Nils vs. 224

[TravP]

My dad just got a smokin deal[$300] on a brand new, in the box lazer 224, so I got his lazer. How does a 224 compare to a nils as far as cutting speed?

Thanks, TravP

[aanderud]

I don't know how it compares but I have to think for a cost-to-performance ratio, the lazer 224 at 300 bucks would win out for sure.

That's a great deal on a new auger. End of year clearance sales rock.

[CJH]

Does it matter for that price??!!!!

[TravP]

Ya, that price was a steal. I'm just curious if it is as fast as a nils. I know its faster then the lazer.

[Bottle Fish]

Couldn't agree more. I got in on that deal as well. When It comes to money I'll save when I can.

[Northlander]

Both great augers but the Nils is lighter and faster. It dont matter at that price though. As long as it runs good he got a great deal.

[Bottle Fish]

Ultimately I'm happy for not having to hand drill holes anymore. If it's a gas auger they are all good as far as I'm concerned.

[TravP]

I just dont understand all the hype about the Nils. But I've never seen one in action.

[Paul Waldowski]

Trav,

Anytime you hit ML, I would be more than happy to show you what the Nils can do.

After you see it in action you will be more than happy to convert...

Shoot me an e-mail and we can set it up.

[Bottle Fish]

I'm going to Cool Cats for two reasons.

1. Catch some fish

2. See for myself what the Nils hype is all about

Never seen or used one before but I think I've used every other brand on the market.

[DTro]

I'm going to Cool Cats for two reasons.

1. Catch some fish

2. See for myself what the Nils hype is all about

Never seen or used one before but I think I've used every other brand on the market.

Be sure to look me up Bottle Fish, you are more than welcome to give mine a test drive. I can even show you the one handed drill

[Bottle Fish]

I'll be there for sure. I'm bringing all my gear too. Its still up in the air on my old man though. You know retirement can be busy too, according to him.

Look forward to meeting you dtro.

[Scott Stein]

I'd rather have my Jiffy 8" that I bought brand new at the store for $289 plus tax

[TravP]

Scott,

The 224 was bought brand new at the store for $299 plus tax.

Paul,

I'll be up within the next few weeks, I'll shoot you an email cause i gotta see how fast the nils really is.

Thanks, Trav

[schmoe147]

I own a strikemaster 224 and they are extremely nice. I dont if you relize it but a big benefit about the 224 is you can drill your holes at a angle, this makes getting bigger fish to come up the hole easier. Also with it when you go to re-drill holes it is very easy and doesnt jump around. They are very fast I have went against friends and there is no comparision to any jiffy or strikemaster, I cannot say anything about the Nils I havent gone against one. One bad thing is when blades go bad you need to replace 4 blades VS. 1 or 2, can get spending fast.

[TravP]

So you can redrill holes with the 224 and it doesn't dull your blades like with the lazer?

[schmoe147]

Nope not at all, That and drilling angle holes is what really sold me on the unit.

[pdk511]

i have a 224 and i raced against a jiffy 30 and a lazer mag. It was like -20 degree weather and I was the one drilling the holes for the houses, the other augers hadent got wet yet. My blades were a little froze up but I still beat the jiffy and the lazer mag beat me by like 2 sec. Me and my friend with the lazer mag raced again a couple days ago when my blades were not froze and I smoked him

[Garette Lee]

For speed comparison, Nils probably will win. Although, I've seen guys beat a brand new Nils with a lazer. The 224 cuts more ice per revolution. The Nils is only faster because its gearing ratio is better adjusted for speed, but bogs down easier, and the enigine itself turns faster (you might burn out the motor turning high RPMs, we did it to our lawn mower). Also, you will get a cleaner hole with the SM. The Nils shaft is actually smaller than the hole it drills. So your 8" hole has 7.5" flighting, leaving A LOT of slush in the hole.

I think next year though will be the year for Strikemaster. The new powerheads are very simialar to a Tatanka powerhead. I believe the blade system on the SM is better too.

[riverrat56]

Be sure to look me up Bottle Fish, you are more than welcome to give mine a test drive. I can even show you the one handed drill

I had too do the one handed drill with my Jiffy a few years back when I decided to hit the lake ten days after having shoulder surgery, not easy with that machine!

So can you carry two Nils and drill twice as many holes?

[hondavxr]

If SM is using the China motors I don't think next year will be their year, cuz I don't think they will be durable anymore. I bet the new SM motors is similar to Tanaka motors cuz it is probably the exact China knock off of the Tanaka motor.

[aanderud]

Riverrat56 were you up on the horseshoe chain yesterday? Saw a red pickup coming off the lake at the winter access on Hwy 22, and it was driven by a fella that looked sorta like you. If that was you, I was the guy in the blue Dodge pulling onto the lake around 3:30 pm or so.

[magicstix]

I think the sticker on my Tanaka says made in Japan. It doesn't matter to me where its made it a great motor. Just because it doesn't say Made in USA doesn't mean its a cheap or junk product. When I heard that Tecumseh was out of business finally you'd thought I won the lottery I was so happy, sad isn't it. The only good motor IMO that Tecumseh put out is the commercial replacment for Lawnboy's. That Engine was like putting a big block on your push mower and ran like the energizer bunny. My only regret is I didn't buy one while they were available.

[thefarmer]

The 224 can also drill 2 holes right next to each other like a figure 8. Works great for cutting a spear hole or for the ducer in a portable when you don't want to pull it out with every fish. The 4 inch pilot bit holds it true so it doesn't jump holes like a normal bit would. I have it paired with my robin 4 stroke and am very happy. Don't really care what country it was made in, starts second pull EVERY time and cuts super fast.

[riverrat56]

Nope, not me on Horseshoe yesterday!