Good hand ice augers?

[Novice fisherman]

My local Dick's sporting goods has a few strikemasters and I've heard they're good, but what are some good hand augers? I'm fairly strong and so are my friends I'll be fishing with but I still am looking for something good.
Thanks guys

[NY_labman]

Can't go wrong with the Strikemaster Lazer. There's a lot of Mora's out there, but if you've got the few extra bucks then the Lazer is definitely an upgrade.

[Chris Raymond]

I'm not trying to be a jerk but you might want to use the search function.  This topic only comes up every other day or so.

[BlackDucksAndBrownDogs]

I'm on my 3rd season with a 6" Lazer and have no complaints.  I believe I lucked out and got one with Swedish-made blades -- not the Chinese ones.

If you get one, buy the sharpening tool as well.  At the end of the season, it only takes a few strokes on each blade and quick swab with gun oil to tune the auger up.

Two weeks ago, I bought a Li-ion hammer drill (w/ 3 ah batteries) and Icemaster adaptor for it.  That combo is an ice punching machine!  I drilled 20 holes through 16" of ice today on the first battery.  That's the fourth time I've used it and I really put it to the test.  I highly recommend that set up.

I also tried my buddy's old Fin-bore 6" auger today.  I had never used one before.  It was impressive.  If you can find one, you can't go wrong with one of those either.

I have used Mora augers.  They're fine, but I think the Lazer is a step up.

Good luck.

[ducati]

I am new to the hand auger scene and bought into the hype of a Nils.  I really wish I would have went with a Strikemaster or Fin-Bore.  My Nils is new and I am already sending the head in to be re-sharpened and had to buy a new head for $95.  I am in to this auger for right around $280 now.  I am assuming it is my fault because I did put pressure on the auger until it bit in and starting drilling, still if thats all it takes to knock one out of whack I would have never bought it.  Anyway, with any of the other augers the blades are easily attainable at 1/3 of the price.

[dabills]

I got the Fin-bore 8 inch this year and I like it. Smooth like butter. An eight inch hole is pretty big but I went this route because I wanted the extra exercise over the 6 inch. Got it shipped from Canada.

[Channel Z]

Finbore if you can find one.  Same as the lazer except has folding offset handles which makes cutting holes easier/faster because you are using both arms to cut instead of one arm. Takes a bit more coordination with the arms to make it work but once you get the coordination down, it rules.  I've had an 8" Finbore for over 20 years and have cut holes through 12" ice quicker than a friend did with his gas auger.

[hansonjb]

I am new to the hand auger scene and bought into the hype of a Nils.  I really wish I would have went with a Strikemaster or Fin-Bore.  My Nils is new and I am already sending the head in to be re-sharpened and had to buy a new head for $95.  I am in to this auger for right around $280 now.  I am assuming it is my fault because I did put pressure on the auger until it bit in and starting drilling, still if thats all it takes to knock one out of whack I would have never bought it.  Anyway, with any of the other augers the blades are easily attainable at 1/3 of the price.

i havent had a problem with mine yet, bought it this season and drilled prob about 200 holes already. just giving a different pov, but i think its the best auger money can buy

[dabills]

This is where I got mine. Came to 129.99 canadian with shipping to western NY but maybe like $15 less after the exchange rate. Can't remember exactly how much: https://fishingworld.ca/products/6194-normark-fin-bore-iii-auger-8-

[Gills-only]

Get the lazer as you can open up old holes and not dull it.  The mora will be shot if u open up old holes.

[kmonthony]

Crossroads has the fin bore, picked up mine there in 8' cuts easier than my 6" mora

[ducati]

i havent had a problem with mine yet, bought it this season and drilled prob about 200 holes already. just giving a different pov, but i think its the best auger money can buy

I am glad yours is working well for you, my new head is on its way from FishUSA and I am giving it another try on Thursday and Friday.  I hope I can say the same thing about mine after that 2 day trip.

[shaved ice]

never had a problem with strikemaster

[pascoag icefisher]

Strike master with Swedish blades.

[Muskyrush]

Please search the forum your about the tenth person ask this question in the last couple weeks everything you see will say the same thing lazer or nils, don't waste your money on anything else

[VanderLaan]

i havent had a problem with mine yet, bought it this season and drilled prob about 200 holes already. just giving a different pov, but i think its the best auger money can buy

+1. Love my Nils.  Have guys that actually want to try it.  Not looking forward to having to get the head sharpened/replaced.

[Can Am]

The strikemasters are good,but I think the nils are much better.

[Bear32]

Nils has served me well. Started with the hand unit added a power head 2 yrs ago. Still on the original head.

[jigger315]

Lazer

[dabills]

No love for the fin-bore? In the spirit of the awesome football tonight in the words of Chris Berman all I can say is............. C'MON MAN!!!! hahaha go bills!

[gsp]

Fin bore hands down best auger i have ever used.  I drill 30 holes in a day with them 16 inches of ice and i am not tired at end of day.  Any time i  let guys use my auger they say they are going to buy one.

[dabills]

Fin bore hands down best auger i have ever used.  I drill 30 holes in a day with them 16 inches of ice and i am not tired at end of day.  Any time i  let guys use my auger they say they are going to buy one.

Amen. Love for the fin-bore was overdue! I love the thing. I apply zero pressure and it cuts like butter. Best thing is a swedish replacement blade is $25 at the most.

[johnnieb71]

I have a Fin Bore 4.5 and a Fin Bore 8 and they are awesome. I also have a Strikemaster Laser 6 connected to my drill. All 3 of these augers have served me well for years. If you can find Fin Bores, buy them.