got it last week. I'll keep ya posted, im hoping to use it next weekend.

[lucky7]

Paul:

I agree, I ahve the MAg 2000 and love it!

[Buzzin']

Well bought the strikemaster 2000 today and tested it out. It started right up and ran great, going out tomorrow morning. I also bought the clam 2000 today. I hope I can sleep tonight, I am excited to use my new toys.

[knoppers]

have a jiffy legend 3.5 hp 10 incher, and I am looking for something lighter. strikemaster is tops on my list, but the price is high compared to the eskimo. but they also say you get what you pay for. eskimo may be cheaper since they don't sell as many, or it could be of where they get the motors now. mass produced motors. I will compare them, and buy the best, since I will be using it for years.

will like to get the jiffy off my hands if anyone is interested. has a few issues, like the gear box and auger being sloppy, but it still cuts a hole fine. and the usual hard starting that comes with this brand. but this 3.5 hp can spin that 10 incher without a sweat. loads of power.

[jltimm]

You must have bought your Jiffy before you moved to Big Lake being that's where the Almighty Strikemaster is Built!

[chunkytrout]

I'm on season three with my Eskimo Mako 10". It has the Tec TC2 motor. Drills like a banshee and starts everytime. It's funny because when it comes down to it, the best auger is one that starts and drills. 90% the above fit that bill for sure. Customer service is a plus. Blade life also ranks high and there are some choices there.

[knoppers]

I actually won the jiffy auger, so I sold my well used strikemaster since I only needed one. bonehead move on my part.