IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Indiana => Ice Fishing Indiana => Topic started by: duck_hunter_69 on Sep 17, 2012, 02:23 PM
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What's everyone's thoughts on the new ION ice auger?
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I dont know what an ION auger is??...................... ........ ???
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TOO much cash!!!!!!!!!!! :o
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I dont know what an ION auger is??...................... ........ ???
http://www.ioniceaugers.com/
And like Reb said!! To much money!!! Very spendy right now!! :o
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WOW Ouch, sure dont neeed that around here!
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Cool, but like everyone else said spendy.
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They just released it 40 holes through 24 inches of ice price point may be up there but looks like a good unit all in all to me.
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Get a pro 4 lol clean emissions and still cheaper :icefish:
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Get a pro 4 lol clean emissions and still cheaper :icefish:
Don't wanna carry extra propane though and not big on gas mixing carrying extra or paying for the fuel....electric i can charge and go......and at 22lbs vs 33lbs....idk just tossing around ideas
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Wow, pretty pricey. I do believe strikemaster has one that is quite abit cheaper.
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Wow, pretty pricey. I do believe strikemaster has one that is quite abit cheaper.
with stikemaster making the statement theywill no longer sponsor youth events I highly doubt i will e buying anythin from them.... i love ice fishing but getting the youth involved i love more. if a company won't sponsor or promote the future buyers of their product why would i support them? the kids we get involved today are the ones that will keep the sports we love alive for the future generations why would any company especially in and outdoors industry pretty much turn their noses up to kids?????? JS
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It is all about money.........I could start a new thread on how the "Big Boys" dont do squat anymore.
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It is all about money.........I could start a new thread on how the "Big Boys" dont do squat anymore.
That being said...electric is the way to go....everyone says they won't drive as far to fish because of gas prices...so why put gas in your auger.....and the true big boys will always support the youth they are their future buyers and the future of the .....IMO and .... and you would be surprised at what other "Big Boys" have in the works for this winter....
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i stick with a good ol' fashion hand auger, no gas, no oil, no recharging or having to worry if the battery looses charge for no good reason. Plus it builds upper strength and its light.
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And i still have my laser and mora!
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For years I could never see getting one. We just didnt get the ice thickness here all that often for it to be worth the while for me. But I am getting up there in years now......dang my elbow hurts after churning 50 holes in a day. But the weight isnt something I want with me either......that pull with a gas/battery auger on my sled. I am really thinking about going the cordless drill route.
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For that kind of money I'd get a heavy duty electric drill and adaptor for an auger
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cord less drill and adapter, that sounds like a better route then forking out money for a gas auger. anyone know where i can get one at, i have a drill, 1/2" drive hammer drill, just need the adapter
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cord less drill and adapter, that sounds like a better route then forking out money for a gas auger. anyone know where i can get one at, i have a drill, 1/2" drive hammer drill, just need the adapter
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ice+auger+drill (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ice+auger+drill)
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The Lavman is a strong advocate for the cordless drill set up. He uses a 18V DeWalt cordless, Nimrod adapter and a 6" Strikemaster auger. He takes two fully charged batteries with him and has yet to wear through both batteries on any of his Run-n-gun Tactical Perch Strike missions ;D ;D
(http://s19.postimage.org/hu5k88r5f/Ice_Fishing_2012_018.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
anonymous image hosting (http://postimage.org/)
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I actuall use my 18volt dewalt. works pretty good. usually bring 2 battreies and seems to get me thru. keeping the battries warm really helps.
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WOW Ouch, sure dont neeed that around here!
With IG's poor (or should I say almost nonexistent) track record of customer service, I'd say somebody carrying a dull axe is competition...
And at 549 bucks complete, I'd say that IG is just plain beat. Isn't the IG head alone pushing 600 bucks or more and then you have to buy both the adapter based on the auger you'll use and the auger as well?
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With IG's poor (or should I say almost nonexistent) track record of customer service, I'd say somebody carrying a dull axe is competition...
And at 549 bucks complete, I'd say that IG is just plain beat. Isn't the IG head alone pushing 600 bucks or more and then you have to buy both the adapter based on the auger you'll use and the auger as well?
I dont know about any of that stuff. Know a couple of guys that have them and they are pretty slick............howev er, that weight is something else.
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to much cash for me.
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according to the salesman the first one in the world was bought today ??? I was there @)
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I been using Black & Decker 24 volt for 8 years. Adapters at Travel Tender in Goshen & at Ye Old Bait & Tackle in North Webster
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Ion seems cool if you live way up north. Even buying a cordless and adapter will cost u as much as a gasser. I just bought a Nils.
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according to the salesman the first one in the world was bought today ??? I was there @)
if you were at thorne bros yes......... they got the first shippment in the world!!!!!!!
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way too much money! another cordless drill vote here too.
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if you were at thorne bros yes......... they got the first shippment in the world!!!!!!!
yep it was at thorne bros got to play with one ;D
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yep it was at thorne bros got to play with one ;D
What did you think....other than the price...
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it was very lightweight just had a little button to geter stated the drill reminded me of a mora its great if you dont like mixing gas but i will take my old strikemaster over the ion but this one will work to (link below) @)
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Hi Gang!
I think its junk with the eskimo drill on it. I have never seen an eskimo drill last very long. They are built cheap to sell cheap and they just don't last. They bend easily too. The ion batteries fail in cold weather and freeze easily. I know this for a fact alll lithium freeze unless they are kept warm. I used to work with them in the mill. We switched alot of lithium out for lead batteries because of failure in the first year. We used them in emergency lighting and Jump packs for large equipment. Hard to do when its very cold outside. You can buy one of these if you so choose at sportsmans direct for $399. Great deal espically if you join there pro staff and get accepted. I still think the electric augers need work. A gator with regular batteries weights in at 35 pounds. Not so bad if your a young guy. This ion drill is no competation for the gator. A gator will out perform this thing 2 to 1. A gator is a very rugged drill its just a bit heavy. I use 8" drills or larger. If you use a 6" drill it drills alot more holes quicker too! If your going to spend that kind of money go get a 36 volt milwakee drill and buy the adapter for a 6" lazer auger. You can use the drill at home/work then use it during ice season. I know that combo works. Or a real nice 24 plus dewalt concrete drill works. Thats a drill that will make anyone happy.
Just my 2 cents
Roc Martin
AKA Da-Roc
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Hi Gang!
I think its junk with the eskimo drill on it. I have never seen an eskimo drill last very long. They are built cheap to sell cheap and they just don't last. They bend easily too. The ion batteries fail in cold weather and freeze easily. I know this for a fact alll lithium freeze unless they are kept warm. I used to work with them in the mill. We switched alot of lithium out for lead batteries because of failure in the first year. We used them in emergency lighting and Jump packs for large equipment. Hard to do when its very cold outside. You can buy one of these if you so choose at sportsmans direct for $399. Great deal espically if you join there pro staff and get accepted. I still think the electric augers need work. A gator with regular batteries weights in at 35 pounds. Not so bad if your a young guy. This ion drill is no competation for the gator. A gator will out perform this thing 2 to 1. A gator is a very rugged drill its just a bit heavy. I use 8" drills or larger. If you use a 6" drill it drills alot more holes quicker too! If your going to spend that kind of money go get a 36 volt milwakee drill and buy the adapter for a 6" lazer auger. You can use the drill at home/work then use it during ice season. I know that combo works. Or a real nice 24 plus dewalt concrete drill works. Thats a drill that will make anyone happy.
Just my 2 cents
Roc Martin
AKA Da-Roc
Well, since IG is also touting the lithium ion bat as any other li-ion batteries in their new augers, I'd assume their batts are going to be just as poor a performer, yes?
Also, I can't remember hearing too many complaints about eskimo service the past few years, but I do recall page after page with many topics about poor or NO customer service from IG. Based on the IG track record, and the fact an IG is double the price, I think I'd take my chances with an Eskimo. (BTW, I'm a Jiffy man, but I like keeping abreast of all manufacturers)
To address either the 36 volt Milwaukee or the 24 volt Dewalt, I'm pretty sure both of those are Li-Ion batteries also.
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I agree with ya on the batteries esox. Cant speak much on the auger issue. Never had an eskimo. I am sure that it is a fine product. Once again to me it is a Ford vs. Chevy when it comes to the electric augers.
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I like Jiffy auger but they are a bit heavy. When I am drilling 100 plus holes in pre fishing a tournament I need something durable and light. If the average joe is drilling 1 or just a few holes all you really need is a hand auger with very sharp blades on it to tell the truth. I am lazy so A gas auger is still the ticket. I like the old strikelite the best and they are coming down in price I see. I know strikemaster doest make tham any longer. Wonder if there will be a parts problem tho???
I know Trying to get parts for a nils is nilely imposible and when you can get them its very very expensive for the blade head. I have yet to find anyone who can sharpen them or service any part of those. So that makes them even more expensive. The Jiffys are a solid investment good customer service and nice augers that last. The Jiffys are just very heavy is there only drawback. I cannot attest for those chinese engines they put on them now. I havent heard anything bad but who knows?? They were left with no choice but to go overseas for there engines. There are NO manufactures of american small engines that will fit a auger. Ill be working on how to lighten up my 9" jiffy this year. I am looking at reducing the flight count and drilling out the rest of the flight to lighten it up. I am also looking for carbon fiber or aluminum handles for it. ANy other suggestions would be appreciated. Maybe a smaller fuel tank? Ounces add up really quick into pounds.
So every ounce counts. Lighter is always better out on the ice as long as your not sacrificing durability. You need something that will last too. I do agree with RICO yep its just another case of ford -vs- chevy -vs honda! I like my neighabor to have a job so I am going to buy the ford or a chevy when ever possible. Support america or someone will take her away from us!
Tight lines and I wish everyone well. Hope you had a great summer!!!
See ya!
Da-Roc
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moFsBa5RwqU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moFsBa5RwqU)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moFsBa5RwqU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moFsBa5RwqU)
Looks cheap and sounds weak in that video. The lighter you make them the cheaper they are in both price an quality. Never buy anything the first model year they come out. You will be the guinea pig for all the real life testing of the product and the majority of the time you will be on the short end of that deal.
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Looks cheap and sounds weak in that video. The lighter you make them the cheaper they are in both price an quality. Never buy anything the first model year they come out. You will be the guinea pig for all the real life testing of the product and the majority of the time you will be on the short end of that deal.
Very true about buying the first model of anything. Search the LX-7 threads and you will see.
Also Dave Genz is running that auger when it appears to be about 55 degrees outside. Just sayin.
I think I read somewhere that Strikemaster is coming out with an auger that has a Honda engine on it. That sounds like a great idea.
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Very true about buying the first model of anything. Search the LX-7 threads and you will see.
Also Dave Genz is running that auger when it appears to be about 55 degrees outside. Just sayin.
I think I read somewhere that Strikemaster is coming out with an auger that has a Honda engine on it. That sounds like a great idea.
With "stroke"master not sponsoring youth anymore i will use a spud bar to plug holes before i but anything from them...just me..
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With "stroke"master not sponsoring youth anymore i will use a spud bar to plug holes before i but anything from them...just me..
Did they do something to you personally or one of your groups? Just asking. In my dealings with a lot of the "big boys" concerning fundraisers and such.......none of them are too willing to work with ya.
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Very true about buying the first model of anything. Search the LX-7 threads and you will see.
Also Dave Genz is running that auger when it appears to be about 55 degrees outside. Just sayin.
I think I read somewhere that Strikemaster is coming out with an auger that has a Honda engine on it. That sounds like a great idea.
Video was taken at the Thorne Bros Event a couple of weekends ago. They also demoed the Honda 4 stroke Strike Lite. The Ion actually beat the 4 stroke auger in side by side cutting.
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Did they do something to you personally or one of your groups? Just asking. In my dealings with a lot of the "big boys" concerning fundraisers and such.......none of them are too willing to work with ya.
Every company big company has 'sponsorship,' 'benefit', or 'donation' merchandise or money built into their annual budget. Like every company they have to pick and choose from 100's of requests for a monetary donation, product donation, etc. No way they can honor all requests. Like it or not, most companies are going to look at the ROI of donating or sponsoring anything. Sure sponsoring kids events sounds noble and is noble as they are the future of the sport, but the reality is the youth don't have any buying power, and thus the ROI is near zero in that case or at best can't be realized for many years down the road. Sponsor an ice tourney with 100+ guys with disposable income and your potential ROI goes way up. Not as classy as helping the youth, but they are in the business of making money.
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Every company big company has 'sponsorship,' 'benefit', or 'donation' merchandise or money built into their annual budget. Like every company they have to pick and choose from 100's of requests for a monetary donation, product donation, etc. No way they can honor all requests. Like it or not, most companies are going to look at the ROI of donating or sponsoring anything. Sure sponsoring kids events sounds noble and is noble as they are the future of the sport, but the reality is the youth don't have any buying power, and thus the ROI is near zero in that case or at best can't be realized for many years down the road. Sponsor an ice tourney with 100+ guys with disposable income and your potential ROI goes way up. Not as classy as helping the youth, but they are in the business of making money.
Exactly right.
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Video was taken at the Thorne Bros Event a couple of weekends ago. They also demoed the Honda 4 stroke Strike Lite. The Ion actually beat the 4 stroke auger in side by side cutting.
Nothing to me or my groups personally just when a company of that sizes says no to the youth it pours a fouls taste in my mouth...any one who doesn't realize its about money is a fool...but those kids that don't have buying power have parents and grand parents who do.....bad business IMO
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dh69, they are all like that man. I got involved a few years back in some youth fishing tournaments. All of them were more than willing to work with me at a discounted rate. What Waxie posted was dead on. They are in the business to make money, not always to promote the sport. Like it or not, that is the way it is. In my years of running events and what not........the "small" guys out there are the ones that help out the most with donations and such as well of promotion of the sport.
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dh69, they are all like that man. I got involved a few years back in some youth fishing tournaments. All of them were more than willing to work with me at a discounted rate. What Waxie posted was dead on. They are in the business to make money, not always to promote the sport. Like it or not, that is the way it is. In my years of running events and what not........the "small" guys out there are the ones that help out the most with donations and such as well of promotion of the sport.
I know he is dead on....perfect reason i won't but from them...that's me...to each their own lol.....
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Nothing to me or my groups personally just when a company of that sizes says no to the youth it pours a fouls taste in my mouth...any one who doesn't realize its about money is a fool...but those kids that don't have buying power have parents and grand parents who do.....bad business IMO
I don't know what youth events you asked them to sponsor, but not all youth events are the same to a company being asked to sponsor, donate or provide free stuff. For example, if you are doing a youth ice tournament for inner city or under privilegded youth it is a great idea, but from a sponsorship standpoint it is a dead end for any ROI. Those kids don't have parents or grandparents that are involved or ice fish themselves and they most likely don't have any disposable income. On the other hand if you are asking for sponsorship of the youth catagories of a local ice fishing derby that also has adult catagories, now you will get thier attention because there are adults that already fish bringing their kids out. Here you have adults with money and kids that are more likely to continue to ice fish becuase they have families that do. Both are youth events, but they are very different from a ROI view, which is what every successful company will be looking at. There is no doubt it is about money, but that is reality.
I would also bet that strikemaster does sponsor youth events, but maybe not here. We are on the southern fringe of the ice fishing territory. They are likely involved in Wisconsin and Minnesota where ice fishing is very common and is known by everyone and the season is longer.
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I don't know what youth events you asked them to sponsor, but not all youth events are the same to a company being asked to sponsor, donate or provide free stuff. For example, if you are doing a youth ice tournament for inner city or under privilegded youth it is a great idea, but from a sponsorship standpoint it is a dead end for any ROI. Those kids don't have parents or grandparents that are involved or ice fish themselves and they most likely don't have any disposable income. On the other hand if you are asking for sponsorship of the youth catagories of a local ice fishing derby that also has adult catagories, now you will get thier attention because there are adults that already fish bringing their kids out. Here you have adults with money and kids that are more likely to continue to ice fish becuase they have families that do. Both are youth events, but they are very different from a ROI view, which is what every successful company will be looking at. There is no doubt it is about money, but that is reality.
I would also bet that strikemaster does sponsor youth events, but maybe not here. We are on the southern fringe of the ice fishing territory. They are likely involved in Wisconsin and Minnesota where ice fishing is very common and is known by everyone and the season is longer.
I will say it again nothing to me or my groups personally......andmy two prostaffs aren't from here they are based in Wisconsin....you are explaining what is An understood evil of business....once again....IMO...its bad business....just saying
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must say i agree with duck hunter
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must say i agree with duck hunter
Now your head's's on straight betbet you won't vote for Romney or Obama......lol......th anks pannie...it amuses me so how a fact everyone knows.....(the way business works) has to keep being explained over and over because I of my opinion... ;D ;D :cookoo:.....
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must say Romney gets my vote. but back to auger thing what suits each other best is all that matters. just like vex vs marcum. both great units an been around for long time.
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must say Romney gets my vote. but back to auger thing what suits each other best is all that matters. just like vex vs marcum. both great units an been around for long time.
VEX!.....and Romney is almost as much of a twit as the idiot in office now ! Lol
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Think I'll stick with my SM Electra
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Hi Gang!
As far as electric augers go at least Gator is made here in the USA. They get my vote for doing it to! I havent heard anything go wrong with a gator. I see them alot on the NAIFC tour and everyone loves them?? So the Pros know something!
A vote for romney is a vote for unemployment and poverity. Thank god were getting rid of that butt head MITCH! Purdue has him now. I guarantee Purdue will go under just give him a few weeks. He will sell off their football team! LOL
Any way its apples and oranges trying to compare augers. Its what works for you is whats best. I would say try to go light as possible. I still like a gas auger better. A Lazer mag is a nice gas auger hands down. Jiffys are durable I know I own one. I own a gator too. I am still not swayed by it performance but it has a usefullness. Espically at night on a lake surrounded by homes. Its really quiet and it shows my respect to the neighaborhood. I can drill holes at 2 am and not bother anyone. So the electrics have a place. Drilling shallow water they are quiet too. They don't spook the fish. So whatever you use I hope to see you using it catching fish and having fun.
Da-Roc
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VEX!.....and Romney is almost as much of a twit as the idiot in office now ! Lol
Vexilar is one of the companies that wouldnt do anything for me concerning youth events.......Just sayin!!!!!
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Vexilar is one of the companies that wouldnt do anything for me concerning youth events.......Just sayin!!!!!
For you. Strike master said no to youth events period..... read it my self that's why the sour taste....do they make good auger...yes....will i but one...no....just saying
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Hi Gang!
As far as electric augers go at least Gator is made here in the USA. They get my vote for doing it to! I havent heard anything go wrong with a gator. I see them alot on the NAIFC tour and everyone loves them?? So the Pros know something!
A vote for romney is a vote for unemployment and poverity. Thank god were getting rid of that butt head MITCH! Purdue has him now. I guarantee Purdue will go under just give him a few weeks. He will sell off their football team! LOL
Any way its apples and oranges trying to compare augers. Its what works for you is whats best. I would say try to go light as possible. I still like a gas auger better. A Lazer mag is a nice gas auger hands down. Jiffys are durable I know I own one. I own a gator too. I am still not swayed by it performance but it has a usefullness. Espically at night on a lake surrounded by homes. Its really quiet and it shows my respect to the neighaborhood. I can drill holes at 2 am and not bother anyone. So the electrics have a place. Drilling shallow water they are quiet too. They don't spook the fish. So whatever you use I hope to see you using it catching fish and having fun.
Da-Roc
Ahhh...great...I was wondering how long until the political BS would arrive. Congrats on being 'that guy'.
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Ahhh...great...I was wondering how long until the political BS would arrive. Congrats on being 'that guy'.
LOL..........
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For you. Strike master said no to youth events period..... read it my self that's why the sour taste....do they make good auger...yes....will i but one...no....just saying
Dude, love ya to death. But it seems you have an agenda against strikemaster. Nothing anybody says seems to sway your vocal opinion of them. I respect that, and personally, I dont care what you buy or what your reasons are for such.
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Dude, love ya to death. But it seems you have an agenda against strikemaster. Nothing anybody says seems to sway your vocal opinion of them. I respect that, and personally, I dont care what you buy or what your reasons are for such.
And nothing will Bro @) no agenda at all...this thread was started to see "opinions" about the ion not start strike master, jiffy, Eskimo, ion,nils,keco kruge debate everyone had their choice and that's the beauty of it!
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I think it's way too much money besides how much do spare batteries cost? The 40 holes through 2 feet of ice sounds good but I don't think that is really that many for the cost of it. If it's the only auger you take and you have one or two kids with you you'll blow through the 40 holes in not time if you're runnin and gunnin especially here in Pennsylvania since we are limited to 5 holes each. For me I'll stick with my gas powered Eskimo and save the money.
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I like Jiffy auger but they are a bit heavy. When I am drilling 100 plus holes in pre fishing a tournament I need something durable and light. If the average joe is drilling 1 or just a few holes all you really need is a hand auger with very sharp blades on it to tell the truth. I am lazy so A gas auger is still the ticket. I like the old strikelite the best and they are coming down in price I see. I know strikemaster doest make tham any longer. Wonder if there will be a parts problem tho???
I know Trying to get parts for a nils is nilely imposible and when you can get them its very very expensive for the blade head. I have yet to find anyone who can sharpen them or service any part of those. So that makes them even more expensive. The Jiffys are a solid investment good customer service and nice augers that last. The Jiffys are just very heavy is there only drawback. I cannot attest for those chinese engines they put on them now. I havent heard anything bad but who knows?? They were left with no choice but to go overseas for there engines. There are NO manufactures of american small engines that will fit a auger. Ill be working on how to lighten up my 9" jiffy this year. I am looking at reducing the flight count and drilling out the rest of the flight to lighten it up. I am also looking for carbon fiber or aluminum handles for it. ANy other suggestions would be appreciated. Maybe a smaller fuel tank? Ounces add up really quick into pounds.
So every ounce counts. Lighter is always better out on the ice as long as your not sacrificing durability. You need something that will last too. I do agree with RICO yep its just another case of ford -vs- chevy -vs honda! I like my neighabor to have a job so I am going to buy the ford or a chevy when ever possible. Support america or someone will take her away from us!
Tight lines and I wish everyone well. Hope you had a great summer!!!
See ya!
Da-Roc
As far as parts or service on a Nils, any small engine shop can work on them and there are Nils certified service shops all over the country..... Frank Deluca can resharpen the blades better than new and at about half the cost of competitors new blades and need resharpened maybe every 4-5 years over replacing the other brands shaver blades once a year....The Tanaka motors on a Nils have been around for 30-40 years, many I know of that are 20-30 years old and never been in a shop and still run great....
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And nothing will Bro @) no agenda at all...this thread was started to see "opinions" about the ion not start strike master, jiffy, Eskimo, ion,nils,keco kruge debate everyone had their choice and that's the beauty of it!
Right on!!!!!! ;)
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I think a lot of people are excited about the ION because it's new and shiny. Concept's great. Now set aside the start up cost of owning one (500.00 +/-), let's talk maintenance and repairs. I'm not sure what the end cost of a replacement battery goes, because if you look at the big picture how often will you half charge the battery, or how long will the battery last in sub zero temperatures or laying on the ice?
There are a lot of youth programs in the fishing industry. In this economy, how does one determine what program is more worthy of a POP item? Seems that every pro I know is involved in some sort of youth program or another- and I personally helped start up a region wide adult/ child youth outdoor program, and work for a nation wide environmental education program. Even with our resources and expertise we get difficulty in getting POP's from manufacturers and businesses. We don't blame them one bit, because point being made, if one was to give to every charity program asked- be it youth, vets, animals,cancer, whatever; there would be NO money made at all!
"Sure sponsoring kids events sounds noble and is noble as they are the future of the sport, but the reality is the youth don't have any buying power, and thus the ROI is near zero in that case or at best can't be realized for many years down the road"
CORRECT! There is a misconception that children are the future of the outdoor (or any) industry. Truth is, ages 25-50 is. Reason being, yes, it's fun to take kids out; yes it's fun to have youth fishing derbies, and youth fishing days. BUT what happens to the child after the event is over and they have little to no parental support? They fall back to their regular routine. Industry dynamics show that the equipment we use and purchase today isn't going to be the same when little johnny grows up and starts his personal outdoor ventures. ROI is huge concern for businesses that sponsor youth events like one time tournaments or small youth clinics.
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Well, may as well add my two cents. All of you had some pretty good opinions about your auger choices. Well, most of you. One of you is still a smoke blower. You know who you are, don't you hypocrite? >:(
Anyway, I own two IONs myself. I have put these augers through the ringer, all conditions, and they have come out on top. If it was crap, I for one would tell you. I have a strong reputation for telling it exactly how it is in the fishing industry. Truth is, I could care less if anyone likes it or not. I'm not going to give a false report just because of a product sponsor or someone's feelings may get hurt. If I lose a friend or a sponsor, who cares! I move on with my dignity intact.
I have run this auger and left it exposed in -12 degree weather, run it and left it exposed in pouring rain, dropped it, smacked it, everything! Never once did the ION not perform or impress. I have only once ran the battery dead, -7 degrees, cutting through 10" of ice, 98 holes, EXACTLY! Does the battery freeze? Perhaps. Would most of us even be out fishing in temps where it would? Not very likely.
The price may be high, but when propane technology was released, the price was high there as well.
This auger works well in competition also. Keeping up just fine with the Jiffy, SM, Nils, and Eskimo. You have to realize, while you are choking, priming, and pulling, I am already on my fifth hole. Do that with a team and that's 10 holes before you have your auger running. In a strict time tournament, that is important. Being that my circuit partner is a 115lb, 5'6" petite woman, the size and weight of the auger is ideal. She cuts holes with this thing perfectly and handles it with ease.
I will continue to beat the crap out of this auger all season so that I can keep you up on anything I find. Either good or bad, I'll surely let you know!
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HMMM ???
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One thing I did forget to mention. The glide ring around the bottom is awesome. It is designed to help the auger glide smoothly through the ice without taking an aggressive bite into the ice. It also makes it so you can easily cut through pre existing holes without suffering lock up of your auger. This ring does ice up and when it does, it's hard to get the auger to bite, as you are not supposed to push down or add weight to get the auger to bite. Although frustrating, a couple of smacks with a rubber mallet and you are good to go. We keep one with us for ice up on all of our past augers anyway, so really it's not that big of a deal. Hope this helps. Go green, stay clean, tight lines, and be safe!
Remember, "Learn what you can, but teach what you know!"
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Don't wanna carry extra propane though and not big on gas mixing carrying extra or paying for the fuel....electric i can charge and go......and at 22lbs vs 33lbs....idk just tossing around ideas
I drill a bunch of holes every time i hit the ice. And i can go most if not all year on a tank of propane. And it takes no room to to carry a little extra tank. Clean no gas spills and no gas smell on you
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One tank on the Pro 4 will only drill 100 - 120 holes, in the best conditions. Most can achieve that in a single trip. Especially if trying to stay on a hot school of fish. If speed and performance is worth it to you, then the ION is the way to go. It has out-cut and outperformed all of the big name brand augers. There are videos all over YouTube showing this. Even cut faster than the new Honda 4 stroke by StrikeMaster. SM had a bird that someone got it on video and wouldn't allow them to release it. Add the fact that it was a kid running the ION against the SM at one of the big Minnesota ice shows, and that is salt in the wounds.
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I've been using a cordless drill for over ten years now. Updated to a ridgid 1/2" with lithium batteries. They offer a lifetime replacement on the batteries and I caught it on sale for $99. I've been making the adapter drives and safety clip for quite some time. I usually make nearly 500 in the fall and pass them on to bait shops up in Wisconsin. As long as you care for your blades, it's the cheapest,lightweight, and will last a lifetime with no fuel or gas.
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The Rigid does well with a 6" auger but is hard put to do a 8" hole.
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I call this the "ION SLITE" Ion motor w/ strike-lite auger. Weight 19lbs 12ozs. (stock Ion weighs 22lbs 1oz) cuts about the same as the Ion. If you're a Strikemaster person you'd say it cuts about 5% better.
1oz(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx151/frs578/P1000879_zps9b49c5a0.jpg)
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that looks awesome man. how fast does it cut? :tipup:
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The "ION TURQ" w/Nils 8" auger, actually just a Nils extension w/PP bit and adapter shaft. Weight 21lbs 13ozs. Cuts a bit better than all the others but not enough to get excited about.
(http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx151/frs578/P1000886_zps61b11601.jpg)
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Still love my icegator, great auger
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The 2 adaptions above were actually the augers that I used on my Icegator. The Strikemaster Strike-Lite was the most user friendly on the IceGator.
The Nils is just too fragile for everyday use. You can't let anybody use it for fear of banging it or beating on it. One below O day the Nils (on start up)
skid around in a circle and instantly sliced through my boot. Another inch and a toe would have been gone. On reason I like the power-point bit.
Is IceGator still alive? Have not seen any advertisements.