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I have had a Stingray for 5 or 6 seasons now. I don't know how you can beat it. Starts easy, cuts fast and is as light or lighter then most. I always cut holes as fast or faster then those around me. Im happy with it.
You won't be disappointed with the Mako. The biggest thing is how you take care of them, if you beat the crap out of it it's going to break no matter what brand and model you get. I add some Seafoam and Startron to my gas mix and never had any issues. I'd used the Viper oil they recommend or if you can't find that get a quality oil such as Sthil, which is what I run in mine, because it's easy to find and has the stabilizer in it. Also if you can get non-ethanol gas run that and it'll eliminate the ethanol issues. Some guys run Tru-Fuel and swear by that but the big problem I have with that is the price. Good luck with your new auger.
go with the F1 rocket.I have the mako 43 and I do love it (6 years ish) . Its been so reliable. but it feels to be around 35# and add ice and slush to the equation... gets to be a lot of work.Rocket shows like 23ish #. It felt really light in the showroom compared to the mako. I would guess the F1 would cut just about as fast as my older mako 43.
One thing I did find just last week the Mako recoil starter broke at 17°F on the first hole.I suspect the same recoil starter is used for both stingray and mako and though this is the older Mako with the vented gascap.The plastic looks pretty thin where the recoil spring is captured in the housing and cold I suspect is the reason it broke.It wouldnt be a bad idea to keep a spare set of blades and pull starter in your box of spares back in the car, Nothing like driving for a hour to get to where your fishing just to have that little plastic crumble off on starting, basicly rendering your auger useless.I see Eskimo sells a quick detach coupler so you can easily remove the auger from the powerhead to make space.https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Eskimo-16327-Auger-Quick-Release/dp/B00LDYGM4K&ved=0ahUKEwj_9o_7n_vXAhVOImMKHajKBOQQFghzMAA&usg=AOvVaw32YCLztt-I0UTq-mF6BiB0