Strikemaster Lazer Mag Express user opinions?

[mr_jman]

I'm interested in buying a new or used auger for the rest of the season or next year. Depending on when I get it or when a deal comes along. I really like the compact design and other features of the Lazer Mag Express, but I wanted to get some opinions about this particular auger before searching one out.

My biggest concern is always reliability! I want an auger thats not going to fail me! So if anyone has one, can you tell me what you like or dislike, etc. Also, if you have had to do any part replacements or other things out of the normal upkeep? If it matters, I would probably focus on the 8" auger.

[hanson]

I've had my Lazer Mag Xpress for over 5 years now. It has plastic handles. Never, ever had a problem with it.

Everyone talks up a big game with how many holes they've cut, how hard they are on their equipment, etc. This auger has been to Devils Lake ND multiple times, Lake of the Woods, Upper Red, Lake Mille Lacs, Winnibigoshish, Chequamegon Bay, Burntside, Ottertail, Metro area, NW MN, SE MN, South MN. Its probably seen more time on URL than anywhere so it was been through the mill. Back of the truck, in the Otter sled, on my snowmobile rack. It lives with an extension on it half the time. -20 below, -30 below, add some wind chill into that. She fires up 3-5 pulls every single time... never, ever had a problem with it.

You have to take decent care of your equipment or you will break stuff. Not saying you have to baby it but treat it right.

I even got to the point this winter where I put 50 miles on URL in 1 weekend on my snowmobile pulling my gear and never broke anything... nothing! Not even the Coleman Lantern globe or lantern mantles that I had riding in the saddlebag of my snowmobile. I thought I'd seen it all until I pulled that lantern out on the last day and the mantles were still in one piece and lightable considering all the snowdrifts we were crashing through and over on the snowmobiles.

[icehousebob]

Hanson, with all that traveling and fishing, when do you have time to work??

[Neighbor_guy]

I was not trying to start a brand war either. This site tends to be a "mine is bigger/better than yours". I was just trying to give some advice. If the handle on your auger breaks off when you are out on lake of the woods, or on a trip 300 mile from home, yoiu are going to wish you had a metal handle over a plastic one.

[Hotspotter]

 Originally Posted By: Neighbor_guy

I was not trying to start a brand war either. This site tends to be a "mine is bigger/better than yours". I was just trying to give some advice. If the handle on your auger breaks off when you are out on lake of the woods, or on a trip 300 mile from home, yoiu are going to wish you had a metal handle over a plastic one.

Neighbor_guy:

Your advice is appreciated and noted. At the same time, so is everyone else's experiences with the same product. It's how we determine whether your buddy's instance was an outlier, or a common concern. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and certain augers are better for certain people, based on the way they fish and make-use-of the features of that particular auger.

My personal experience is much like Chris's, and I've even dropped mine on the handle from a vertical position on URL this year (with extension). Never broke, cracked, or had an issue whatsoever. In working ice shows, promotional events, and via internet and local fishing friends; this is the first time I've ever heard of the handles on a Lazer-mag breaking from normal use. It's only the second time I've ever heard of them breaking period (24 miles in an otter sled on rough LOW ice doing 50mph both ways on the handle isn't normal use).

It has become an integral peice of equipment that I trust. For me, that's everything. You don't put on all those miles, and take time off of work, to worry about your auger starting in -30. I've been very happy with my purchase.

Joel

[Bullwinkled]

Regarding plastic handles, last year on Mille Lacs had a senior moment and propped my auger (with extension) against my SUV, It did break the handle when it fell. Got a new one in Big Lake for around 30$ and replaced it. More important is to check your blades. Had one come off this year. Use Loctite and check bolts on blades.

[Down Deep]

I've had a Lazer Mag for at least 10 years and it has had some hard use, drilled lots of holes and has held up well. The only part that has failed was the throttle cable. I am always careful to use non-oxygenated gas and the proper amount of low ash oil. I have always fogged it and run treated gas when the season wains.

[jwhjr]

I may throw some blue Loctite on the bolts for next year. I generally check them each time, but it couldn't hurt.

[hanson]

 Originally Posted By: icehousebob

Hanson, with all that traveling and fishing, when do you have time to work??

Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm.

[fishguyd]

Cant go wrong with a good used SM...or new, just that most people dont NEED a new auger. Good choice, Ive had other brands along the way or fished with others that have, day in and day out, the SM augers are very reliable.

Good Luck

[art321]

Well I'm one of those who had their handles break. Simply set in on the floor of the garage between fishing trips. Took it out a few days later and the handle was broken right where it meets the metal housing. I didn't throw it down but something happened in the garge in those few days. I've still used it and it cuts holes fine. As said you don't have to push down on it to cut holes. This was 4 years ago and it still works great. I'd better get to SM to get it replaced or its going to [PoorWordUsage] out on me good when I'm on LOW or somewhere really remote. If these handles are breaking, and it sounds like a statistical amount are, I think there IS a problem that should be addressed.

[mjhowe]

I had my handle break also, right where it meets the power head. I dont know if it just fatigued or broke while in the back of my truck or what. Just went to use it one day and it was broken.

That being said, I absolutly love the auger. I love their service and I think they sell a great product and back it. I have the older style Mag2000 and just this year put an 8" Lazer drill unit on it, replacing the 10" chipper.

Metal fatigues also, and I have broken metal parts on evrything from bicycles, lawnmowers, cars, trucks, you name it. "Plastic" is a fact of life and has replaced metal in a LOT of things. I just bought a NEW S&W Sigma automatic pistol and guess what??? "POLYMER" frame. Almost the exact same material as my auger handle...

My $.02

[SSSTaxidermy]

MrJman,

I’ve got the perfect strike master auger for you. Less worry about handles braking, throttle cables breaking, being worried about small component pcs breaking in back of the truck or when we see bitter cold temps. Not to mention it is light weight for carrying across the ice. Your maintenance would be very minimal, and it is fairly easy on the pocket book. Along as your shoulders are functioning, you shouldn’t have any issues!