IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Ice Augers => Topic started by: Gillpill on Jan 08, 2013, 11:43 PM
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I realize there have probably been numerous posts on this topic, but what kind of auger would you all recommend. Im going for portable, good pricing but not dirt cheap, how quick it can get through the ice, etc. I have just used my brothers strikmaster Mora hand auger he bought when we first started 5 yrs ago and plan on getting my own for next year. any suggestions appreciated
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Hand auger strikemaster lazer power jiffy 2 hp
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Mora 6" and a jiffy stealth stx 2hp 8". Its all i will own!
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I have a Eskimo 7" & a sharpener, it cuts nice I sharpen it evey time out
no problem going thru 6" of ice in seconds...
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depends on how much money you want to spend. I love my 6" mora for the price its a great deal. I also like my 8" lazer. keep the blades good and they get the job done. If i had the money I wouldnt mind upgrading to a 8" nils. But its not needed so I will pass for now.
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Entry level Mora - stay away. HT - Stay away. You get what you pay for. ::)
Fin-Bore III - blades are ultra sharp, offset handle design makes effort cutting through the ice minimal as you use both arms. Look at all the others where their handles are. This really works better! Cuts like a hot knife through butter. They go for about $90. Several hundred holes using the same blades without sharpening for the past four seasons. :tipup: Contact Fish307.com They look like they are out of stock at the moment, but they will likely order if you ask and they can get them in.
(http://www.fish307.com/ProductImages/ice/finbore_pi.jpg)
Strikemaster Lazer - OK (blades are same as Fin-Bore IF it says made in Sweden!) If Strikemaster were allowed to make the offset handle here in the US, it would be at the top of my recomendation list. Since it doesn't have it, I give the nod to the Fin-Bore III.
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I realize there have probably been numerous posts on this topic, but what kind of auger would you all recommend. Im going for portable, good pricing but not dirt cheap, how quick it can get through the ice, etc. I have just used my brothers strikmaster Mora hand auger he bought when we first started 5 yrs ago and plan on getting my own for next year. any suggestions appreciated
with out a doubt (lazer) cuts very quick (I have mine 4 years and have not had to change the blades-just sharpened them 1 time per season)
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Well you cant go wrong with a Nils. You'll never even think if owning a power auger after you try a Nils.
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I was in the market for a auger this year and went 6" lazer imo you dont need bigger then a 6" hole and those lazers cut through the ice easy enough not to justify another $40 for a nills
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Nils hand or power,not cheap,but worth the money
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" Cuts like a knife through hot butter."
dont you mean a hot knife through butter? lol just busting. fish on!
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" Cuts like a knife through hot butter."
dont you mean a hot knife through butter? lol just busting. fish on!
LOL! Sorry, :o I got confused talking about the entry level Mora with the Chinese blades. ;D
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No one that I know with a Nils gives ANY thought to owning another auger...... none, zero, zilch, nada, etc.....
Everyone I know with a Mora or Lazer is simply 'making do' with something and will drop it in a heartbeat once they use a Nils......
Are Nils more expensive? Yes... Can they be tempermental? No more than any other....But most people I know have sold their power augers once they get their Nils and just don't look back......
Use the search function and read read read..... I don't get why people hear such good reviews of the Nils yet still continue to wonder what makes them so different.... none of us are paid by Nils; we simply know that they are far better than the blue or black augers we've all had before and 'given' away ;)
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I just bought a Nils 6 inch capable of using a cordless drill or a handle ..used it sunday with the handle worked great was effortless to use gonna use my Dewalt 18volt next time i go I'll let you know how it works....
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Entry level Mora - stay away. HT - Stay away. You get what you pay for. ::)
Fin-Bore III - blades are ultra sharp, offset handle design makes effort cutting through the ice minimal as you use both arms. Look at all the others where their handles are. This really works better! Cuts like a hot knife through butter. They go for about $90. Several hundred holes using the same blades without sharpening for the past four seasons. :tipup: Contact Fish307.com They look like they are out of stock at the moment, but they will likely order if you ask and they can get them in.
(http://www.fish307.com/ProductImages/ice/finbore_pi.jpg)
I'm gonna second that ...
Strikemaster Lazer - OK (blades are same as Fin-Bore IF it says made in Sweden!) If Strikemaster were allowed to make the offset handle here in the US, it would be at the top of my recomendation list. Since it doesn't have it, I give the nod to the Fin-Bore III.
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. I won't be getting my own for this ice season but I will be getting one for next year.
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Strikemaster Lazer Mag.
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I got a nils. Love it. I will get another size if they would stay in stock anywhere. That should tell you something. Pricey.... A little, But worth it. I bought a 8" and I crank through 12" + w/o to much trouble. 3 years and have not had it sharpened yet!!!! still awesome. I have also heard the same about the finbore. You have to have a good auger...... it is the most necessary piece of equip you need. Can't fish w/o a hole!! And you will drill many! Nils or finbore for me.
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I got a nils. Love it. I will get another size if they would stay in stock anywhere. That should tell you something. Pricey.... A little, But worth it. I bought a 8" and I crank through 12" + w/o to much trouble. 3 years and have not had it sharpened yet!!!! still awesome. I have also heard the same about the finbore. You have to have a good auger...... it is the most necessary piece of equip you need. Can't fish w/o a hole!! And you will drill many! Nils or finbore for me.
Ik what u mean about the holes, I've been at this for 5 yrs now and drilled a lot of holes
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I picked up a jiffy pro 4 propane auger last year . It is alittle bit heavier than the 30 which i have always sworn by and it was a little more expensive but I absolutely love it . You dont have to worry about mixing gas or adjusting the carburator or draining the fuel at the end of the season. All you need is a one pound propane bottle and that lasts for about 150 holes . It starts within two pulls everytime doesnt matter if its -10 degrees or 40 and it pulls over so easy my 7 year old son can start it no problem. If you are really serious about getting a power auger then in my oppinion this is the one .
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I prefer an 8" over a 6". I am a walleye guy so for me the 8" makes landing those waldos a little easier. I imagine the guys chasing those pike use at least an 8" too. I hate walking out on the ice where someone has drilled a bunch of 10" holes.....it's no fun stepping into one of those! Even worse if you bring your kid out there and there are 10" holes. Not very safe
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No one that I know with a Nils gives ANY thought to owning another auger...... none, zero, zilch, nada, etc.....
Everyone I know with a Mora or Lazer is simply 'making do' with something and will drop it in a heartbeat once they use a Nils......
Are Nils more expensive? Yes... Can they be tempermental? No more than any other....But most people I know have sold their power augers once they get their Nils and just don't look back......
Use the search function and read read read..... I don't get why people hear such good reviews of the Nils yet still continue to wonder what makes them so different.... none of us are paid by Nils; we simply know that they are far better than the blue or black augers we've all had before and 'given' away ;)
I beg to differ.... I had a Nils... They are great but not the only answer out there...
I'll race anyone with a 6in Nils vs my 6in Lazer(w off-set handle). If they have drilled TONS of holes then it would probably be a dead heat most of the time... @)
Lots of iffs, n butts, and whats but Nils heads need to be babbied a tad more and if the edge gets rolled you can cut quicker holes with a salt shaker. Yes that can be re-sharpened easier and more ofter though...
Lots of options out there with off-set handles as good as a nils. And for folks that cant use them, Lazers are a great option. Hopefully Strikemaster brings back the off-set...
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i have an ancient ESKIMO auger that i cant seem to get started. ive put fresh gas in her and a new spark plug but she still wont turn over. common problems/fixes??? (my hand auger is good but 30 somethin holes gets tiring) :P
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i have a finbore 3 i bought from wiggley worm about 10 yrs ago... changed blades once because i was a little close to shore at the dead sea ..... ;D....best feature to me is the folding handle ... very compact...fits in my sled nicely... 6 inch hole makes things interesting some times .....
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I have a 6" Fin Bor that I purchased from Fish 307 3 years ago and it cuts like a bandit. I think I paid $78 for it - worth every penny. I also have an 8" Nils that I use for Lake Trout fishing on the King. Hasn't got much use lately, but it cuts like crazy with little effort on my part. If you go for a Nils, be careful not to abuse it or let friends that don't know how to use an auger abuse it. The blades don't tolerate banging on ice, etc.
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I love my eskimo!
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gillpill, i live in victor. we should join up and fish together since i live in victor. i have a mora 6". works fine. over 10 yrs old and i never replaced the blades. i have a friend with a nils. never tried it
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gillpill, i live in victor. we should join up and fish together since i live in victor. i have a mora 6". works fine. over 10 yrs old and i never replaced the blades. i have a friend with a nils. never tried it
heck yea man, that would be cool, especially seeing i dont have a vehicle
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I beg to differ.... I had a Nils... They are great but not the only answer out there...
I'll race anyone with a 6in Nils vs my 6in Lazer(w off-set handle). If they have drilled TONS of holes then it would probably be a dead heat most of the time... @)
Lots of iffs, n butts, and whats but Nils heads need to be babbied a tad more and if the edge gets rolled you can cut quicker holes with a salt shaker. Yes that can be re-sharpened easier and more ofter though...
Lots of options out there with off-set handles as good as a nils. And for folks that cant use them, Lazers are a great option. Hopefully Strikemaster brings back the off-set...
agreed and if they dont just make your own ;D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMWeFWRe-j4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMWeFWRe-j4)
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I'll race anyone with a 6in Nils vs my 6in Lazer(w off-set handle). If they have drilled TONS of holes then it would probably be a dead heat most of the time... @)
Lots of iffs, n butts, and whats but Nils heads need to be babbied a tad more and if the edge gets rolled you can cut quicker holes with a salt shaker. Yes that can be re-sharpened easier and more ofter though...
DC, I love you to death...but, I will take the Pepsi Challenge all day long against your Strikemaster junk ;D
I have bee using the same 4.5", 6" and 8" for over 7 years and have yet to either sharpen or change blades...you :P
Apparently the ice in the Southern Tier is different than that in Madison County :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
Don't be a hater now ;)
AW
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I prefer an 8" over a 6". I am a walleye guy so for me the 8" makes landing those waldos a little easier. I imagine the guys chasing those pike use at least an 8" too. I hate walking out on the ice where someone has drilled a bunch of 10" holes.....it's no fun stepping into one of those! Even worse if you bring your kid out there and there are 10" holes. Not very safe
Couple years back a buddy of mine went thru our 10" hole as we were just getting there. He has a sz 14 boot so it aint just kids. Took almost all day to get his leg dried out
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has anyone ever heard of *Glenn's outdoors* out of Minnesota...they have a Eskimo Z71.10" gas auger for 349.95. any thoughts about Eskimo augers? are they well built, or would you suggest a different auger?.strike master..jiffy..???????never owned a gas auger so this is quite a investment for me..I don't want to throw away money and plan on having this for the rest of my life..*or till my wife kills me for spending so much on fishing* ;D ;D ;D so tell me what you think and what kind you have or would get. thanks. ;)
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I have bought from Glenns before and been very happy
Now with a suggestion on what auger to get, everyone has different needs so i would read reviews and decide if you want to go with gas or electric
good luck
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Ive been using a 19.2v cordless drill and auger adaptor for a couple years now, works great. I get 10-12 holes in 8" ice off one battery. The correct adaptor is key or you,ll pull the chuck out of your drill. Mine has a nylon strap that wraps around the drill, so you pull back on the drill body not just the chuck. Take an extra battery and your good for a day.
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i own three augers, 2 lazers and a (free-be mora that i do not use) and use a drill attachment by strike master with a ridgid brand hammer drill 24 volts ($270.00 retail) on drill mode setting speed number one. i get about 56 holes per battery and came with 2 batteries on the 4" lazer auger. throws the ice away from auger a good 15" at least when starting to drill ice.
what i like best about this set up is i did not spend a lot just to drill holes in ice. i can drill just about any thing and so very versatile. just makes more sense to me rather than spend a lot to drill ice holes only.
no smoke or stink or stains or potential fire or explosions from carrying gas, no start problems and very quiet!
down side would be if you need more holes that 2 batteries gets ya, but then i always carry the handle just in case. could get more batteries too.
btw, ridgid brand tools from home depot are life time warranted inc. batteries.
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nils
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I have a white lightning Jiffy auger 8". This works fine as long as u give it time to warm up before drilling. I would like to sell this and go with a propane auger instead. I saw a guy using a new battery operated auger thru 8" of ice. It seemed like it worked pretty good, but I wonder how much it costs to replace batteries when their life is up.
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my buddy has a strikemaster solo and he didnt use it for two years switched out the gas and it started first pull the thing is awesome i know when i get a power auger that is what its going to be. but the niles auger is crazy fast and easy as well.
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If you dont go to a power auger the NILs is your only real option. We all have reasons our auger is better than theirs. Mine is better because its yellow and the rest of them arent ;) ;) ;)
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I have an eskimo mako. It is built very well and hasn't let me down yet. This is my third season with it now. Best part is even after sitting inside all spring, summer, and fall she starts right up on the first pull in winter.
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NEW Strikemaster Honda 4-stroke
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Love my ICEGATOR I can punch 100+ 8" holes in 12" of ice before a charge. Fastest power auger over the counter electric or gas. It does not stink or sound like a junk dirt bike or sick chainsaw. No cord to break, no plugs to foul, no mixing, no warming up either. It does not piss off the lake residents at night either. Hit the button and go...
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I too have the gator best thing I've ever owned! But if I have to buy a 3rd one it will be the strikematser light 4stroke. Just for reliability..I just hate a 8" hole..I've never caught a fish I couldn't get through a 6" hole..hope you find what ya need..
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Well I had a Jiffy model 30 with a 9 inch cut and replaced it with a Strikemaster Lazer Pro 10 inch just over a month ago. The Jiffy never let me down but I wanted one that was gonna last the rest of my ice fishing days. So I read alot of reviews and originaly wanted a propane but read some very bad reviews so I started over.....then I compared the prices of replacement blades, reviews, weight, more reviews. Then for my 50th birthday my wife purchased me the strikemaster Lazer pro and about flipped me out as she paid me more attention than I had thought!! But back to the lou.... I can only compare a Jiffy model 30 and my new one, MY NEW ONE HANDS DOWN and it rips thru the ice like hot butter but a a price of $519+tax. Hope this helps