Eskimo Z51 vs F1 Rocket

[Behr150]

Does anybody have experience with these two units? Right now I can buy a new Rocket for $270 or a used Shark Z51 for $250 asking. I know the Rocket is lighter, but I’m not sure of any other practical differences.

[Rebelss]

The Rocket is basically a minimally updated 33cc Stingray, and the Shark is a 51 cc unit. Bigger engine, heavier. I had the Stingray for years and absolutely loved it. Also used my buddy's Shark a lot. That went thru anything. No probs going thru 24" ice with the Stingray/Rocket though. Other than that, not really any differences.
If you''ll be doing thicker ice, and a lot of it , and weight is not an issue, you might want the Shark...
but whatever way ya go, I don't think you can go wrong, IMO.

[Behr150]

I fish Connecticut, so not sure I need to worry about the thick ice. I guess what it really boils down to is whether I want a new lighter, maybe slower unit that’s more expensive but comes with a warranty or a used heavier faster cheaper unit.

[missoulafish]

Sold my Z51 couple years ago. Went with the Ion. Z51 still makes my back hurt thinking about it 😂

[Rebelss]

I fish Connecticut, so not sure I need to worry about the thick ice. I guess what it really boils down to is whether I want a new lighter, maybe slower unit that’s more expensive but comes with a warranty or a used heavier faster cheaper unit.

Lithium drill + auger.

[Rebelss]

I fish Connecticut, so not sure I need to worry about the thick ice. I guess what it really boils down to is whether I want a new lighter, maybe slower unit that’s more expensive but comes with a warranty or a used heavier faster cheaper unit.

Lithium drill + auger.

[lefty2053]

I owned the Z51 for about 9 years and never had a problem with it. Then I bought a M51 which is basically the same machine but a lot cheaper. Only used it one year and then went to a drill and hand augers.

[timetogo]

I have had the F1 for two years and it has started and worked flawlessly every outing. Cuts fast and clean. No experience with the other model.

[snipersam]

the z51 might have a bigger engine but the new p1 and f1 have rpm, watch some youtube vids on them. Eskimo used to give you more rpm as you went up in engine size, 33, 43, 51, and 71 cc. the new f1 has the 71cc gearbox and it really goes.