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I've followed the online discussion boards and various conversations over the years regarding the evolution and use of electric augers. I'll have to admit it, I spent several of the past few years doubting that electric augers would be able to function as well under all conditions as the old reliable combustion models whether those were gas or propane. Having owned several models of both and experiencing no issues with any of those models (down to -25 degrees) it was hard to justify investment in a new technology to replace something that was already working, especially since the costs can be high. However, I monitored all the online chats and discussions, comparisons, and back and forth on electric augers and spent considerable time looking at various reviews and research.Time and time again those reviews (last couple years) were positive no matter where I looked including the various retailers that sold them, the manufacturer websites, forums like this and many others. So, I jumped in with both feet and got a heck of a year end deal on an ION Alpha 10" plus (two batteries, composite bit). I tested the unit out recently on Moosehead and all I can say is those reviews were spot on! This thing is fast ~2" (or more) of ice per second, light (16 pounds!), and it does not matter how you hold it, what end is up or down, no worrying about a plugged carb, spark plugs, propane bottles, mixed gas and all the other things associated with the traditional augers. Put the battery in and pull the trigger instant power. I understand some folks will not choose to or can't make the investment in these augers, or maybe there is still skepticism about the technology, but from someone who for the longest time didn't think these would stand up to the proven technology of older models, you can use this as one more thumbs up (for the ION Alpha at least). Barring some future shortage of lithium, I"ll never go back. You can't beat 16 pounds for a ten inch auger and it out cuts my older models by a lot. Best of luck to all of you as the season winds down, fingers crossed for a bit more consistent cold weather next year, it was a bit tough here in southern Maine at the onset.
As someone as skeptical as you, outstanding summary and accurate. Longevity will be the only x factor remaining for me.
I can attest to longevity. I have a first generation 8" Ion with two batteries. All purchased fall 2013. This year was season ten, it gets used in CT and around Syracuse NY. Although not much ice in CT this year everything still works. Typical day, we might cut 48 holes (8 guys, 6 tipups each). Night crappies maybe 100 holes, which may get into the second battery if the ice is over 8". From what I've seen the new batteries are better, so perhaps you would never need two. Because blade life is dependant on individual use and abuse, my experience may not be typical. FWIW mine is on blade set #2. May install #3 before next year. Only bug with the first gen batteries is that they do like to be kept warm in below zero temps. New batteries don't appear to have that problem.
The battery life was what I was most skeptical of and quickly dispelled that the day it should up by leaving it outside in -60 wind chill and still had full charge. I charged mine only one time since I bought it and could have gotten by without it, 8-10 outings. I think I will go out to the shed today and just say hi to the old jiffy just so she knows nothing personal
My Ion lives in the garage loft for the summer. It gets wicked hot up there, after 10 years so far so good.
I'm storing the StrikeMaster in the garage loft in Greenville. Pretty hot there too. One summer down, worked fine this season. Keeping the fingers crossed. I guess the safe route would be to remove the powerhead and store in the house. It has crossed my mind that there may be an adhesive or motor winding that could fail on either brand, but call me a risk taker.
I've been on the electric bandwagon for years and as long as you use a powerful enough drill or a decent quality eletric auger you're not going to see a lot of problems. The only people I've ever seen struggle are the ones using 30$ Walmart drills. My Milwaukee fuel doesn't care how thick the ice is or how cold it is, I've been running it for 5 years now problem free. Seeing somebody show up to the lake with a gas job nowadays is borderline laughable unless there's 3 feet of ice.
Yea we usually have 3 feet this time of year and when it gets soft and slush you need power to cut a 10” hole. Electrics have come a long way but I highly doubt any auger built these days will survive as long as those old model 30’s have
Practicality kinda leads me to grab one of the clam plate setups with Milwaukee/Rigid on Lite Flite, Nils or Nero. For some reason I'll still probably die with my Tanaka/Nils 8 in the garage. Wifey will give it away or sell it for $10. Don't care...gotta keep one gasser.
What is a good price to pay for the 10" Ion in the off-season?
I love both the Ion and StrikeMaster electric, but I'm with you. Nobody gets my Nils/Tanaka setup before I take a dirt nap. Far and away the finest gas auger setup ever made.
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Topic: Electric Skeptic (Read 5430 times)
