Best strikemaster auger???

[elbinowalleye]

I got a mag 2000 for xmas and I was just wondering what the best strikemaster auger out there is?? Is this a nice auger or should I upgrade to another strikemaster? Hopefully I can get feedback from 2000 owners. Any thoughts, let me know. Thanks for any info!! Good luck out there.

[Corey Bechtold]

I have an old Strikemaster Mag III which is just like the Mag 2000. I put the lazer bit on instead of the chipper blade and absoluely love it! I'd definately recommend upgrading to the Lazer bit. Either way you have a great auger.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[ameyers41]

I have a friend who has a Mag 2000, and it's a nice auger. I got a Strike Lite this year and I must say, there's quite a difference. The strike light is significantly lighter, not having to mix gas/oil is great, it's quiet, no fumes... I could go on and on. Obviously, you need to ask yourself if it's worth the extra couple hundred dollars?

I went from a hand auger to this. I would have been more than happy with the Mag, but was fortunate enough to get the strike lite.

[hanson]

I seriously don't think you need the "best" Strikemaster auger on the market. The Lazer Mag Xpress is one heck of a workhorse that thousands of ice anglers run including myself. The 224 from Strikemaster would be a "bit" of a step up but not so much that I would say it is a "must have". The Strike-Lite is obviously in a world of its own being a 4-stroke but its ice cutting performance is on par with a Lazer Mag Xpress. Yes, its lighter, but I don't think it cuts any faster.

[Shack]

I bought my Mag 2000 in like 97, or may be 96. I have drilled thousands of holes with this thing and have done no maintenance what so ever (besides tightening the exhaust bolts). I think I have the original spark plug in it. It has started every year and runs like a top. I could not see my self replacing it any time soon. Here is my baby. A little worn, but works great.

Just think? In 2018, you could be writing the same style post as mine on FM about you Mag 2000

[jwhjr]

I've had a Mag2000 for about a year now and have had no issues. When the ice gets thick it can take a bit of time to cut through with the chipper blade, but that's not an issue for me. I picked up a used Lazer bit (only because it was a deal I couldn't pass up), but I haven't used it as of yet. Have fun with your new toy!

[Ron Burgundy]

Better than the Eskimos? I'm going to upgrade to a power auger and am looking at the Mag 2000 and the Eskimo Stingray. Any thoughts?

[jigging-matt]

I've had a Mag 2000 for about 9 years now. Great machine. Am considering getting the lazer bit for it, but except for carbs gumming up (my fault) haven't had a bit of problems with it. Would highly recomend to anyone.

[minnbowhunter]

My old 2000 mag was stolen and I had to buy the new lazer-mag. I like it but I sure do miss my old one. Nothing works as good as a chipper to open up old holes.

[metrojoe]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, I think the best bang for your buck, is the Mag 2000.

[Dragonsm]

They are all nice augers.....(they all share the same powerhead with exception to the strike-lite) I am running the 224 and it's definitely a whole different animal than the Model 30 that I replaced. The chipper blade won't be as fast as the mag or the 224....however it is a much more durable blade than the shavers. I love my 224, however I would have welcomed the Mag 2000 (though I have never used one) with open arms last year...(anything that was lighter than that model 30 would have made me happy) Only reason why I went with the 224 was I got a "smoke'n" deal on it. I have used my buddies lazer mag also and that was a nice auger also.

Anything is better than a hand auger! (and the mag 2000 is far from "anything")

[TrentGunderson]

I have had a hard time with my mag 2000.I am not a mechanic and this is my first power auger,but mannn from the begining this just doesn't start well and it's only 3 years old. I've lost one screw out the vent side and the other one in the vent comes loose alot. I often have to pull it around 20-30 times cold starting and probably 8-15 after that.It almost never starts in under 3 pulls.It also seems like the choke has to be in the absolute perfect spot or it doesn't want to go. This year new gas/oil mix and with 30 pulls and no sputters at all. I let it sit about 45 minutes came back and tried about 6-8 pulls with throttle down most of the way it sputtered I was then abit excited it would start soon. I then went back to just pushing in the yellow button making sure the choke was adjusted about right and pulled another 5-6 times then it started finally.I don't think it punches through the bottom of the hole all the well either epecially after the blade is maybe 50% wore. If it doesn't work much better as the season goes on I think I'll be looking at one of those Jiffy Stealth STX. I like their blade system,they have metal hardware,throttles not plastic and not to mention the extra RPMs Jiffy has 375, Strikemaster has just 170 RPM. It sounds like the Jiffy would slice better and might be quicker as well.

[OldBear]

The important question is"was the Christmas present from your Wife"??? Need I say more.

[Squirtis]

Trent,

Are you in the metro area? If so, it might pay to bring your auger to Strikemaster in Big Lake. I haven't done this personally, but I have read numerous posts of people who have done it and gotten some great help from the techs up there. There's no reason why you should have to live with such a poorly performing auger, especially one that is that new. As for the revs, I am not sure that will buy you anything. If the jiffy naturally takes a smaller bite out of the ice each rev, then you might not gain anything with a faster spinning auger.

Good Luck

[EyeSkater]

Squirtis has it right.

The ice auger business is small but competitive. All the companies have a stake in seeing you be ultra-satisfied with their product. I've got nothing but praise for Jiffy and Strikemaster. Incidentally, I do think the Jiffy is the more rugged auger. Strikemaster seems to be a bit more innovative and tech-driven. I run a Strikemaster Lazer Ultra 9" which is no longer in production.

What would a guy rather have...cutting speed? High rpm? Light weight? Durability? Dependability? Smooth cutting action? The answer is a resounding "Most of these!" You decide how best to get it. I notice my Strike Ultra turns lower blade rpm yet cuts very aggressive-smooth. If I lost it today I would buy a 224 most likely. Then I would say my daily prayer that Nils eventually builds a 10" auger.

'Eye-Skater

[TrentGunderson]

The only thing I may have had some trouble with last year was my oil mix was abit too strong,but still my troubles have been beyond that. I do have the exact mix in their this year no doubt. to answer the question though I do live just north of the metro,but I can go over to Big Lake if need be. I will see how it goes here in January then well see. Thanks for the help guys.

[bassNspear]

i had one that locked up on me, the motor, and they sent me a new motor and didnt make me pay a thing. They take care of there people. I love mine, and i would buy another one. I have the nine inch triple blade.

[ice-man/vexilar-king]

StrikeMaster Strike lite head with a 8" 224 bottom, would be my choice for the best.

[Sandmannd]

I bought a Strikemaster 2000 a couple of weeks ago and used it for the first time today. I pulled about 10 to 15 times and couldn't get it to start.................Then someone pointed out I didn't turn it to "on". Did that and it started the second pull. From there it was like cutting butter the rest of the day. Awesome auger so far.

[bassNspear]

need it on the start it. Mine is the same, butter melts.

[EyeSkater]

Hey, I like that idea of using the Strike-Lite powerhead and 224 auger unit. That's what makes us icefishermen!

If you could design your own auger from components....?

'Eye-Skater

[TTfromBlaine]

I think it mostly depends on how many holes you drill in an outing, what did you drill holes with before? I've had a mag2000 for about 6 years now and did just fine with a chipper blade, I eventually got a lazer shaft to put on it because the amount of holes I drilled increased alot after I became more mobile, I'm 50 years old and drilled alot of holes on LOW this wknd and the only thing that is sore is my butt so I don't think weight is an issuse with augers unless your dragging around a 3hp from who ever. Just get out there and start drilling and as soon as you can find it use Amsoil Sabre oil and you'll be a happy camper.

ICE DOG 1-out

[j_becks]

I bought a Eskimo Stingray last year and have had trouble with the throttle cable freezing when it is below freezing. The throttle either sticks wide open or does not work at all. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? I was thinking of taking the cable system out completely and making a new system.

[TTfromBlaine]

I'd lube it up with a silicon spray lube and get a power head cover to keep any snow from getting in the linkage. Don't use any oil products it will just gum up when it gets cold. hope this helps alittle.

ICE DOG 1-out

[j_becks]

Thanks, that seems like it did the job. We'll see though this week when I go out fishing again. It's supposed to be in the single digits, so it'll put it to the test.