best ice spud (chisel)?

[Iceman Cometh]

I was wondering which is the best ice spud? I won't be chipping any ice, just using it to whack the ice to check the safety of it. I want one that is lightweight, very strong ( I whack pretty hard, no pun intended), and long (perhaps collapsible).

[Chris338378]

I got the Eskimo Redneck one piece chisel last year for the same use you mentioned and I like it a lot.  There's other chisels that cost more but in my opinion and experience you can't beat this chisel especially since it was only $20 at Walmart.  The one thing I did is I made a lanyard out of a pair of shoelaces so if it breaks through the ice there's no chance of loosing it.  When you make the lanyard just make sure it's a little (three or four inches) longer so it doesn't pull or cut into your wrist when you're using it.  Here's a link to it on Eskimo's website.

http://www.geteskimo.com/economy-chisel

[hardwater diehard]

Frabill makes a 53" Standard step chisel 5.5 lbs. for around $20 ...like stated add a lanyard and good to go.

[filetandrelease]

redneck or frabil both cheap and won't wear your arm out , or you could make one , just try the search button

[Iceman Cometh]

thanks guys. I'll check out the Eskimo, redneck or frabil. I had one that looked like a piece of "re bar" I bought at farm king years ago, but the damn thing is heavy and awkward. My step son broke it digging in the yard, lol.

[bldfrt]

I have the frabill one with the step chisel. I wanted it for the same reason last year but due in part to thin ice it was easy enough that I stopped bringing an auger. that stepped edge worked pretty nice compared to my buddies who's has a flat edge. I'm confident I'll use an auger again in the future under more normal ice conditions but for thin ice it did the thing

[Chris338378]

The stepped edge is the way to go if you're going to use it to make new holes but for checking the ice and reopening frozen holes you can get away with the flat blade and save yourself some money.

[Baetis62]

thanks guys. I'll check out the Eskimo, redneck or frabil. I had one that looked like a piece of "re bar" I bought at farm king years ago, but the damn thing is heavy and awkward. My step son broke it digging in the yard, lol.

If your step son can break #6 or better just digging around in the yard call the Bears and get him signed up tomorrow morning.  They might still stand a chance tomorrow night...tight lines!

[crappieslayer37]

Frabill makes a 53" Standard step chisel 5.5 lbs. for around $20 ...like stated add a lanyard and good to go.

x2 on the frabill have had mine for three years and it has kept me topside on at least that many occasions. Woukdnt part with mine as it is one of the tools I never forget as it is one of the most important.

[huntsfurfish]

What's with all the talk of "SPUDS" ?

Did you not read what he said about not chipping any ice ? 

Probably because of his first sentence asking which one was best?