Need to purchase auger !?!?!?!?

[SomethingFishy*]

OK, so I finally bought a house, I bought a used Frabill XLTwin that was priced seemingly ok. I now need an auger. Should I purchase New/Refurbished/Used? I am looking between strikemaster models and possibly Eskimo. I am a casual fisherman and will probably make it out 1-2 times a week. I want a good auger that will last, it will mostly be used for opening new holes. and the ocassional reopen. I am unsure of what I want to spend (lower $$$ always helps) but I want a good product. Recommendations and best prices would be appreciated.

Thanks, Josh

[howwedoin]

I just went through this. I just bought the Lazer Mag but the cost was $370 I think. The Mag 2000 was at fleet farm for $280 I think. Someone wanted me to check out the Eskimo Shark at $325 (Joe's) I went with the Strikemaster cause the parts would be easier to find should I need any. As for the Eskimo, Fleet farm had one for $229 (not the "Shark) which is pretty good.

The guy at Joe's said the Eskimo is a little cheaper cause you're not paying for the Tecumseh motor. (unless he was talking about the "Shark" auger only).

Do your homework.

I tried my Lazer Mag last night and it cut like butter (2 blades). The motor is the same on the Lazer & 2000 but different cutting blades.

[Mr Special]

Myself and most of the buddies have Eskimo's and they are great. The motors are all Tecumeseh's also. Finding parts shouldn't be a problem either. Last season I broke my auger shaft and got it replaced for super cheap. I personally like the twin Turbo blades myself. The Esikmo StinRay is the lowest priced one they carry $230 or less.

Good luck

[BIG DS]

If you look into used, if you are able to test the unit on the ice, I would strongly suggest doing that. If not Jiffy has the strongest gear case, 3 yr warranty on the Gearbox, 2 on the blades, and 1 on the engine. Strikemaster is the lightest with a 1 yr warranty, but the boys in Big Lake are more than willing to help you out with about anything if you are willing to make the trip. Eskimo are good, reasonably price machines, but depending on the model, the blades can be tough to find, and one of the models has an Italian built engine. It is a very good motor though so don't worry about that. If you want the best customer service, Strikemaster!

[SomethingFishy*]

I have been peeking at the lazer mag express I found it factory refurbished for under $300 with a full 1 year warranty. Is this a good buy?

[fishingpainter]

i bought a strike master 2000 last year at gander mountain for 260 i love it has 8 inch on it

[ozzie]

anything strikemaster for the fact that you can take it to Big Lake and they will solve the problem for you....

[Ihateriversnags]

I just bought the strikemaster lazer mag with the 2 horse head. 9 inch triple blade system. I love it to death. you do have to hold it back a little because it cuts too well and it tries to pull you down if you don't have a handle on it but it worked much better than my jiffy model 30. yes the rest are right about the staff in Big Lake. They will answer any questions you have and be as helpful as ever. good luck with your purchase

[tightlines]

I know you said it's between an eskimo and strikemaster, but have you considered Nils Master. Spendy but what a unit. I bought one this year and let me tell ya, that thing cuts unbeleivably fast and it is light. No extensions needed either. It is the best built I have seen yet. Do a search here and get the scoop on Nils Master..BTW, no holding it back or pushing down. Pull the trigger and down it goes, all by itself.. It's truely amazing..Can ya tell I like it??? LOL

[zepman]

Just used my new Strikemaster 2000 Mag for the first time tonight. Was very pleased with how it started,ran and cut. I realize there are better cutting blades out there but that brings quite a bit more price with them. Found mine at Gander for 249.00. I felt it was the best value out there. My next choice would have been the Lazer Mag reconditioned units but I just had too many darn gift cards from Gander to use up and they don't carry the reconditioned augers. Good Luck.

[Northlander]

Nilsmaster hands down the lightest and fastest auger I have ever used!

[HarryG]

Josh,

I obsessed when I purchased my auger. It is probably the only piece of Ice Gear that will last you 10+ years. I went with a Strikemaster LM 7. It suites my needs. I looked at the Jiffy and Eskimo. I don't think there is a wrong choice. If I could do it again, I may choose the reconditioned SM. They guy's in Big Lake have been very helpful with any questions. I am told the service is excellent. I have not needed very many repairs on my auger so I can't say a whole lot. From what you have told me, I recommend the rebuilt strikemaster chipper. My LM-7 is fast, but I can't say it helps me catch more fish. Weight and reliability are the primary factors I would consider the most important. A reconditioned Strikemaster will do the job. Good Luck!!!

[Hookmaster]

I've had a 7 or 8 inch Jiffy White Lighting since Dec. of 1995. This is a 2 hp chipper blade. The only time it was in the shop was when somebody else pulled the rope out too far and it stuck. Otherwise no problems. I think I have changed the plug once after 5-6 years. It opens up old holes fine and I sharpen the blade and point with a file once a year.

[SomethingFishy*]

So I bought a Strikemaster Lazer Mag Xpress yesterday and took it straight to the lake, I punched probably 30 holes on the hunt for some fish and this thing cut like a hot knife thru warm butter I was very pleased with my purchase. The price was also nice I looked everywhere in town and they were consistently $370, I picked up a factory reconditioned for $295.

Now my question is what to get for a case. Is the case made by strikemaster any good? The $20 price seems fair.

[angleworm]

I was saving up for a Nils but in the mean time I purchased a 7" Lazer HAND auger by Strikemaster for $75.00. Wow!!! I've never used a hand auger that is so fast. I have been drilling 12-14" ice in 20-30 seconds, no kidding. When I told 3 of my buddies about it they all doubted me, until they tried it. Now 2 of the 3 bought ther own! I don't know if it being only 7" makes it so much easier or if it's the lazer blades, I just know that it is only 7 lbs, faster than I could have hoped, and it is inexpensive. I don't think I need a $500 Nils anymore.....well ...at least not right now, ask me in Feb. when the ice is 30+ inches.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I agree, Angleworm. I bought the 6 inch Lazer this year and have been truly impressed. The other day, I popped two holes before the guy next to me finished his one. His buddy ribbed him a bit for that!

[onemore]

I would highly recommend the Jiffy Stealth. I own a 9 inch two horse. It rips through the ice. The blades have flat edges and can easily be sharpened with a small stone. I have used it for 3 seasons and love it. The only change I would make is to maybe have gone with the 8 inch.

Also I would recommend a "Blitz" self venting 1 gal gas can. I think you can get them at Menards. The cap is easy to open(good for cold hands) and very spill-proof.