Strikemaster LazerMag Express vs. Lazer 224 (4 blade model)

[beretta]

Hey guys, I just got myself my Christmas present. I wanted an auger so I went to Gander and picked one up. I got a pretty good deal on the LazerMag Express (2 serrated blades). I didnt do much research on them but what I saw is that it normally retails for about 370. It weighs 23 lbs and I believe that last year it was "the auger of the year"...whatever that means. Now I see that the 224 (4 blade model) is on sale for like 349 (normally 419). It is 26 lbs (3 lbs difference). I think I paid like 330 for mine. I havent taken it out of the box yet so I could return it still... Has anyone compared the two before? What do you think? Is it worth returning and more importantly Is it worth the extra $20? Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

[BIG DS]

Go get the 224 before they are gone!!! You will never be sorry. The 224 cuts faster and works better if you open old holes. If there is only $19 difference jump on it.

[Corey Bechtold]

I wouldn't sweat the 224. It is a great auger but 4 blades isn't necessary. I think my Lazer blade is plenty fast and would put it up next to the 224 any day. Besides, 2 less blades are less likely to freeze up on you.

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[Capt.Blaine]

I have the 2 blade model no complaints here. Don’t forget when you get new blades, that 2 blades are cheaper than 4 blades.

[Hoffer]

Thats exactly what I thought when looking at the 224....sure fast is good - but the Lazermag is plenty fast - and replacing or dealing with 4 blades instead of 2 seemed like more of a potential pain. I just wish i would have bought my new one this week rather than last week - last week I paid 375 for my 9 inch lazermag at gander...havent even put it together yet...just opened the box - i wonder if they would refund the difference since I just bought it?

[Jim Hudson]

Both are great augers and get the job done just as good while out there on the ice...

The only reason I would opt for the 224 over a lazer is if you are a big sight fisherman. During all times of the hardwater season, it is much easier to drill a diagonal holes with this 4 bladed bit. Allowing you to drill this type of hole in the rear of the hole your fishing out of.. Gives you a lot better line of sight while pearing at those big finning 'gills or what have you...

One drawback to the 224 is more ice build up compared to the 2 bladers... You can minimalize this, just like on any auger, by using some teflon spray or other lubricant (Pam, etc etc). The Genz tool or a slag hammer (for welding purposes) is also nice to lightly chip away the ice build up around blades. 4 blades equals more metal that equals the tendency to ice up more.

But either way, both are solid bits and get the job done quickly!!!

[Bryman02]

The lazermag express is a sweet machine. I got one (10 inch)from a local pawnshop brand new with a case for $200. I love it. A week later at the same place i picked up a Fl-8 SLT for $120 bucks in perfect shape. I was looking at the 224 for a while, but thinking about buying four blades made me sick

[Hoffer]

Dude! I need to know the pawn shop you use...those are sweet buys!

[thrasher]

I originally bought my 224 with a 10". No good. Went right to StrikeMaster and they admitted 8" was the only choice that works. This auger works great. Speed isn't the issue. They all cut fast enough. Re drilling is much easier with the 224. Haven't noticed any ice build up issues.

[beretta]

Thanks for all the advice guys. After looking it all over, I think I will stick with what I have. Unfortunatly, I dont have a permenant house, so opening old holes isnt really an issue for me. If speed isnt the difference and they are both fast, I should be fine. Thanks again!

[MASON38]

You probably made the right choice. Even in the annual that publisizes for StrikeMaster, the Lazer Mag Express is referred to as "the fastest machine", at least in their line up. I've had mine for five years and love it, starts up quick in 2-3 pulls, 1 once its warm.