I've got two outings now on my new Strikemaster Electra Lazer DP 12000 and thought I'd give my 2 cents. I've owned a hand and gas auger in the past. I must say that I am very pleased to say the least with my purchase of this auger. My two fishing buddies were equally impressed. I purchased it from the Sportsmans Guide for $345 shipped which was at least $40 cheaper then anywhere else. The auger is very well built and feels solid. It weighs about 28 pounds which is very reasonable. Comes with the lazer blades and a side mounted battery indicator. It also includes a set of external jumper cables with alligator clips to use with a quad or other external power source. Comes with wall and car charger as well. The Ice Gator would be my second choice only because the cost was significantly higher for a head and auger and I'm still weary of the reliability and customer service reports I read.
The ease and simplicity of an electric auger can't be expressed enough. Simply picking your auger out of your sled or off the ice and pushing a button is as easy as it gets. No priming, no warming up, no pull ropes ......... it just goes every time all the time with no worries ever of it starting. The auger cuts excellent. The RPM's are not as fast as a newer gas auger but it only takes a few more seconds per hole comparitively. It's electric power makes no hesitations what-so-ever. Now as far as holes go ..... I use a 7" auger. Yesterday, there was about 8"-9" of ice. I was able to drill 25 holes (3 guys) on the first battery. Did the battery run out? No .......... on the last hole I could finaly tell it was slowing down so I changed the battery. I purchased an extra battery with it and wanted to change it for the first time. The whole process took about 30 seconds. You simply unscrew the two caps, remove the battery cover, slide out old battery, slide in the new and reattach the two leads, put cover and cap back on. Fresh battery and back in business. Both of these batteries are new and haven't really been cycled yet. Drilled more holes and kept drilling till' we were done fishing. Went home and threw the batteries on the charger and we're good to go next time. I would assume if you went with the 6" auger your numbers and drilling time would be even better.
My analysis is this. If you are the same type of fisherman as me an electric auger is the best there is. If you move around and are drilling 25 holes or up to 50 with second battery in 8" to 12" of ice it's great and can't be beat. If you're a shanty user or wheelhouse user ( I am not) it can't be beat. If you are fishing in 20"+ of ice and move
A LOT then a gas or propane auger may better suit
your specific needs.
I considered the Jiffy Propane auger but again the cost was still $150 more, real heavy, and you still have the possibility of some of the same engine issues later that regular gas augers have. No more gas/oil mixing, smell, carbs, plugs, fuel lines, pull ropes, warming up, fussiness, leaks, idle issues, filters, summerizing for me any time soon.
I sold the Strikemaster gas auger a week after getting the Electra Lazer. Whether it's a hand auger, gas auger, propane auger, or electric auger I believe that there is indeed a specific type auger just for you and your ice fishing style and scenario.
