Power auger advice?

[Tripleplay]

I'm just starting to get into ice fishing after selling my boat due to lack of use and I'm looking for some basic advice on augers. I've got plenty of ice rods/reels and just like everybody else the tackle seems to grow mysteriously everytime I walk into the store! Convinced my wife on the advantages of some electronics and got a Vex for Christmas. Now I have to figure out how to get through the ice! I looked the equipment threads over pretty well yesterday regarding augers and I think I have a good idea on a brand preference or preferences but not totally settled on that either.

What I'm really after is what horsepower auger would be sufficient now and for the future? Any advantages to being proactive and buying with "ice house" handles even though a permanent house seems unlikely in the near future (is an auger with these type of handles harder or easier to handle?)? What size drill (8"-9"-10")? It appears the electrics have really improved but are they worth the cost versus the noise, etc?

I would expect my fishing to initially focus on some panfishing with the kids and probably some tipups for northerns. I do intend to fish for walleyes on LOW or Mille Lacs and any Metro lakes in the future but will be looking for some intensive training from some experienced ice fishermen on locations/tactics etc..

Cost is somewhat of an issue as I'd like to stay uder $400, but I just found out my annual trip to LOW fell through due to lower than anticipated participation so I may have some leverage on the homefront regarding cost!

Thanks for the help!

Tripleplay

[Northlander]

I would go with a 2 horse and a 8 or 9 inch cut for your needs. They are all good augers so you cant go wrong with any of them just get what ya like.

[TV BOY]

If you are fishing with kids I personally would avoid 10" holes. I have a strikemaster lazer 8" and haven't had any problems. Nice and light, (I'm not a bodybuilder) cuts like a knife through butter.

[cliffy]

I have to agree, it seems all brands of augers are built pretty good. I dont think you could go wrong wtih Jiffy, StrikeMaster or any of the other main brand names.

I have a StrikeMaster Lazer Mag...or is it a Ultra..??? ...I get those mixed up...anyway..its the one with two blades (2hp). I like it because I fish out of a portable and have to tow it a long distance and the auger is very light. The two blade system cuts well...like a hot knife threw butter. I have it in a 10 inch model...I like the extra size for use with my Vex. However, the 10 inch hole is a big one and I would avoid it if I had children. I have stepped in my holes by mistake and fell up past my thigh...good humor for an adult. .but could be very sad if it was a child.

Good Luck in your search

[Tripleplay]

Thanks all for the recommendations so far. I'll take more if anyone else wants to comment!

Your response brought up another question regarding the number of blades. It looks like the options go from a single blade all the way to the four blades on the new Strikemaster. Is a single blade sufficient for most uses assuming it is kept sharp or would I be better off focusing on two or three blades?

I was definitely leaning towards the 9" or 10" hole just based on my readings since I guessed the Vex in the 8" hole could get a bit crowded, but it sure seems like a lot of folks get by with the 8" hole with no real problems. This may be one of those personal opinion situations or buy what the best deal is regardless of size.

My kids would probably kill me for calling them kids as they are actually 12 year old triplets and they would argue they would never be unlucky enough to step in the hole. I do agree that even up at LOW in a pretty spacious permanent I saw one of my house partners slip while working a fish up and get himself a little wet! Good for a laugh and a slightly stinky house while the boot dried on the heater.

[anyfishwilldo]

Strikemaster. I had my Mag III for 15 years, and retired it(still worked great) for a Lazer Mag Express 8". If you happen to have any probs, their cust service is awesome, and the factory is in Big Lake. I also agree with the other guys, 10", too big for kids, and drunk adults.