picking a power auger

[uofmguy68]

i am looking at power augers, what are your guys take on power augers.... i am looking at either the jiffy 2hp stx for $319 or the strikemaster mag 2000 2hp for $299...  both have 8" augers.... or should i go with a 10"....any imputs on either of these two models? or any other things i should take into consideration? like should i save up and go with a 4 stroke rather than a 2 stroke? or anything else you can think of....

one thing about the strikemaster is the plastic handles, i have heard of them breaking but i actually havent heard a first hand report, more or less just a fear that that might be britle and break in the cold....  i dont know if this is from dropping them or what but i know you really dont need to bind down on the auger and make it dig in, it should work with little pressure not having to pushin down with all your weight... to push it thru the ice.... or buy new blades... the strikemaster just seems cheap with the plastic handle and throtle.... but they both have the same tecumseh 2hp motor....

[btechvft70]

I haven't used either one of those models but i do have a strikemaster lazer mag express I can tell you that  the handles are more a composite  material there not just a cheap plastic.

[the harvester]

if buying a power auger i would go with nothing but a jiffy in my opinion

[jayswimmer09]

go icegator!!

[53andout]

i am looking at power augers, what are your guys take on power augers.... i am looking at either the jiffy 2hp stx for $319 or the strikemaster mag 2000 2hp for $299...  both have 8" augers.... or should i go with a 10"....any imputs on either of these two models? or any other things i should take into consideration? like should i save up and go with a 4 stroke rather than a 2 stroke? or anything else you can think of....

one thing about the strikemaster is the plastic handles, i have heard of them breaking but i actually havent heard a first hand report, more or less just a fear that that might be britle and break in the cold....  i dont know if this is from dropping them or what but i know you really dont need to bind down on the auger and make it dig in, it should work with little pressure not having to pushin down with all your weight... to push it thru the ice.... or buy new blades... the strikemaster just seems cheap with the plastic handle and throtle.... but they both have the same tecumseh 2hp motor....

I think what you buy depends what you are going to use it for. You don't need a 8 or 10" hole for Bluegills and Perch. I bought a new gass auger last year with a 6" auger. 2 weeks ago my buddy comes over with his 1/2" Dewalt cordless drill with a 5" Laser auger. It's super light and drills (lots of) holes like no one's business. Never will get the stinky gas auger unless we do some Pike fishing.