Which Auger?

[Stanbiker]

Looking for some opinions,

I have a hand auger, and think power is the way to go. I've looked at the Eskimo's, but which model is recommended? (they had the Mako, and 2 different Sharks, plus one inexpensive one I forgot the name of)

Thanks

[akdube]

Strike master has one out with a honda motor. Thatd be my bet. Or the one with the least amount of plastic on it

[Drifter_016]

I have a rebranded Mako and if you plan on transporting it in a toboggan behind a snowmobile, wrap it in 12" of bubble wrap first!!!!
Before I even got to drill my first hole plastic covers and the plastic throttle lever were broken. 
My advice is to check Craigs or Alaska List for an all/mostly metal one.
My older Strikemaster is almost completely metal and it has held up well to bouncing down the trail in the toboggan.
I also have a Cabelas Auger Hauler to protect the auger from the elements during transport.

[Grizzly1]

Similar to Drifter I have an auger thats almost all metal, its the Jiffy 30 3hp 10"(the older white model) and it's been a great auger for me. I can't recommend the newer Jiffy as I have no experience with them. If I were to buy a new auger it would be without resevations the Nilsmaster. The only negative is that you will have to send the cutting head off to get sharpend, I would probably buy a second cutting head to have as backup.

http://www.reedssports.com/Category/main.taf?cat=4171

[kasilofchrisn]

Yes as previously stated the more metal the better.
I also like a little more Horsepower. Not a big deal but it is nice when you are running a 10" bit or an extension on it.
It is nice this time of year to run an extension even if the ice doesn't require it. You can get a sore back bending over all the time drilling.
The extension means a little less bending.

[PikeSticker]

Yeah, definitely an extension year in the making. 20 below in Soldotna Sat. morning and at 11pm its back down to 18 below and heading for around 25 below before daylight arrives Sun. That will probably add another inch or more to the lakes down here over this weekend since there is little snow cover to insulate the ice from the cold.

As far as auger choices, plastic is the norm for just about everything now days. Whatever you choose, I would suggest buying one of those form-fitted cordura covers for it, one that either just covers the powerhead or the entire auger to the blade. I bought a Jiffy powerhead cover at Cabelas that works perfect on my Eskimo Shark Z51. Just that cover alone will cut down 90% of the accidental bumps, bangs, and snags on your delicate components from other gear in your sled, toboggan or other conveyance. You can even wrap an old T shirt around the head first as a bit more padding. It also keeps the snow off your powerhead when transporting it out and back. Oh yeah, and it kinda contains the gas/oil that leaks out when you forget to screw the cap vent closed before laying it in your sled or truck.

Best thing is be prepared for the little things that eventually break. Plastic throttle levers, plastic vented gas caps with a vent that sticks up are things that definitely bite the bullet during handling over the life of the machine. A spark plug wrench/screwdriver combo comes in handy to change or check your plug and to make tuning adjustments on the carburetor idle and high speed adjustments if your model has that. Oh yeah, might as well get at least a 12" extension for years like this. The 18" is a little too much for around Southcentral but the Interior boys probably use them a lot.

[JediMasterSalmonSlayer]

Looking for some opinions,

I have a hand auger, and think power is the way to go. I've looked at the Eskimo's, but which model is recommended? (they had the Mako, and 2 different Sharks, plus one inexpensive one I forgot the name of)

Thanks

How often to you go ice fishing? Do you have deep pockets? Transport considerations (are you walking or riding, do you have a pull behind sled)?

have you considered renting a power auger vs outright purchase? (i did this my first couple years ice fishing)

Both Opinions and Options are unlimted here on the forum.

I have owned / used various brands of power augers strike master, jiffy, and eskimo. If money was not a factor for me as much as I winter fish IMHO I would purchase a new eskimo shark Z51 or Z71 - 10 inch

high performance (torque and rpms) and easy to use. both models come with light wieght aluminum handles now. The blade system supports the best of both shaving and chipping ice blades now also.  They are the best selling for a reason.   

[Stanbiker]

Thanks for the info!

Looks like I'm going with the Z71 tomorrow night (They were sold out in Anchorage, so I'll drive up to the valley for one)

I don't have deep pockets, but I know I would get frustrated with the renting. I will be walking and pulling a sled when we go, or more accurately the Teen will be pullling it. (He's always looking for a workout)

I've only been a couple of times, but we fly fish every day we don't work in the summer so It will probably be often in the winter. (driving to Coopers Landing with the fly rod is a little too much in the winter from Eagle River)

[clhuff]

I bought a z71 this season. I love it

[love em and leave em II]

 I bought a Z71  last year it has been very good to me cuts lots of holes.

[kwackkillncrew]

unless you plan on getting one shipped up here i think you are stuck with one of the eskimo's. i have never seen jiffy or strikemasters up here. i have a strike master cobra my dad handed down to me every thing is metal and its a beast but its worth the little extra weight i think. it had a 10 3/4 inch blade and that broke a while ago (its around 12 years old) and we put a 8inch blade on it now. she rips with the 3.5 horse motor on it!

[jiggenfrogs]

unless you plan on getting one shipped up here i think you are stuck with one of the eskimo's. i have never seen jiffy or strikemasters up here. i have a strike master cobra my dad handed down to me every thing is metal and its a beast but its worth the little extra weight i think. it had a 10 3/4 inch blade and that broke a while ago (its around 12 years old) and we put a 8inch blade on it now. she rips with the 3.5 horse motor on it!

Three rivers sells Jiffy and in a few years when we get the Cabals and Bass Pro you will be able to get anything you need

[kwackkillncrew]

Three rivers sells Jiffy and in a few years when we get the Cabals and Bass Pro you will be able to get anything you need

i know cant wait for cabelas. its getting really old wanting stuff and sportsmens doesnt have it.

[Chris338378]

I would go with the (M43Q8) Mako 43cc 8 inch, never needed anything bigger than that.  If you want more power you can go with the (Z51Q8) Shark 51cc 8 inch.  Both are good augers, will do the job, and the only question is do you want the bigger motor and added weight or not.

[akdube]

I would go with the (M43Q8) Mako 43cc 8 inch, never needed anything bigger than that.  If you want more power you can go with the (Z51Q8) Shark 51cc 8 inch.  Both are good augers, will do the job, and the only question is do you want the bigger motor and added weight or not.

You must not fish where we do

[jiggenfrogs]

You must not fish where we do

x2

[Dirtofak]

x2

X3

[alcanron]

X-4 and have seen many a few fish that rubbed the sides of a 10 inch hole.

[JediMasterSalmonSlayer]

X-4 and have seen many a few fish that rubbed the sides of a 10 inch hole.

X5

[kwackkillncrew]

x5

[Dirtofak]

x5

Proof that we have bigger beer glasses too. 

[Gfish69]

Find an old jiffy30, rebuild it to new. Parts are available.....they definitely done build em like they used to.... All metal,plenty of power, The old black and white model.