ion augers anyone

[Mike Reilly]

thinking of a new toy anyone out there have any info on ion augers do they cut well and how do batteries hold up in the cold   thanks

[hardwater diehard]

Got to use one two seasons ago ...seems light ...cut fast ...quite...its kinda short ...seemed to be well built ...no personal experience on battery life or use ...but others have stated that you must keep the battery warm between long  uses ...heat packs/warmers or insulated bag

[Mike Reilly]

thanks  never used one but hearing same thing about keeping batteries warm

[tackleshack]

I've owned one for 2 seasons and absolutely love it.  You definitely need to keep the batteries warmer.  Atleast, keep the battery off the ice!  I only ever had it get real sluggish on me once and that was because I carelessly layed it with the battery sitting directly on the ice.  Otherwise, we had very few issues.  I try to keep the battery in our hut or in the carry case at least.

My only other complaint has been the plastic handles.  They are comfortable, but I wish they used a more durable material.

I heard this year, they have added a reverse feature too, to help clear out holes easier. 

Overall, I couldn't be much happier with mine.  This year will be 3 seasons and it has been a very reliable machine.   I keep a full charge on the battery all summer to ensure it lasts longer.  It drills fast, its quiet, and really easy to use. 

Don

[Mike Reilly]

thanks for the info

[clm]

I got one last year and love it so far.  As others have said, keep the battery warm.  I always remove it and keep it in the shack with me.   It really shines in the permy...no exhaust fumes!

[Chris338378]

I never used one but saw them online.  The main reasons I didn't give them more serious consideration is because the batteries run about $150 a piece and no were to have them worked on in my area. 

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I bought one last season, after watching Jarheads buddy use his. The first few times out, I kept the battery in my hoodie pocket when I wasn't using the auger. After that, I'd cover it with a bucket or something to keep the chill off. If I was a run and gun fisherman, I may not buy one (or at least get a second battery). But, I know I can go up to 40 holes no problem with the Ion, and that is all I normally need.

[Eyes R Bitin]

I bought one last season, after watching Jarheads buddy use his. The first few times out, I kept the battery in my hoodie pocket when I wasn't using the auger. After that, I'd cover it with a bucket or something to keep the chill off. If I was a run and gun fisherman, I may not buy one (or at least get a second battery). But, I know I can go up to 40 holes no problem with the Ion, and that is all I normally need.

I am fairly interested in the Ion.  You say 40 holes but don't say how thick the ice.  We get between 30" to 40" of ice here.  Do you think you would still get 40 holes? 

[ice dawg]

I looked at them last year and checked out some comments online. At that time they were having problems with a switch on the handlebar and I didn't like the idea of trying to keep a battery warm. After checking a bit more I bought a Strikemaster Strikelite II which has the Honda 4 stroke engine and weighs one pound more than  the Ion in the 8" model. I have been very happy with it. I don't mind having a small gas can on the ice with me and it sips gas anyway.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

I am fairly interested in the Ion.  You say 40 holes but don't say how thick the ice.  We get between 30" to 40" of ice here.  Do you think you would still get 40 holes?

Eyes, Last year, here in PA, we probably topped out at 12" of ice in the lakes I fish. On the Ion website, they claim 40 holes at 2'.

[Mike Reilly]

thanks guys  now we need some ice

[curtrein]

I took the leap and bought an Ion last year. Best purchase I ever made for ice fishing. Cuts fast, clean and quiet. As others have stated, don't let the battery sit on the ice for too long; it will drain the battery. My personal record was drilling 35 holes in 1' ice over a 2 day period on a single charge. The only time it ever locked up on me was when we were fishing on the end of a charge spread over 2 days while fishing in -15 windchills. So all in all, I'm really pleased with the Ion. The no gas thing is priceless! Keeps the vehicle clean and the fumes down.

[FISHFORPIKE]

I was in Home Depot the other day - was looking at some of the new electric (battery) weed trimmers by Ryobi.  They have a battery pack for those bigger tools that looks similar to the ION's batter pack.  Wondered if any of you ION owners have seen it and made a comparison.

[hardwater diehard]

I was in Home Depot the other day - was looking at some of the new electric (battery) weed trimmers by Ryobi.  They have a battery pack for those bigger tools that looks similar to the ION's batter pack.  Wondered if any of you ION owners have seen it and made a comparison.

Just looked on line ...cant seem to find a picture of bottom of the  ION battery or the Ryobi battery pack for comparison .. but worth a look into ...would need some specs or pics of both to be certain ...Its possible that Ryobi didn't reinvent the wheel for their battery .