Looks like the blade issue is also affecting the ION composite bits as well..this past Saturday my buddies new set up assembled that day ..Mil 2804/Clam plate/ ION 8" Composite .. had issues cutting ..needed some pressure and/or a slight lean to left or right ..although it cut ..50 holes on 12 inches of slush/hard pack/black ice ..it just did not feel right but I wasnt convinced it was the augers fault ..as the ice conditions were rather unique ..yesterday I had a chance to test my set up Mil 2704/Clam Plate/HT 8" E-Drill...as well as a buddies Dewalt 996/Clam Plate/Eskimo Pistol bit 8"..both drilled just fine w/o and additional pressure and/or tilt/lean ..so those members experiencing any cutting issues with the ION should contact ION.
Also for clarification the ION bolted directly onto the Clam Plate (18 mm) w/o any adapters . There may be some IONs floating around the various retailers for those interested ..maybe a deal can be had as well .