Eskimo Quantum 43cc Power Ice Fishing Auger

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Does anyone have any knowledge on this auger? It's $300 and seems like a solid auger for the price with good reviews but I figured I'd ask my fellow shanty members. I know there's Strike Master and Clam. Which do you guys think is the best all around brand? I don't have a ton of cash so I'm trying to go for something cheap that will be reliable and still get the job done. Thanks for the help guys!

[SRJS28]

My buddy has the same auger. Works great. Never had any issues with it

[carver1]

I have the 40 propane 10 inch, it is newer and I liked it so far ... Went to Simcoe this weekend and gave it the true test.. 24-36 inches of ice and it did not skip a beat... Couple times I buried it and could not get through to water but it ran great so I am sure the one u are looking at will be jus fine

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Awesome, that's what I l to hear. Do you guys think an 8 inch is fine or should I get a 10 inch? I fish most gills so I don't think I need a 10 inch.

[carver1]

I have the 10 for pike and I like to site fish so the 10 gives me a little more of a window

[nwifisherman]

I HATE 10" holes.  They take longer to drill, are easy to step in, easy to drop stuff in, and I have never caught a fish that doesn't fit through a 8". I have the z51 8" and love it.

[michiganoutdoorsman]

I HATE 10" holes.  They take longer to drill, are easy to step in, easy to drop stuff in, and I have never caught a fish that doesn't fit through a 8". I have the z51 8" and love it.

Good point! If/when I get this auger I'll go with 8" I believe.

[carver1]

I HATE 10" holes.  They take longer to drill, are easy to step in, easy to drop stuff in, and I have never caught a fish that doesn't fit through a 8". I have the z51 8" and love it.

I lost my sunglasses in my 10 inch this past weekend lol.... I like the 10 inch alot better though but it is not " NEEDED"....  but ifYou have an 8 inch in cold weather for numerous hours that hole gets smaller and b4 you know it you are on a 5-6 inch hole. Many log sitting tip ups on cold days freeze up

[Stand By]

8 inch isn't so bad when ice is under a foot thick. 10 would be nice though with 2 ft thick ice if you're targeting anything other than panfish.

[nwifisherman]

The only way I could justify a 10 is of you either sight fish a lot or set tipups a lot. I set tipups with my 8" with 30" of ice and have had a few northerns that were tough to get started in the hole. The 10 is going to take a lot longer to drill though.

[lgowell]

Ive had that auger for 4 years.  I believe it is the best auger for the money.  I have not had any problems with it.  My small engine guy told me to always use premium gas in it and to not leave gas in it over the summer.  8 inch will be perfect for you.  You wont be disappointed.

[blueyes]

bought this auger last season and its awesome! starts easy, duel blades cut through the ice like nothing. can drill 100 holes on one tank of fuel. I run the premix gas in a can with no ethanol makes a big difference with these little motors. you wont be sorry

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Thanks for the help guys!

[netminder34]

I picked up the Eskimo z51 a couple weeks ago from BP they were on sale for 299.  Have used it the past 2 weekend and love it.  It has the 8 in bit and cut through 18 in of ice with no problem.  Used it for smelt and pike fishing so far, I think I am going to order a 10in bit for Laker fishing but the 8in will due great for panfish.  Also got the cover with it on sale, it is a great setup so far and replaced a strike master Mag 2000 I have had for about 15 yrs.  I like the extra power of the 51cc motor, hit the primer bulb a couple times and starts on 1 pull.  Runs fairly quiet and very little smoke that I have noticed compaired to the Strike Matser.  For the same money, (if they are still on sale, bought mine on line and had it shipped to the store (free shipping and had it in 4 days)), I think the z51 will give you the extra power if you ever wanted to go to the 10in Bit, imo.  Good advice on the gas and storage.   Good fishing.

[steely456]

I have one of these babies arriving tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone uses anything other than the viper 2-cycle oil or do I need to order some?

[nwifisherman]

I run amsoil 80:1 in mine. Runs like a champ.