Nils Master High-Velocity Hand Auger

[Mike Stark]

Just wondering if anyone uses this auger. It cost $125. Is it worth the cash, or should i just spend another $200 a get a gas powered auger? I live in the Ely area so it would be nice for the b-dub.

[harvey lee]

The hand auger works very nice and cuts well. I would go for the powered auger as it cut through the thicker ice easier. If you purchase the whole package, one can have both.

I dont know if you can purchase a power Nils for another $200.00 over the hand auger.

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

[Mike Stark]

yeah a power nils is $500...that is too much for me..i was thinking of getting a differnt brand power auger that is around $350...thanks for the info

[Hotspotter]

I think much depends on how you'll be using it. If you plan on using it with power outside of the BWCA, you'll be well served by the Nils. Make sure to use only as large a hole as you need. Big difference in cutting from the 6, 7, and 8" holes.

The nice part with the lazer is that replacement blades are readily available and cheap. I've got one of those that works great also.

Joel

[Mike Stark]

do others think that the strikemaster lazer(hand) cuts just as fast as the nils(hand)?

[Northlander]

My NIls hand auger is faster than my lazer once you get the hang of cutting with it.

Now if your looking for a pack in hand auger I agree with Jnelson that the Lazer is a good choice. No matter what you pack in bring a few sets of sharp blades and extra screws. You always seem to drop one in the snow and cant find it at the worst time.

I have gotten to the point that once I get about 5" of ice the hand auger is put away and the power Nils comes out. Its only 22# and well worth the extra weight to be able to pop a ton of holes with ease. Im not a fan of hand augers after back surgery and a bad shoulder but will use them on very early ice.

[Mike Stark]

is a 6in hole big enough or do i need to go to a 8in hole?

i fish for walleye pike and perch.

thanks.

[GatorBait]

I'd suggest a 8in if you are tying some hefty eyes and pike into your picture. Makes it a bit easier to guide the fish into a bigger hole, than a smaller one.

[harvey lee]

If you were just fishing panfish, the 6 would work. Now, if you fish other specie, the 8" hole would work much better. I also like the 8" for crappies as sometimes I will bump them off and a little larger hole is nice.

[harvey lee]

For those who are concerned about local service for those Nils blades, check here.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/sh...e=0#Post1245774