Strike-Lite or Electric auger

[hovermn]

After today's massive headache from exhaust fumes, I've decided to buy another auger for the Perm. fish house. Currently, I'm using the SM Lazer mag express. The two options I'm looking at are the Strike-Lite or the Electra Lazer.

I realize that the electric auger will give off zero exhaust and would completely solve my headache issue. I've read that it's a great auger and will drill many holes per charge and that it can also be hooked up to the fish house battery. That's pretty nice.

However, I love the idea of having a gas auger, they'll drill far more holes than an electric. So, to all of you strike-lite owners out there: How much exhaust does the strike-light put out? Is it pretty minimal? Have you used it in a perm. house and with the windows and door open during operation, does the exhaust clear out well?

The problem I ran into today was that even with the addition of wind, 3 windows wide open and the door propped open, it took a long time for the exhaust to clear. After 5 minutes with the house open, I closed up shop, but left 2 windows open a crack and it was another 20 minutes before the smell went away. Mean while, my nose burned and head ached.

Today was really an extreme case as it's usually not this bad. My auger is working fine, but I think that I'm getting more sensitized to the fumes and they're bothering me more and more. Logic would say get the electric, I know. However, eventually, I'd like the new auger to act as a replacement for the lazer mag. and would be willing to compromise IF the strike-lite is much better than the 2 stroke for exhaust.

All opinions are appriciated.

[hovermn]

I just thought of another option. Amsoil Saber. I realize that it says smokeless, but how well does it cut down on the fumes? Would using Saber bring it to the strike-light level, or close?

All I know is that I can't go through what I went through today again. My years of Epoxy work has left me with a few less brain cells, and I'd kdnia lkie to svae waht I hvae!

[Lucky12]

The Strike light hands down, I have last years model an just love it

[Bob_D]

I use the Amsoil Saber and it's pretty darn smokeless. I run it at 100:1 and my clothes don't stink like oil anymore.

I know I'd give it a try before I went out and spent money on a new auger. If it does not work good enough for you, you are only out a couple bucks.

[dmengel]

I have a strike-lite & it is pretty good with not much smell. I was looking at it the other day & wondering if I could slide a heater hose over the exaust to extend it outside of the hard house but I have not tried it yet.

[walleyedan]

I really like my Electra. Really like it! It re-opens holes well too. I use almost always, I also have a Strike Lite but it still gives off some fumes. Both are nice, but I think the Electra is the way to go. Only down fall is when you get a lot of ice and you have to drill a fair amount of holes.

Walleyedan

[Ryan_V]

I started running amsoil sabre in mine and have noticed hardly any smoke. drilled holes in the house on the pond friday night and only had one window open a crack and didn't smell a thing. I'd give it a tank of sabre then decide if you need a new auger.

[McGurk]

Try the Amsoil; you will be amazed. The smoke will be reduced to almost nothing, and there will still be a smell, but nothing like the regular 2-stroke oils. No more greasy wall stripes and hardly any time needed to air out the house after drilling 6 holes. Also, let it warm up a couple of minutes before drilling; this will also cut down on smoke.

[snoozebutton]

Quote:

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I really like my Electra. Really like it! It re-opens holes well too. I use almost always, I also have a Strike Lite but it still gives off some fumes. Both are nice, but I think the Electra is the way to go. Only down fall is when you get a lot of ice and you have to drill a fair amount of holes.

Walleyedan

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My wife and I are seriously looking into getting the Electra. I saw a guy with one near where we were fishing the other day so I went over a talked to him about it and he was really happy with his too. We're hoping for a season's ending sale on one now, otherwise we're going to get one next fall.

[anyfishwilldo]

One more vote for the Amsoil sabre. Next to nothing for smoke, and you can save 500 clams.

[hovermn]

Sounds like Saber's worth a shot. I figured now would be a good time to ask the forum because most shops are clearancing out their auger stock.

I'll shoot a few holes open this weekend with the new 100:1 mixture and see what happens. By that time, there should still be a few strike-lites and electra's sitting around somewhere.

Thanks guys!

Of course, more opinions are welcome...

[danwilliams]

Try the sabre..think you'll like it. Somebody already mentioned warm it up outside.

Then...buy an electric but keep the lazer mag. Can't have too many toys.