Nils Master vs Strike Lite

[FishingWebGuy]

I know it has been debated on here many times. I think I have read through most of the posts discussing the pros and cons of each. I am going to buy one or the other most likely very soon and this is what I have found so far.

Strike Lite Pros

4-stroke no mixing

quiet

tank o' gas last long time

local support / parts

can pick one up today

Nils Master Pros

Steel Auger

Doesn't need extension for fairly deep holes

Less effort to drill

Industrial engine

The 2lb difference in weight doesn't mean much to me. Right now I am leaning towards the Nils but it bothers me that I can't just run into Cabellas to grab spare blades or other parts.

I mostly fish metro lakes for all species with the occasional trip to URL, Mill Lacs and LOW

When I fish I like to punch lots of holes and move around. I want an auger that will reliably start/cut, and if taken care of, last for 5 - 10 years. I'll get out 20-30 times a season and punch 20-50 holes each time out.

Any opinions to help me make up my mind are appreciated.

[insurance guy]

I've been running a nils power auger going on 4 seasons and I've got thousands of holes off one cutting head and she's still cutting great. I'm going to change it out to the centering point cutting head this year. I've used a Lazer Mag Xpress and that cuts as fast as the nils but doesn't have the Tanaka powerhead which will run forever. From my experience I'd go for the Nils out of those two augers and it will be worth the wait.

[hanson]

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Strike Lite Pros

4-stroke no mixing

quiet

tank o' gas last long time

local support / parts

can pick one up today

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Don't fool yourself, 4-stroke doesn't exactly equate to quietness. At idle, yes, its very quiet. At full throttle, it sounds like a screaming leaf blower. No different than a 4-stroke outboard.

Also, the Strike-Lites are typically discounted heavily at the end of the season. If you can wait a month and a half to buy a Strike-Lite, you'll save $100.

[CSP88]

I would strongly consider the Strike Lite......it looks like you have already done some homework on each unit. The accessibility to repairs and parts if needed make the StrikeMaster a easy choice. The Nils may cut a little faster but if you happen to nick the blades you are out of commision for who knows how long until you can have a new head shipped to you. On the other hand..like you previously stated, if something would happen to the StrikeMaster blades you can always run to your nearest sporting goods store and be back in business.

Chad

[Northlander]

I always carry a extra set of blades. No matter what auger Im using I have them. I had my old 10" Jiffy go dull on Red Lake 1 year and had to drive a ways to find a replacement. Now I have at least 1 extra set with me. 2 if I know I will be fishing anyplace by Paul W.

So no matter what ya buy get extra blades and you will never be without a auger.

[harvey lee]

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I would strongly consider the Strike Lite......it looks like you have already done some homework on each unit. The accessibility to repairs and parts if needed make the StrikeMaster a easy choice. The Nils may cut a little faster but if you happen to nick the blades you are out of commision for who knows how long until you can have a new head shipped to you. On the other hand..like you previously stated, if something would happen to the StrikeMaster blades you can always run to your nearest sporting goods store and be back in business.

Chad

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One may be out of commission for 3 days if they dont have a extra bit. They can be sharpened and parts are just as easy to get as a Strikemaster. I dont know why some believe that one cannot get good service for a Nils and thats if it breaks down.

[Marmot]

Who sells Nils power augers? I am not sure if I have ever seen one for sale.

[zamboni]

A HUGE can of worms has just been opened- AGAIN. This debate is like Ford VS Chevy, Blonde VS Brunette, everyone has their opinions, and you're more than likely not going to change anyones mind on what they prefer.

That being said, I personally have a Strikemaster 4 stroke. It was between that and a Nils, to be honest. 3 things made my mind up fast:

1. Not having to mix gas and oil

2. Like Hanson said- got mine towards end of season, $100 off

3. Kinda like Marmot said, Who sells Nils? Noone around here, so I like the fact that I walked into GM the day I bought mine and they had Strikemasters sitting there.

I havent had one problem whatsoever with my Strikemaster, but I am sure a Nils would serve you well, too.

[harvey lee]

OutdoorProStore sells the Nils auger. No, most stores do not carry them but OPS can ship you one. That's how most here got them.

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Get your Nils Master Online - Click Here

[muc33]

One good thing I can add to this, is that the Nils in our fishing group cuts many many many holes and has never had to even be looked at for service or anything. so no problem equals problems solved.... and as far as the blade thing.... I agree, I would hate to count the actual number of holes cut and still last week ruined a buddies glove who of course didn't believe the blade was sharp enough to cut that many holes.... the only thing that thought equaled was a new pair of gloves.

HOT KNIFE IN BUTTER. I own a strikemaster too. doesn't get much use. but I still have it. The Nils on the other hand, gets worked hard and I get worked less.

[mike morris]

We bought a Nils Master a couple of years ago. It works great. Cuts the ice very well without effort. We have the 8 inch auger.

Curious if Nils has a 10" auger blade?

[harvey lee]

No 10" at this date.

[Huey]

Have the strikelite and like it.

I agree with all your reasons above. Plus I got it for about $150 less than a Nils.

Huey

[Rick]

Nils parts are rarely needed. When they are needed they are easy enough to get. Let's dispel a myth here - these blades last a long time when properly taken care of. Of course the engines last and last.

I do carry a spare set of blades but have yet to use it. I cut tons of holes and so far the last hole was as easy as the first.

Nils is one fast, easy and industrial grade auger and I've also used the Strike Lite.

That being said the Strike Lite is definitely a good value if you decide to wait until the end of the season and happen to get one if they are on sale at $100 off.

[Bob Horn]

Be careful with the way you set the Strikelite down. It will leak oil if laid down on the wrong side. There was some oil leak issues also from the head but I don't know if they have redesigned them to rectify that problem. I use a Strikemaster lazer but if that one ever [PoorWordUsage]ed out I would have to get a Nils. I have heard way more good on the Nils than good on the Strikelites.

[mshs1]

I have used a strikemaster for 4 years- fast enough and dependable. Parts are easy to find when I see a 4 stroke on sale I will have two. If Nils had a 4 stroke I would probably switch for the same reason I am attracted to shiny brigt objects and my wife isn't.

[prov1900]

I have had a Strikemaster Lazer since 99. Haven't done anything to it other than new blades and put the Amsoil in it. Strikemaster makes a great product. Ford vs Chevy.....

[Orlip]

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Who sells Nils power augers? I am not sure if I have ever seen one for sale.

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Go to the bargain cave, They usually have a good supply of them.

IMHO Strikemaster, Keep some MN people working.

BTW: That hole in the ice in my avtar was cut with a Stikemaster mag 3. Been around as long as my wife but treats me better.

[prov1900]

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IMHO Strikemaster, Keep some MN people working.

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My whole point as well. Nice point Orlip.

[deadeye]

I like you guy's point. They do give people in Minnesota a job. Besides that, they have the some of the best service that I have found. I am gonna be picking up a strikelite up this spring, and giving my lazer to my dad. I just cant get past the fact that if I have trouble with it they have helped me out and made sure I got fishing. Their service center, D-Rock has been good to me when I have needed parts for it too.

I know that the blades on the nills last a long time in ideal conditions, but the the strikemaster's are replacable in case the bad ever happens. I found this out when I let my flatlander cousins borrow my lazer. They quickly proceded to drill the auger into the rocks when they were too scared to go out past the end of the dock to drill a hole. I was up in ely at the time and getting new blades wasn't a problem. If I had the nils I would have been up $!@# creek with no paddle, as the blades were really chunked out (there were pieces missing).

Anyway, IMHO I suggest the Strikemaster. I know this is the old Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate, but that is my 2 cents.

[Jim Almquist]

With the Nils you have 2 augers for the price of 1 plus a industrial grade motor. I like having the early season options of have a great hand auger and when the ice gets to thick just switch over to the motor.When you look at the instructions for the motor there are option for adding a drill chuck and other things so you know that the motor was not just for shaving ice but was designed to be a work horse. I still have not sold my old model 30 Jiffy but each time I use my Nils and cut a ton of holes and don't have a back ache from lugging it around especially with the deep snow to contend with the more I feel I should sell it. We have about 10" of ice and I think that it take maybe 8 seconds.Hot knife thru butter comes to mind

[Neiko]

I agree with Zamboni. I had a Lazer Mag Express and upgraded to the Strike-lite. As for sounding like a Leaf blower, I must be deaf. Jiffy's are the ones you can hear across the lake. I REALLY like the fact I don't have to mix gas anymore. I also got $100 off with the Cabelas postcard deal 2 weeks ago.

[Reynolds]

I went with a Nilsmaster this year after running a Jiffy Legend 3hp, 10 inch for the last four years. This auger is lightning quick! I know they say it will cut through 41" of ice in 12.2 seconds, which I find hard to believe. I think it will drill to the center of the earth in that amount of time I couldn't be more happy with my purchase

[JRFISHBAIT]

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Who sells Nils power augers? I am not sure if I have ever seen one for sale.

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Reel Fishing and Tackle in Madison Lake, MN stocks the NilsMaster 8" and also stocks the hand augers. We can also ship them if necessary.

[Kodiak]

i like the auger on the strike lite, it is light wieght and i have not even had a close call with breaking the poly auger.

4 stroke has got to be the number one selling point, you can drill holes in the perm with no smoke or 2stroke smell, it is better for the enviroment, easier on gas, cheaper to run.

every post i have seen, you have to have your nils shipped...how do you even take a look at one before you buy it?

it cuts fast?? how fast do you need? the strike lite cuts dam fast, kinda like a cold knife through melted butter.