1.2 hp Augers

[Lazy Mike]

Any reason not to consider the 1.2hp augers to save a few bucks? I'm sure they cut a bit slower, but they are also a bit less expensive.

[shamalex72]

I bought a eskimo stingray last year, I would say that it cuts faster than my Jiffy. But, the Jiffy is a 10". One thing for sure is it's a whole lot lighter.

[shorefisher]

I have been ice fishing for 30 years and any gas auger is better then a hand auger. I see and read many post about faster, better and I have used many different augers and they all cut a hole. I am not in a race when cutting holes. I have seen smaller Hp augers cut faster the the big 3Hp augers. The weight is the big thing for me I have a 3Hp and for sure will go with a lighter smaller auger next time i buy. Also I like the idea of saving quite a bit of money

[Lazy Mike]

The stingray 8" is what I was considering, have you had any problems with it? Do you use synthetic oil for the mix?

[Big Paulie]

Well, I bought the Eskimo Mako last year, which is a step above the Stingray. It cuts fine, fast, great auger for the price in my eyes. Also I fired it up tonight for the first time since last year, 3rd pull and she purred like a kitten..

[SteveWilson]

I have a 43cc Eskimo Shark (8") and it is a well built unit and fairly light; something I appreciate when I'm hauling my portable and gear up a large hill to get back to the truck.

[Bearfish]

Last year, I purchased the Shark Z51 (2.1 hp), 8" turbo. Plenty of power. Great machine.

[pulsar_nx]

Had one before but I broke 3 recoil spools before I found out that the gas cap wasn't venting. By that time I wasn't too thrilled with the auger. Now I've got an electric auger that starts every time.

[shamalex72]

I had a recoil problem but they fixed it right away. I use amsoil mix.

[umdr6]

Bearfish,

Did you consider getting the one with Quantum blades? OR was Turbo the only options. I am looking at getting the Shark Z51 with the Quantum blades. I like the idea of redrilling holes in a permanent. Have you ever noticed a problem with the Turbo blades? Also, is it worth looking at the smaller 43cc Shark? I saw the Z51 at Fleet Farm for $329 and Cabela's for over $400. What's the deal with that?

I like the plastic handle design on the Shark. Makes for lighter transportation.

ANy advice would help concerning the blaeds and size motors!

Thanks,

~umdr6

[Bearfish]

umdr6,

I fish out of a portable, so redrilling was not going to be a factor. I know I get a fast effortless cut each time I drill with the Z51/turbo. I would go with the quantum for a permanent. I can't speak for the Z43. I would shop around for a good price. Unlike new sonars, auger prices vary depending on retailer. I paid aprox $300-$310 last winter at GM, but it looks like they went up in price some.

[umdr6]

Bearfish,

So you recomend the Z51 for permanents, but how about fresh holes when fishing a portable? Would you still recomend the Qblades? or would you recomend Turbo for new holes???

THanks for the advice!

~umdr6

[LocalGuide]

I got the Turbo and it works fine for new and used holes. Granted I probably didnt re-drill more than 10 holes last year but when I did it worked fine.

I bought my Z51 for 317.99 last year at gander mountain when they had 5% on their ice fishing stuff after x-mas. So if you look around you can get one less than 325 I think.

[jbell1981]

Is a 1.2 hp the same as 33cc? I was looking at getting one of the 33cc eskimos. $220 at fleet farm. So I am alos interested if it would have enough power to drill in thick ice.

[Bearfish]

umdr6,

From my experience the Z51 has plenty of power. I have never used an auger under 2 hp. As I only drill new holes, I went with a turbo blade because it punches faster than the chipper blade model I previously owned. The quantum blades tend to last longer though. Either blade will get the job done.

[shamalex72]

the 1.2 is the 33cc. it goes through thick ice just as good as thin ice.