power auger opinions....

[grousehunter]

What would you say is the best power auger on the Market. Just sold my old used strikemaster 2000 mag 2hp and looking for a new one. I havnt done that much research yet, but am leaning away from the strikemaster. Most likely will be buying from cabelas since i have discount coupons. I know its all in opinion, but would like some pros and cons to each. thanks,

Blake

[18 inch Crappie]

You are right on with Strikemaster Lazer mag 2hp in the 9"

[Northlander]

In my opinion the Nils is the best out there.

Every company now makes a good auger. Even Eskimo is making a good machine. We used them last year at a contest to cut holes and I was impressed how far they have come.

Go look at some augers and see what you want and can afford. All augers have some lemons just like cars and trucks. Its a lot of preference and how much you use them.

[harvey lee]

In my past expierence, the only auger for me is a Nils Master. Nils is very light, cuts faster than anything I have ever used or seen and has a commercial motor.

You can purchase one in numerous sizes for hole size and shaft lenght. if one gets the longer shaft Nils, you wont have to worry about getting an extension for your auger.

Cabelas wont have this auger but you can check it out here.

http://outdoorprostore.com/nils-master.html

[Lunder99]

I used to have a Jiffy Model 30 but returned it and got a Jiffy STX Pro 2hp. I really like the STX, much lighter, idles, and cuts just as fast if not faster than the 3 hp. JMO

[Corey Bechtold]

I am partial to Strikemaster because it has never let me down in over 8 years. I stop in and visit them and from what I've seen their customer service is awesome.

I have tried other augers but will stick with my Strikemaster.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[fishinlocal]

I love my Strike Lite by Strikemaster! The thing weighs a mere 20lbs and is a 4-stroke. It doesn't smell like a 2-stroke and it is much much quieter. It cuts like butter!

The one downside though is if I ever have to replace the blades, they are $50 a pop!

[Neiko]

I sold my Strikemaster Lazer Mag Express that was around 7-8 years old and ran fine. I picked up my Strike-Lite from Cabelas last night and used the $100 off postcard I got. There customer service is second to none. I have stopped in with my auger and they have helped me many times and asked for nothing. I hate to be close minded but I will never look at another brand because of it.

[SP180]

I have the lazer mag and if you would have asked me this a month ago, i would have told you to run and hide. After asking a few questions and doing a little adjusting, this thing cuts like it is on Steroids. It spent a week at an MLB training camp and know it pitches faster the Clemons . I like it and the service was great. Good luck with your decision and i bet what ever you get you will like. If not, there are alot of great people on this site that can help get it running right.

[grousehunter]

What are some of the main difference between strikemaster and jiffy..engine/blades/speed...thinking i am going to keep it between the two and then pick model after that since i can get about 100 dollars off my next auger purchase if i get it from cabelas. anywhere from 8-10

inches.

The Nils does look tempting though, I like how it can go from power to hand...

[captainstevo]

I have a jiffy 2 horse that is new (8-10 years old) and my dad has a model 30 that is older (21 years) I have never had a problem with either. The model 30 has a 10 and a 8 inch bit for it. With the 8 inch it is a very fast auger and average speed with the 10 inch. However for running and gunning the model 30 is a little on the heavy side. The 2 horse is a fairly light and very reliable machine, I will stick with jiffy untill I have a negative experience.

[Jim Almquist]

I have used and owned Strikemaster,Jiffy and now a Nils.I still have my model 30 9" that I picked up in the 80s and might not ever get rid of because the auger never has let me down. Trust me this is not your run and gun machine. My buddy has a Strikemaster and I don't know what model and I really could not recommend it because it was too slow. There might be faster Strike

master and the customer service might be great but the auger did not compare to a Jiffy. I am just breaking in my Nils but have yet to cut any Ice but I will post my results. I love the weight of the Nils but my Jiffy cuts pretty darn fast but we will see.

[Neiko]

I had a 10 inch and loved the size. Only problem is things find their way down the hole easier. The other problem is a foot goes in a lot easier especially if you have kids. I have seen big fish taken out of a 8 inch with no problem.

I believe the Strikemaster shaves the ice and the Jiffy chips it. My brother used my buddies Tuesday and said he got awfully wet using his Jiffy Stealth. He also didn't like that it went the opposite way then the Strikemaster. Overall I believe the Jiffy is heavier then the SM. I have heard you there was some problems from the Model 30 but they may have fixed it by now.

When I was at the Ice Show there was about 6-8 guys from Jiffy standing around and it didn't look like alot of people were talking to them. I hate to sound so Pro Strikemaster but I really love them.

[UMDSportsman]

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Even Eskimo is making a good machine. We used them last year at a contest to cut holes and I was impressed how far they have come.

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I have one of them eskimo's from the contentest (thanks loonasea ). I haven't touched ice with it yet, but i heard it runs great, it will finally see ice from me hopefully this weekend when i go home.

[wishing for walleyes]

Jiffy legend lightning stealth with ice d`armor 2 hp 9 inch hole.I have had mine for 4 or 5 years now and never had a problem with it.I always run it empty of gas at the end of the season and it always starts up.

[upnorth]

I have a newer eskimo shark z51 and I really like it. I have used some other augers and they didn't cut any better than this one. I am guessing some of the real high dollar machines will work better, but $ for $ I think it can hold it's own with any of them.

[BIG DS]

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What are some of the main difference between strikemaster and jiffy..engine/blades/speed...

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The engines are the same on the 2 strokes, both Tecumseh. The blades and the warranty are the only differences. The Jiffy Stealth STX 2hp 8" has one year on the engine, 2 on the gearbox, and 3 on the blades. Strikemaster is 1 year on the engine and gearbox. Jiffy uses the chipper style blades yet and Strikemaster has a shaver type on the Lazer and the Lazer 224. If weight is an issue, get the Strikelite by Strikemaster as it is only 20 lbs, 4 stroke (no smoke or smell), and cuts great. If you need to re-open old holes, get the 224 or the Jiffy. Otherwise it comes down to a color thing from there.

Nils, however, is the fasted and the lightest. Make sure if you chose the Nils that you follow the break in procedure to the letter.

[boatfixer]

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He also didn't like that it went the opposite way then the Strikemaster.

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I have heard this before from SM guys. Why would that make any difference? maybe the others are backwards

[MN]

I am about to buy a new auger and get rid of my old Jiffy. The Jiffy is a workhorse and has been great, but I really want to get a good auger that is lighter. It is my understanding that the Lazer Mag express is the fastest and lightest without paying the Nils premium - does anyone agree? Someone please tell me this is a good decision... - thanks

MN

[BIG DS]

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It is my understanding that the Lazer Mag express is the fastest and lightest without paying the Nils premium - does anyone agree?

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The Strikemasters weigh only about 4lbs less then the Jiffy if memory serves. As far as speed, the Lazer 224 may have a slight advantage, but the regular Lazer and the Jiffy STX are a dead match. Now the Strikelite, they are 20lbs, quiet, don't stink, and are still a pretty fast auger. The Nils 8" are only $500 aren't they? Trade off the old auger and you're in good shape.

[harvey lee]

Yes, the NIls is only $500.00. And what an auger you get for $500.00. I could go on and on about my Nils but we will leave it at this, I have used them all and my NIls is hands down the best power auger I have ever drilled with.

[Rick]

I disagree that Strikelite is the lightest, fastest, most durable and easiest to use.

I've used them all. They all have their good points. Jiffy's the largest manufacturer of augers, good reliable well built pieces of equipment. Strike Master has very good customer service and builds a serious set of augers.

When I'm running and gunning, I want an industrial grade, lightweight auger that pulls through the ice. I hate having to lean into an auger.

Nils Master Augers fit the bill here. With over twice the service life fot the Nils powerheads than Jiffy's or Strikemasters that completes the ticket and justifies the price for me. It also works pretty good in our wheelhouse when I use Amsoil Sabre at 100:1.

[Eric Wettschreck]

You always know when someone on the other side of the hemisphere started up a Jiffy. They are about as loud as an NHRA top fuel dragster. However, they drill nice.

I have a strikemaster Mag 2000. I really like it, it always starts, drills holes nice, I LOVE how it will re-open frozen holes in the hard house. Added bonus is I can get blades and parts from Thorne Brothers super fast. Strikemaster customer service (I've never had to use it) I'm told is top notch also.

I don't have a Nils Master. However, I've fished with friends that have them. The next auger I buy will be a Nils, for a couple of reasons. They are, hands down, the fastest thing I've ever seen drill a hole in the ice, and they are super lightweight. Wanna run and gun on URL or a lake with 4' thick ice? No need for an extension with the Nils and you can go-go-go-go without breaking your back. When I was 18 the weight of an auger wouldn't have mattered. I'm not 18 anymore.

[DTro]

Not to beat a dead horse here, but I don't have a bad thing to say about my Nils. Set it on the ice, give it throttle and wait for it to pull through.

I'm spoiled as this has been my first power auger, so I really can't compare it to the other big names, but I've seen with my own eyes many times where guys are putting every ounce of weight they have to get a hole punched.

I've even seen two guys leaning with all they have and still unable to hold footing.

Yes there is a premium, but this is a purchase that could last a lifetime of fishing. Just something to think about.

I'm pretty sure they will hold their resale value pretty good too

[Kodiak]

arent the nils hard to get parts for and dont they take forever to get once you order it???

i have a strike lite and i find it hard to find a better auger than it. fill it with pump gas, a tank lasts forever, it is quiet, no smoke, cuts real nice and quick and it is made in minnesota.