Lazer Pro or Lazer Mag?

[markrazzy]

Hey all!  Question for you all... I'm buying a new auger this winter, and definitely leaning towards a Srikemaster Lazer Pro 8".  Do quite a bit of tip up and panfishing here in Southeastern Wisconsin (so I probably won't have to deal w/ any more than 20" of ice or so).  Since I have a Cabela's Visa card w/ $250 in points saved up (and more by the time I purchase it), I was going to purchase the auger from Cabela's.  However, they won't be carrying the Lazer Pro, only the Lazer Mag this winter (or so a rep told me).  Am I going to be missing that 1/2 HP that much if I bite the bullet and get the Lazer Mag?  Or should I purchase the Lazer Pro from somewhere else and spend the money on something else (if the wife allows it?).  So I guess, since you guys have far more experience than I do, would you buy the Lazer Pro for $470 or so, or would you buy the Lazer Mag for $220 (as of now, probably only $100 by the time I purchase it).  Thanks for any input!

[bushyjr]

im in the same delema i have a brand new 8 mag in box from a friend winning it and i gave him 200 for it the store it came from didnt have a pro so they said if wanted a pro i could swap it this year if i keept it in the box just gota pay up grade so i dont know if the 1/2 hp is worth the differance  i have a mag 2000 that is like 15 years old and works great but got a good deal on this one and not sure which way to go so thanks for asking this and hope we get an answer 

[snotslayer]

i bought the 3hp 10in pro last year and its an amazing auger. its the fastest cutting auger ive ever seen.

[wyoutdoors]

I'm waffling between those two and possibly a Strike-Lite II. I like the idea of straight gas with no oil mixing and I think it'll be cleaner running too and less of an overall mess. A bit pricey, but I only plan on buying one for many years. Anyone giving the SLII a thought?

[oyler]

it's definately worth it!  for just a little bit more money, you have an auger that has 1/2 horse more power, and its the same weight.   Where do you live Mark, I would be willing to be that we can make sure the Cabelas near you will have a pro.

[markrazzy]

I actually live in Jackson, WI... about 4 miles from the Cabelas in Richfield.  I worked there part-time for 2.5 years as one of the Bargain Cave Processors (pricing the stuff that went in the cave, which lead to me getting some damn good deals on stuff).  I've already talked to a customer service rep on the phone, and I'm waiting to hear from a buddy who still works there, but both said they didn't think they were getting it. 

[markrazzy]

So ignore this post, I went into Cabela's to check on what they have for ice fishing stuff, and I asked somebody else about the Lazer pro, turns out they WILL be carrying it now.  WooHoo!

[Grumpyoldman]

I bought my first auger last year.
I went throught the old threads in the "Equipment" section.
Lots of Jiffy fans.
But, majority leaned to Lazer Pro.
I bought a Lazer Pro w/ 2.5hp, 8" blades, 24lb.
Problem w/ recoil on first day out.
Company sent me a new one in 3 days.
Cuts like a charm. Works great.

Would have liked the Strikemaster lite, but that was another $100.