IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Ice Augers => Topic started by: HUNTnFISHSD on Mar 06, 2013, 09:34 PM
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I have heard lots of good things about nils, jiffy's, and strikemasters, but what is the best one for the price? I want a auger that will last a long time that has quality. Also a lighter model if possible.
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Well Nils has the longest motor history ( 30+ years) SM and Jiffy only have 5-7 seasons on their new motors so we don't know how long they will last....Lightest is the Nils heaviest will be the Jiffy....
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Well if your in the IGL's area let me know you can see mine in action, also a baitshop in the lakes area has one....
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Hands down the Tanaka, actually made in Japan! this is the nils bigger brother in action with a 10"
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The Tanaka probably has the best reputation for longevity. Its not a "nils" its a Tanaka. Nils just pairs them with their auger bit.
The powerhead retails for $559 and the auger bit is around $120. This time of year you can find the powerhead on sale at a lot of places for around $450.
The bad part is that they are tall. If you are not 6' or taller you will be drilling with the motor at eye level which strains the arms after a long day.
And another bad thing is that they are a lower gear ratio than the rest (why they are faster) so you cannot purchase a bigger bit from another brand and expect it to work for very long. For instance, you couldnt go buy a strikemaster 10" bit and use it on your Tanaka.
So you are pretty much stuck with using the nils bits or small strikemaster bits (4-6").
You are in SD which is known for its wind blown lakes. The wind will blow sediment from the fields onto the lakes and your nils auger bit will last about 5 holes. If you do some searching you will find videos where the big names in ice fishing explain blade choice. They all say they never use shavers in SD/ND because they last very very few holes. They all use chippers which can cut through that dirty ice like its nothing. If you try to drill on one of those wind blown lakes (and how many lakes in SD are NOT wind blown? lol) you will find your nils being very poor, if it even makes it through the first day.
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The Tanaka probably has the best reputation for longevity. Its not a "nils" its a Tanaka. Nils just pairs them with their auger bit.
The powerhead retails for $559 and the auger bit is around $120. This time of year you can find the powerhead on sale at a lot of places for around $450.
The bad part is that they are tall. If you are not 6' or taller you will be drilling with the motor at eye level which strains the arms after a long day.
And another bad thing is that they are a lower gear ratio than the rest (why they are faster) so you cannot purchase a bigger bit from another brand and expect it to work for very long. For instance, you couldnt go buy a strikemaster 10" bit and use it on your Tanaka.
So you are pretty much stuck with using the nils bits or small strikemaster bits (4-6").
You are in SD which is known for its wind blown lakes. The wind will blow sediment from the fields onto the lakes and your nils auger bit will last about 5 holes. If you do some searching you will find videos where the big names in ice fishing explain blade choice. They all say they never use shavers in SD/ND because they last very very few holes. They all use chippers which can cut through that dirty ice like its nothing. If you try to drill on one of those wind blown lakes (and how many lakes in SD are NOT wind blown? lol) you will find your nils being very poor, if it even makes it through the first day.
What are you talking about, look at the link above, I am using a tanaka with a strikemaster 10" bit through 40+ inches, this is on windblown lake winnipeg! And, I have drilled 400-500 holes with is combo with no issues?? Like I said earlier this is not the tanaka that on the nils, its slightly larger, 1.6 hp and 33cc, this power head is so strong! And it has a very close gear ratio to the strikemaster, thats why it works so well!
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The Tanaka probably has the best reputation for longevity. Its not a "nils" its a Tanaka. Nils just pairs them with their auger bit.
The powerhead retails for $559 and the auger bit is around $120. This time of year you can find the powerhead on sale at a lot of places for around $450.
The bad part is that they are tall. If you are not 6' or taller you will be drilling with the motor at eye level which strains the arms after a long day.
And another bad thing is that they are a lower gear ratio than the rest (why they are faster) so you cannot purchase a bigger bit from another brand and expect it to work for very long. For instance, you couldn't go buy a strikemaster 10" bit and use it on your Tanaka.
So you are pretty much stuck with using the nils bits or small strikemaster bits (4-6").
You are in SD which is known for its wind blown lakes. The wind will blow sediment from the fields onto the lakes and your nils auger bit will last about 5 holes. If you do some searching you will find videos where the big names in ice fishing explain blade choice. They all say they never use shavers in SD/ND because they last very very few holes. They all use chippers which can cut through that dirty ice like its nothing. If you try to drill on one of those wind blown lakes (and how many lakes in SD are NOT wind blown? lol) you will find your nils being very poor, if it even makes it through the first day.
Wait a minute. in another thread you described the nils as a flat blade design, now it is a shaver blade design? Face it, you know nothing of what you speak or you just do this on purpose to incite an argument.
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Nils comes in both 48" and standard 42" augers....My wifes 5' nothing and has no problem with my 48" ?Nils auger....
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I have a couple friends that have a nils. They both like them but say they're a little tall and no matter what they do, they leave too much slush in the holes. They drill effortlessly though and are very quick. Ill just stick with Strikemaster for now. 650 bones for an auger is pretty steep. As far as Tanaka durability and reliability, it all depends on how you take care of it. Tecumsehs have been around for a while too and plenty of them are junk. But I know of quite a few that still run like a champ. My Solo will last just as long as the Tanaka I bet.
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We have a 30 year old Tanka at work that never been touched and far from being cared for, use it a few times a year never winterize it and always runs.... Started it last week for giggles after it hadnt been started since October, was purring on 2 pulls... We will see about the Solos since they have only been out a few years, already lots of issues with the new Honda, most things made today arent made to last forever, they are made to last awhile so we need to replace them.... You say $650 is hight ( more like $575 I think at Stans, Mine was $500 from there) but if you never need to replace it you saved money... Also just what you save on gas over several years makes a difference, I drilled over 100 holes on my Tanaka last weekend, started with a full tank ( 2nd of the season) and still 7/8 of a tank left... I have filled my buddys stikemaster 3 times and I know he has filled it 2-3 times at Shucks, he drilled about the same as me over the weekend and was well under half a tank and I filled his before we started on Saturday....Not sure what the Solo's drilled for holes or what they used for gas...I dont worry about the slush, by the time I get done drilling a set and shoveling off the slush the holes are refilled....
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575 for a tanaka is cheap! I paid over a grand after taxes, the power head was $750 plus taxes(http://www.tanakapowerequipment.com/main-navigation/products?d=338&p=932) and the strikemaster 10" was $200 plus taxes, plus another $40 for the extension. But I tell ya, when I raced a new z71 the tanaka made it look like a very loud hand auger!lol
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Oh ya forgot to mention that the handle provides great protection while its bouncing around in the sleigh! It is a little tall but so is every auger needed on lake winnipeg!
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What are you talking about, look at the link above, I am using a tanaka with a strikemaster 10" bit through 40+ inches, this is on windblown lake winnipeg! And, I have drilled 400-500 holes with is combo with no issues?? Like I said earlier this is not the tanaka that on the nils, its slightly larger, 1.6 hp and 33cc, this power head is so strong! And it has a very close gear ratio to the strikemaster, thats why it works so well!
You are talking about a totally different powerhead than I was.
You are talking about a totally different bit than I was.
What are YOU talking about?
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Wait a minute. in another thread you described the nils as a flat blade design, now it is a shaver blade design? Face it, you know nothing of what you speak or you just do this on purpose to incite an argument.
Nils are a flat blade shaver. The blade design (not really a blade, but a sharpened edge turned into a blade) is flat so it cuts with the whole edge at once. And it is a true shaver blade, cant get any more shaver than a nils.
You know nothing of what YOU speak.
Do some research before telling me I'm stupid. I DO know what I am talking about, most of you do not and when I point it out you claim I'm just here to start an argument. Well you walked right into this one.
Do some research on the powerhead that comes with the nils, it will not work with a 10" auger because there is not enough torque. Nils blades will dull in 2 seconds on dirty ice, (proven by many many topics on this board this season). It is a flat blade (spoken about on here by nils owners all year). It is a shaver style (spoken by many owners and Frank on here). And yet with all these nils owners here proving my point, I do not know what I am talking about. ha
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Nils are a flat blade shaver. The blade design (not really a blade, but a sharpened edge turned into a blade) is flat so it cuts with the whole edge at once. And it is a true shaver blade, cant get any more shaver than a nils.
You know nothing of what YOU speak.
Do some research before telling me I'm stupid. I DO know what I am talking about, most of you do not and when I point it out you claim I'm just here to start an argument. Well you walked right into this one.
Do some research on the powerhead that comes with the nils, it will not work with a 10" auger because there is not enough torque. Nils blades will dull in 2 seconds on dirty ice, (proven by many many topics on this board this season). It is a flat blade (spoken about on here by nils owners all year). It is a shaver style (spoken by many owners and Frank on here). And yet with all these nils owners here proving my point, I do not know what I am talking about. ha
Yes different power head, but if the nils tanaka is anything close to this beast it would have more than enough! Just speculation!
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Nils are a flat blade shaver. The blade design (not really a blade, but a sharpened edge turned into a blade) is flat so it cuts with the whole edge at once. And it is a true shaver blade, cant get any more shaver than a nils.
You know nothing of what YOU speak.
Do some research before telling me I'm stupid. I DO know what I am talking about, most of you do not and when I point it out you claim I'm just here to start an argument. Well you walked right into this one.
Do some research on the powerhead that comes with the nils, it will not work with a 10" auger because there is not enough torque. Nils blades will dull in 2 seconds on dirty ice, (proven by many many topics on this board this season). It is a flat blade (spoken about on here by nils owners all year). It is a shaver style (spoken by many owners and Frank on here). And yet with all these nils owners here proving my point, I do not know what I am talking about. ha
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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My Solo will last just as long as the Tanaka I bet.
I'll take that bet.
Mine imploded after less than 3 seasons, totaling 5 breakdowns in that time period. The clutch snapped in half the 5th or 6th time to the ice on season one, and either the transmission destructed or the piston broke a ring the 5th and final time this season.
Craigslist had three other Solo's up for grabs, all with the same snapped ring this past couple weeks up in this area alone.
Maybe the TRUE German made Solo's were good and reliable, but the ones that are "German engineered, made in China" are JUNK.
Contact the auger manufacturer (I won't even mention their name I'm so disgusted with their JUNK) and ask them where their "German made" engines are REALLY made....
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Come on guys, we all know ice gators are the best. :whistle:
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Nils comes in both 48" and standard 42" augers....My wifes 5' nothing and has no problem with my 48" ?Nils auger....
I also have the 42in. Very nice. I also have a Mora 6in and 7in for the Tanaka. Those Mora's flat eat ice.
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I do belive Tanaks carry a 7 year warrenty to...Takes about that long just to get it properly broken in....
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My Jiffy lite is a 1988, and still going strong.
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My Jiffy lite is a 1988, and still going strong.
To bring up anything made other than Tanaka in the last 6-8 years is a mute point since all have changed to different engine makers in that time frame...How they will hold up for 10-20 years is yet to be seen....
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Sadly that is too true. Mine still sports the "Made in America" label. Not much can do that any more.
I think Strikemaster is using Honda engines now, and I would look to a Tanaka to match up to my Nils hand auger these days if I had to.
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just opened the box last week on a nilsmaster w/6" auger. drilled a few hundred inches so far am glad i spent the $600 from cabelas. own a 30yr old jiffy 3hp 10" and its eaten thousands of inches at bay of quinte without a problem and i wouldn't trade it for a new one, but both power head and auger weigh a ton. quite a different feel not being over the machine while drilling. luckily the weight of nils head is enough to drill without downward effort with the 6" but i wouldn't want one in a 10". i'm 6'3" and still have to hold the nils out in front of me.
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Sadly that is too true. Mine still sports the "Made in America" label. Not much can do that any more.
I think Strikemaster is using Honda engines now, and I would look to a Tanaka to match up to my Nils hand auger these days if I had to.
Lots of issues to with the Hondas, heard of several locked up....
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I guess my nils hasn't gotten the message on dulling after 5 holes and all i fish is the windblown SD lakes. Maybe I just get lucky and miss all the dirt. ;D Two seasons and going strong. Light, fast and reliable, love mine.
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Ok...I'll throw in my 2 cents. The best power auger is the one that you can afford. 2 seasons ago all I could afford was an 8" mako from Eskimo. It runs nice always starts and is still just as sharp after 3 seasons of use as the day I bought it. I got a great deal right from the ardisam/ Eskimo factory here in cumberland, wi. It was $230 out the door. As far as longevity...we' see...but so far after 3 seasons I have had zero problems.
My point is, buy as much as you can afford and be happy.
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7 inch strikemaster solo 2.hp
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Ok...I'll throw in my 2 cents. The best power auger is the one that you can afford. 2 seasons ago all I could afford was an 8" mako from Eskimo. It runs nice always starts and is still just as sharp after 3 seasons of use as the day I bought it. I got a great deal right from the ardisam/ Eskimo factory here in cumberland, wi. It was $230 out the door. As far as longevity...we' see...but so far after 3 seasons I have had zero problems.
My point is, buy as much as you can afford and be happy.
I have an Eskimo, and it has treated me well. Starts up at -30 and stays sharp if I keep it off the bottom of the lake. Replacement blades are around $30, and that is half the price of Jiffy. Last year we drilled over 500' of ice in one trip with it, what's not to love?
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I'm going to be the odd man out here but I think the best auger for the money is an Eskimo. I've had mine since 2003 and the only thing I've ever done to it was change the spark plug and blades. Can't beat them for the price if you ask me, I'll always own an Eskimo.
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I'm going to be the odd man out here but I think the best auger for the money is an Eskimo. I've had mine since 2003 and the only thing I've ever done to it was change the spark plug and blades. Can't beat them for the price if you ask me, I'll always own an Eskimo.
x 2.
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I won't claim the best, but I love my strike lite 2. Nice drilling and it starts very easily. I'd buy one again tomorrow if I had to.
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Here is a little video of my husqvarna in action. So far replaced the blades twice but only because someone dragged it across the ice instead of picking it up, otherwise really needed one blade change! I also had to re thread the bolt holes for the handle, again because someone with gorilla hands tighten them the crap out of them till they stripped! Nothing I can blame on the auger though! The spark plug once! Thats it in ten years!!
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I'd say mine drills at the same rate, doesent matter if its 10" or 40" thick.
We have about 35-40" of soft ice right now, no problems.
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One of my friends has the nils. Its nice and lite, and starts up easily. You should be happy.
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I bought a used jiffy 15 years ago. was 125 bucks back then and is still going strong. only thing i have had to do to mine is put a new plug in it last week. Have never winterized it just have the tank 1/2 full when put away for the year. Top off the tank in the fall and starts right up. I would not trade it for anything and expect I will still have it for quite a while yet. I get out quite a bit and would average 15-20 holes each time so I would guess that it cuts about 1000+ holes a year.
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I've only got experience with Strikemaster products. The first an older 3hp head (1994) has been a workhorse that my son now owns. It's paired with a 10" chipper drill that came with the 2hp head (2005) I've got now that drives a 10" Lazer. Both Tecumseh's have been flawless save for new plugs and fresh gas. Maybe a little heavier and louder than some of the new stuff but reliability is all there........
No complaints about either drill/blades, just wish I had the "Power Point" on the Lazer.
/m
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I was in the market for a Nils because I wanted the Tanaka powerhead and the seperate handle you can pack in the sled if something happens but the price tag was a bit steep for me. I had great luck with Strikemaster and found a used (actually never used but private sale) Strikelite II for very reasonable money and it's fantastic. Glad I bought it
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The problem with the powerhead that comes on a nils is that it is extremely underpowered.If the blades are sharp,and you dont lift up on the auger,it will bite aggresively,bog down,and then get stuck
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I picked up a used Tanaka with 8" Stikemaster Mora bit last week for a really good price.
It's my 3rd power auger in my stable. I also have an Rapala re-branded Eskimo with 8" bit and a 3hp Strikemaster Cobra with 10 1/4" ripper blade.
Yesterday was the first time out with the new to me Tanaka and I tried both the 8" and my 10" bits.
I drilled through somwhere North of 50" of ice and have to say this Tanaka engine is unbelievable.
It turns my 10 1/4" bit just like in the video.
The powerhead is an older TIA-305 model. The handles are not like the new ones, they are like a regular powerhead.
This engine runs very well, starts first pull and idles like a dream. ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/DRIFTER_016/Ice%20Fishing/2012-2013%20Season/Baptiste_4_13_13/P4120091_zps239dbf13.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DRIFTER_016/media/Ice%20Fishing/2012-2013%20Season/Baptiste_4_13_13/P4120091_zps239dbf13.jpg.html)
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In my opinion the best is the Eskimo Shark, lots of power and a nice price.
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The tanaka 350 kills everything out there, nothing even close IMO, pricey, but after using it a full season on lake Winnipeg, it's worth every penny and then some!
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I have had a jiffy 9'' stealth since 2003. I drill like a ma man during tourney pre fishing. It has ripped 13000 holes estimated since 2003 and the engine purs. It is amazing. I broke a clutch when I hit a under ice rock but thats the only repair and only 1 set of blades. I like the strike light strikemaster because it is a good auger an very easy to carry all day. Just a bit slower than the 2 stroke jiffy but 13 ounds lighter makes a big difference. PLUS BOTH AUGERS i CaN GET PARTS FOR EASILY WHILE ON THE ROAD IF NEEDED. Stick with the best go jiffy or strikemaster. Nothing else measures up for your hard earned dollars.
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Going to be buying my first auger this season, but wondering what everyone else uses and why. I've been looking at nifty,strike master and Eskimo augers. Been using my buddy strike master auger past fre seasons and I think its time to get my own. After doing some youtubing on different augers I'm leaning more towards the Eskimo shark z71. What do you all think about.that one? I already fish with the ekimo 949i pop up tent, but that's not the reason why I'm looking at that auger. Thanks
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any of the major brand names are good. it depends on your style of fishing. do you run & gun & drill a lot of holes or do you drill a few and sit in one spot for a long time. Jiffy's are going to be the heaviest units out there and Nils power augers will be the lightest. Strikemaster is in the middle when it comes to weight. also don't over look the new Clam Edge Power Auger that they put out this year. since you are in Ramsey I would go to the Hardwater Expo in Blaine on November 1st to the 3rd and look at all the brands there. plus if you buy there you might even be able to get a small discount on it.
Personally I am still running a 1991 Strikemaster Magnum III Plus auger but this year I'm getting the new Clam Edge Power Auger and the Clam Drill/Auger Conversion kit.
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Thanks man. I had no idea about clam making an ice auger or have I heard anything about an expo next month. I will be going for sure to openup my options now. There are days when I run and gun, and days I like to just chill in the pop up. But during the day me and the buddy are chasing the fish drillin hole after hole. Weight isn't too much of a problem for me.
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strike master lazer! great cutting speed and light. i just bought one over summer on craigslist that was brand new last winter and hardly used (blades dont even have a scratch on the paint) for 300$. i used my buddies lazer last winter and loved it! just never use 91 octane it makes it a pain in the arse to start
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Thanks man. I had no idea about clam making an ice auger or have I heard anything about an expo next month. I will be going for sure to openup my options now. There are days when I run and gun, and days I like to just chill in the pop up. But during the day me and the buddy are chasing the fish drillin hole after hole. Weight isn't too much of a problem for me.
the Expo next month is held at the Blaine National Sports Center right off of HWY 65.
there is also the large ice show in St Paul at the River Center. the dates for that show is December 6th to the 8th.
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The new Clam auger will be well worth the investment. Nils are also a great option to throw in the mix for you.
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My buddy has the Z71 and its a really nice auger, a bit on the heavy side but solid. I was set on a Z51 but ended up checking out craigslist and got an older eskimo with the tecumseh 3hp motor looks great and runs better and I stole it for 100$. Just something to consider
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I will be running my Jiffy Pro4 for many years to come! Sure it has some weight to it, but so do I. When the ice is thin & I'm on foot I take my lazer hand auger. When the ice is thick enough to need the power auger, it's thick enough for my wheeler too.
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I recommend the Eskimo Mako, it's a good auger with a price to match. You can get one at L and M Supply for $274.99 but if you want a Stingray they have them for $249.99, and the Sharks run from $354.99 to $419.99. These are the best prices I've seen so far for the Eskimos, they also have other brand augers, and below is their website if you want to check them out. Good luck with whatever you choose.
http://www.landmsupply.com/department/sporting-goods/ice-fishing/augers
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So ive been saving for a while and sold my old one, what of all augers to buy jiffy pro4, eskimo shark 71 etc what cut ?.. been using a jiffy 30 10inch but sold it.
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I bought an Eskimo Shark Z51 last year, awesome auger!
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Go with a pro4 you will not regret it. Plus not dealing with gas mixing oil, and you get a whole season out of one bottle of propane.
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I am on the pro4 band wagon. Cuts like a dream easy starting no spilled gas.
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eskimo sharkz51 starts in -20c 3rd pull cuts smooth 8'' hole is all that is needed
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pro 4 all the way
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pro 4 all the way
Another vote for the Pro 4!!! Had shoulder surgery last winter and even with the added weight I was still able to use it! The clutch system in it rocks so if it catches it won't fling you across the ice with all its power !
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pro 4 all the way
Same here on the Pro 4! I got 60 holes on 1 bottle and still going. Waiting to see how many more I can get out of it this year. Propane is better than octane in this case. 0*F and first pull.
Pat
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Same here on the Pro 4! I got 60 holes on 1 bottle and still going. Waiting to see how many more I can get out of it this year. Propane is better than octane in this case. 0*F and first pull.
Pat
I got over 100 on a bottle before! I think all last year I used 2-3 bottles and anyone that knows me can tell you I make swiss cheese when i go fishing!! Oh and since I had surgery and couldn't work I got out a lot!!
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I got an eskimo z51 last year starts on first or second pull everytime .Great Auger!! cuts fast.
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WOW! I wasn't sure if that bottle I had was a new one or not. I got a pack of 4 new ones since so I'll know how far it will go this year for sure. But 100, that's kickin!
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WOW! I wasn't sure if that bottle I had was a new one or not. I got a pack of 4 new ones since so I'll know how far it will go this year for sure. But 100, that's kickin!
OK ice thickness plays a roll in number of holes but I'd say average was 12"-14" went to SD and ran into some 20-24" too so not just thin ice
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OK ice thickness plays a roll in number of holes but I'd say average was 12"-14" went to SD and ran into some 20-24" too so not just thin ice
Yup, same here. So we're in the same ballpark then thickness wise. I also have the 8 and 10 inch bits and started out the season with the 10 inch and switched half way to the 8. So that might be the difference right there.
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I got a StrikerMaster Lazer 7" hand auger 2 yrs ago. Wouldn't recommend it. Then last year I got an 8" StrikeMaster LazerMag Xpress. It was good. It was my 1st powered auger. So compared to my StrikeMaster hand auger it was amazing. But then this past season I was out with a guy from Clam corp. I used an ION and 6" k-drill. The k-drill was awsome at opening old holes. But wayyy over priced. The ION was amazing. 40v lithium ion battery. Cuts great. It blew my StrikeMaster LazerMag Xpress away.
I was lucky enough to find a new 1 this summer for $225. I would strongly recommend an ION or Ice Gator. Forget gas. Forget maintenance. Forgot gaslone smell in a shelter and your car. Forget mixing oil Forget warming it up before using it. Forget the trouble of starting. * I also just bought a 4.5" Nils USA cordless auger for $115
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Another vote on the Z51 or 71. Bought mine 4 years ago and it still starts on the first pull.
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I have Eskimo mako bought 4 yrs ago and it starts great every time and didn't cost much I bought in the spring for $299 and my friends I fish with all have strickemaster and they like just about as well one guy likes it better than his strickemaster because it doesn't throw ice in his boots I told him I would trade him but he wouldn't fall for it LOL
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O I forgot to say one of the other guys I fish with had a 4 stroke Honda strickemaster put in his truck and layed it on the wrong side and after traveling 250 miles a lot of oil leaked out so we were afraid to use it so we used my cheap Eskimo
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I really like the strikemaster laser pro. I have been eyeballing it for two years now. The only problem is my old strikemaster won't die so I don't have a reason to go buy a new one lol. So now I'm in the quandary of which to buy, auger or new vex. Choices choices.
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ion the only way to go.
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If you want a good auger and to save a few bucks I'd get an Eskimo Mako but if you want to spend a bit more I'd get an Eskimo Shark. Either way I'd go with an eight inch model, in my seventeen years of ice fishing I never caught a fish, or even saw one for that matter, that wouldn't come through an eight inch hole. In my opinion a ten inch hole is dangerous because you can easily fall into it not to mention a small child could fall through it.
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If you want lightest auger and speed Tanaka with the nils. Ithink the weight of the jiffy is a lot if you drill a lot of holes and want to be as mobile as possible.
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love my jiffy with it's big 10" for the deep ice and my 6" nils for the start of the season. john :tipup:
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I mainly panfish and use 6" most of the time. I will use 8" max. I will never drill a 10 for me no need and keeps my kids out of the hole.
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Ok so km down to pro 4 or ion electric what are pros and cons of both does the propane have any negatives?
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Strikemaster.
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Ok so km down to pro 4 or ion electric what are pros and cons of both does the propane have any negatives?
No negative on the Pro4. I love mine! The number of holes from a bottle can change a lot! I have drilled over 200 on one can (6-8" of ice) and have fried a can in an hour (30+" of ice). Also I find air temp changes the consumption rate. The colder the temp, the more fuel it burns. Then again so does my truck, ATV, motorcycle, ect....
I keep a bottle in my truck on the way to the lake, and in my jacket pocket (BIG pockets in the Vexilar coat!) while on the ice. This is in addition to the one on the auger- which has never failed to start.... as long as it was not empty. Just a great auger. Sure it weighs a bit more, but worth it to me. Most of the time the ice is thick enough to want a power auger, I'm on my ATV anyway. Not like I have to carry it around all day. Besides most of us could offset the weight we should loose with that of the auger. I'm down over 50lbs now!
My only complaint... If you leave the propane bottle connected to the auger (fuel line- not the clamp) it can leak & leave you empty. It only happened 1 time, and I remembered to disconnect when done drilling for the day.
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No negative on the Pro4. I love mine! The number of holes from a bottle can change a lot! I have drilled over 200 on one can (6-8" of ice) and have fried a can in an hour (30+" of ice). Also I find air temp changes the consumption rate. The colder the temp, the more fuel it burns. Then again so does my truck, ATV, motorcycle, ect....
I keep a bottle in my truck on the way to the lake, and in my jacket pocket (BIG pockets in the Vexilar coat!) while on the ice. This is in addition to the one on the auger- which has never failed to start.... as long as it was not empty. Just a great auger. Sure it weighs a bit more, but worth it to me. Most of the time the ice is thick enough to want a power auger, I'm on my ATV anyway. Not like I have to carry it around all day. Besides most of us could offset the weight we should loose with that of the auger. I'm down over 50lbs now!
My only complaint... If you leave the propane bottle connected to the auger (fuel line- not the clamp) it can leak & leave you empty. It only happened 1 time, and I remembered to disconnect when done drilling for the day.
what do you think about the pro 4 light i have to pull my jet sled lol no wheeler or snowmobile yet hopefully by next season...
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My only complaint... If you leave the propane bottle connected to the auger (fuel line- not the clamp) it can leak & leave you empty. It only happened 1 time, and I remembered to disconnect when done drilling for the day.
I've never had mine leak down on me and I left my bottle on all season. I would check the seal on the hose connection. As for the extra weight, all the less you need to push down on the auger. Those things rip through 20 inches of ice like butter. And yes, keeping the bottles warm will give you a little more "mileage" out of them.
Pat
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what do you think about the pro 4 light i have to pull my jet sled lol no wheeler or snowmobile yet hopefully by next season...
I have not seen the ro4 Light yet. I'd bet it would work fine. I wouldn't go that route just because I like a 10" auger.
I've never had mine leak down on me and I left my bottle on all season. I would check the seal on the hose connection.
The seal is fine. I'm not sure why it would have leaked. Maybe through the carb, into the engine?
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Came to a conclusion since I will be buying a lot of new stuff this year for ice fishing, I'm going to have to cut costs in some parts. So instead of buying a new auger I'm going to buy a decent used one, but what size is more reasonable for hole hopping? 8 inch, 10 inch, I'm stuck? There's some decent Eskimo and strike masters for sale I'm my area, both of which are different sizes.
So which is more ideal to hole hop and just sit and fish from? Used to 8 inch, never used 10 before.
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If you're gonna be hole hopping and carrying that thing around, I'd only go with an 8 inch auger. Lighter.
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Thanks.
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what do you think about the pro 4 light i have to pull my jet sled lol no wheeler or snowmobile yet hopefully by next season...
The Pro 4 has a multi position engine which is a plus for me, but it comes with a ripper blade system instead of the STX blades like the Pro 4 has. Personally I don't think I would let that keep me from getting a Pro 4 Lite. If only my old 2 hp Tecumseh powered Stealth would wear out. ;D
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8" is plenty big for almost all ice fishing!! 10" holes can be dangerous for people to step in! It would take a huge fish to not fit through an 8" hole, plus less work for the auger drilling smaller holes!! Just my $.02 on that!! :tipup:
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I think it depends how thick the ice get where you fish. The thicker the ice the bigger the hole should be if you don't want to take the risk to lose big one. The thicker the ice the more difficult to get the fish thru the hole. When it comes to weight and price I don't think the blade does a big difference, It's more about the brand and model you'll buy.
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I have both 8 and 10 inch models.
I use the 10 mostly as I fish a lot of lakes that have the potential to produce fish that won't fit through an 8 inch hole.
Also as stated the thicker the ice the better it is to have a larger auger.
My lakes have 6 feet or better thick ice by late March early April.
What hasn't been mentioned is the larger the hole the slower it freezes up.
So depending on just how cold the weather is the 10 inch will stay a bigger diameter longer than an 8 inch will.
That said, I think you will be more than fine with an 8 inch auger in your neck O the woods. ;)2
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The guys I fish with drill 200 -300 holes a day I would like to have an Ion but just don't want to buy that many batterys and one of the guys I fish with has a propane auger I like it a lot it starts great but the first time I used it I didn't no that it turned the opposite way it kinda threw me off balance but its a great auger just my 2 cents
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I'd say it depends on your style and the lakes' potential. As noted, some fish just don't fit in an 8" hole. I've only had one that was a difficult fit and that in an 8.25" Eskimo hole. Still........got 'er in and back without too much trouble. That said, since I primarily target pike, my power auger has a 10" drill. I have an 8" lazer hand drill for early and late.
Now, if you're jigging and hole hopping and just looking for an easier way to drill a bunch of holes, then 8 is the way to go. Heck fire, maybe even look around for a 6" if that's your style.
/m
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2-300 a day!!!!!!! I'd have fish on the ice before they even started fishing! LOL! Not to mention I'd probably shoot someone from listening to that friggin auger for so long. That would drive me up a wall. I never realized my Pro4 spun the opposite of a 2stroke. Really???
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Twincities, Personally I use an 8" but we have to drag everything on to the ice. And rarely does our ice ever get to be more than twelve inches. In fact we're lucky to get ten inches here in Western Pa. In your case a ten inch might be warranted if you are trying to bring fish up through two feet of ice. Also if you're hauling it on a snowmobile the additional weight isn't an issue. If you do go ten inches be sure that the motor size matches up with it. By the way, I have a sister that lives in Eagan, Mn. and she keeps telling me to come out for ice season. She wants some fresh walleye fillets! Lou
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Also as stated the thicker the ice the better it is to have a larger auger.
My lakes have 6 feet or better thick ice by late March early April.
:o I thought it was crazy and a PITA when we got 3 feet last year..
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I run a 7 inch on my gas and my hand is a 6 inch laser. If I were to buy a new one today I would go no bigger than 8
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wish I had that problem down here
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Our day is coming jumbo I'm gonna win the lottery and build a big enough refrigeration unit to start another ice age lol.
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lets do it I ve done a lot of refrigeration work just couldn't afford the light bill LOL but I have been dumping ice in the lakeLOL
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I personally did the same thing last year and went through everywhere before I bought my auger and honestly I love the eskimo brand and I bought the mako M43 which is light and easy to haul around and it has plenty of power to run and gun or just cut a couple of holes. I cut probably over 200 holes last year with this thing and it is still lazer sharp and have never had an issue with it yet...and I kinda stole it for 60 bucks from a guy who couldn't get it to run...which it helps to turn the fuel on LOL so yea absolutely the best addition to my sled last year.
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I use a 8 inch.
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Thanks Chris for the website. After looking at the site and comparing prices with other stores, L&M fleet are by far the cheapest around. I was about to buy used on craigslist but decided to go forward and just purchased online a new Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger because of how cheap L&M are selling them. Had no idea I was going to be buying an auger tonight. Thanks everyone for your input. Now I need to convince the girl it's a present for the both of us, and not just another toy I can use to get out of doing choirs around the house.
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10" gas and 6" hand. john :tipup:
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I use 8in but when on a lake that produces big lakers I put two holes side by side and chisel out the middle, then chisel out a ramp at one end to slide the fish up through the hole.
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Not different than 2 stroke, just the Jiffy direction.
The Pro4 is quiet enough that drilling holes bothers no one.
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Not different than 2 stroke, just the Jiffy direction.
The Pro4 is quiet enough that drilling holes bothers no one.
Even still, quit drillin and start fishin! That's why they call it ice fishing not ice drilling. LOL! You're right though, the 4 is a lot quieter than some 2 strokes I've heard.
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger online last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger online last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
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You will find opinions of folks stating that each of the major brand augers are the best. Personally, my first power auger is an Eskimo Mako and its a great auger that i love using. Im sure youres will be as well. Tight lines!
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My lakes have 6 feet or better thick ice by late March early April.
6 feet?!!! hell, I don't think I fished on more than 7 inches last year! and the year before that, there was no safe ice on any of the ponds that I fish.
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5" lazer hand and 7" lazer mag express gas. It all depends on what you are chasing brother.
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger online last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
They work fine.
The only thing I don't like about the one I have is the amount of plastic on it.
I travel long distances by snowmobile and my first trip with it a couple of the pieces broke off. :(
I now have a dedicated box for my power heads that gets strapped on the back of my snowmobile so parts don't break on them.
They drill a fine hole though so don't worry. ;)
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger online last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
My Jiffy is faster than my Eskimo.
But unlike the Jiffy the Eskimo has never failed to start or broken a part ever. I have used the Eskimo for over 10 years without a problem.
Eskimo are good augers.
I think all the major brands are good and that every one of them has had a dud model once or twice.
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Eskimo augers are just fine. Some prefer others, I happen to like Jiffy. The one I see disappointing the most users is Strikemaster. I have seen lots of broken plastic handles in the last few years. Neither of my Jiffy augers have had a starting problem. The Pro4 starts easier. My friend has an Eskimo with a broken choke lever (stuck in the off position) that will start with just the primer and a few pulls of the rope.
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger on line last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
First off let me say I think it was very unprofessional for the guy at the place you went to be bad mouthing the other auger. You speak highly of your product, not bash the opposition.
Second, I think it has a lot to do with preference. I'm sure this topic has been beat like a dead horse several times, and will again in seasons to come. The things that make a good ice auger for you, it that YOU like it. A lot of factors are going to come into play on how fast it cuts through, how it run, starts, etc. The biggest factor is, will is cut a hole in the ice for you and get you out fishing and do it for years to come?
I personally own a Jiffy Pro 4, but I think in my opinion you did fine and disspite what the guy at Cabelas said, that should be one heck of a piece of equipment for you provided you take good care of it and maintain in the off season. Best of luck to you with your new toy this year!
Pat
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I just purchased an Eskimo Shark 51.7cc 8" Quantum Ice Auger on line last night. After walking into cabelas today I was talking to one of the sales people about the Eskimo"s and he said there not good augers and that they can't drill fast enough. Did I make a mistake on an auger, or will I be ok?
I don't really care about drilling a hole in 5 seconds, I just want something that will start each time.
Sounds like a guy that has never used one. Not all, but a lot of the employees at the larger stores like cabelas, bass pro, sportsmans warehouse ext. are not that well versed in the products they are selling.
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8" for sure. I run 6" and 8". 6 is my fave.
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Update.........
Getting a refund on the Eskimo and going to go with a strike master lazer mag instead now. 8"
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8" just seems to big and heavy for hole hoping. if you are serious about hole hoping when you fish you want light, starts instantly and not to big. the bigger your hole the heavier your auger and longer it takes to drill a hole. consider the nils cordless 6" auger. only 3 lbs. can use by hand or with drill. fast, no start up, gas or extra weight to lug around. ion also makes a 6" this year. I personaly just got a nils 4.5" cordless auger along with my 8" ion
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Our team of 4 drills over 200 holes 2 augers and two flashers behind and a third guy with camera to check the holes that mark fish to see what kinda fish are there and once we find the fish we generally do great fishing that way . A bad day for us is under 200 a day
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Also have a NILS 6" convertible. This IMO is the best of both worlds because I can drill by hand (and drilling by hand with a NILS is a cut above the rest, no pun intended) for early ice and then use a cordless drill for thicker ice, which doesnt add that much weight anyhow with the new smaller Li-Ion drills.
I don't fish lakes that are any more than 2.5 feet of ice so that should tackle anything. I could never see myself owning a power auger...even with a strikemaster 8" hand that had sub-par blades we were done drilling way faster than guys with power augers...I do a lot of run and gun so that's the best way for me. Even if I owned a sled or ATV I think I would still stick to the hand.
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It is rare where I fish to even see a hand auger. The ice gets too thick and most people use snowmachines to access the lakes so transporting one isn't a problem for most.
I haven't used a hand auger in years. The power auger is easy enough to move around and it drills quickly and easily all the time.
I like my 8" as a good all around size. I have a 10" as well but don't use it often.
A 6" would be to small where I fish but we don't have panfish anyway.
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It is rare where I fish to even see a hand auger. The ice gets too thick and most people use snowmachines to access the lakes so transporting one isn't a problem for most.
I haven't used a hand auger in years. The power auger is easy enough to move around and it drills quickly and easily all the time.
I like my 8" as a good all around size. I have a 10" as well but don't use it often.
A 6" would be to small where I fish but we don't have panfish anyway.
I would expect nothing less in Alaska! :p
Down here in Southern Ontario, we aren't blessed with that much ice, so hand auger is the way to go!