Looking @ a new auger already.
For me its all about weight and ease of use.
I went out fishing with someone from Clam this past winter and got to use the ION. Awsome! Light, fast and just pull the trigger. No exhaust smell, fuss to pulling chord etc...
Since I do a lot of dragging with a sled the weight is the biggest issue for me.
I had talked to him about the battery freezing issue. He says it does happen. But just put it in your pocket and no worries. I read a lot on here how members feel ripped off, taken advantage of and feel it was false advertising for them because of the battery issue and being told buy ION you need to keep the battery warm.
I agree with them it suxs. And they should @ least in fine print list *battery must be kept 40 degrees to prevent draining*
But... you can have all sorts of issues with a gas auger. @ 1st it might start on 1st pull. Next yr 3 pulls. 3 years later 8 pulls to start. etc... Plus when you buy a gas auger they don't advertise on the box it requires maintenance and new plugs etc... Now this isn't a debate about false advertising or pros/cons about Electric VS gas.
Curious to hear people experience and opinions with an ice gator VS ION. There's a significant price difference and close to the same weight. But do you have to worry about the battery in the ice gator ( li-ion) draining in the cold weather?