It is rare where I fish to even see a hand auger. The ice gets too thick and most people use snowmachines to access the lakes so transporting one isn't a problem for most.
I haven't used a hand auger in years. The power auger is easy enough to move around and it drills quickly and easily all the time.
I like my 8" as a good all around size. I have a 10" as well but don't use it often.
A 6" would be to small where I fish but we don't have panfish anyway.
I would expect nothing less in Alaska! :p
Down here in Southern Ontario, we aren't blessed with that much ice, so hand auger is the way to go!
