Author Topic: 8" Nils (Read 1154 times)

IceRabbit · « **on:** Nov 23, 2014, 08:36 AM »

Looking to finally spend the $ on an 8" Nils this week....any Pro/Cons to consider?....any feedback appreciated....

bart · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 08:50 AM »

Can't go wrong with Nils! I do have a 8" Nils with the Powerhead. The only con was the cover for the cutting head, it was OK but the strikemaster cover fits and easier to put on. I also have the 6" Nils hand auger, no problem with that cutting head cover. Both cut like butter!

IceRabbit · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 09:05 AM »

is that a Nils PowerHead?...man...again...love that sled set-up

esox_magnum · « **Reply #3 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 11:56 AM »

Nils use Tanaka motors. Most reliable longest lasting 2 stroke motors ever made. Season 6 with my Nils no plans to ever replace it. I did dump the Nils cover for a cold snap one. The cover is the only con I can think of. And maybe sandy ice. Nils don't work on dirty ice. No shaver style likes dirty ice

IceRabbit · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 12:39 PM »

I appreciate the input......I do not think I will regret the purchase...ty

bee · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 06:01 PM »

The power point is not needed. Are you getting the hand or power?

fish-kabob · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 10:04 PM »

buy a spare blade some time they are eaten up quick like said.. there the fastest to cut threw the ice.. oh ya careful with the kind that is drill convertible they can strip the hex attached to the auger and no way to change it out... i went with one from cabelas got it for around $160? with a 20 off of 150 or more coupon... just bought two spare blades for it one for $76 and one for $80 on amazon and e bay. from reeds sports... i think there is still a few 6 inch blades left for $50.30 on ebay. any how one of the better augers out there hope you got some were to sharpen it close by to i got to mail mine out to sharp nils when they go dull... which cost added money... we get as mush ice as last year i will be thank full i got it...always weight the cost cause power augers are about the same price when you add in a extra set of blades. i think it is about $189.99 for the auger and $99 for the blade 288.99 total were a good eskimo mako is about $349.99 or less. plus blades are cheaper and most likely can be sharpened locally for the eskimo. but the nils weight less and you don't got to carry fuel etc for it if you got the hand auger part only. i am for the nil's more then i use to be in the past but will see this year...

hamms · « **Reply #7 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 10:25 PM »

I also run the tanaka/nils it's great! Get a lot of looks and people asking about it cause it's such an easy cutting auger. Motor is great like mentioned! No need to upgrade from this cause this is it!

74redone · « **Reply #8 on:** Nov 23, 2014, 11:34 PM »

I agree the Nils Tanaka combo is top of the line. You will prob spend $100 more than the rest but after you use it the first time well the smile on your face will make it worth it. I have had mine for three seasons now. IMO its the perfect auger set up. They come with a handle so early ice I can just use it by hand and yes I have the 8" and it is very easy to go through 6-8" of ice by hand. The handle folds down so it is compact and fits in my sled easily. I have had a Lazer,mora and Eskimo Mako. The Eskimo was a nice auger but still does not compare to the Nils. Get a Cold Snap cover. IMO they are the only way to go.

IceRabbit · « **Reply #9 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 05:43 AM »

Thank You everyone...Bee...I am getting the hand...no need for the power yet. I have been fortunate enough to try a friends 8" hand NILs last season...18" of ice like BUTTAH...will the hand auger accept the power Tanaka if I choose to Upgrade in the future?....

fish-kabob · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 05:57 AM »

i think it will if you get the blue and red auger. now if you get the power head i am not sure if you need the power point to? which is $110 for the power point head and the cheapest i seen the motor power head for was like $549.99 i think your better off buying them right off the bat but that's up to you 189.99+549.99 + 110 that is if you don't buy the power point cause you may not need it =$739.98 for motor and auger separately. another $110 for the power point blade head if you need it... to me it is cheaper buying the power head now then it is later? i think it is $649.99 for every thing?? mite add a power head my self later on who knows...the ice don't get that thick around here lol's 18 inches last year max...

IceRabbit · « **Reply #11 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 06:03 AM »

Thank you Fish-Kabob....I just did a little research....and you are absolutely right....It should upgrade...but way more expensive buying seperately. Unfortunately just have the $ for the hand now....but still very excited!....thanks everyone!.....making the purchase this weekend....

hamms · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 06:53 AM »

There is no need for the power point imo. Yeah that's the beauty of the Nils. They are well built hand augers that's why you can just throw it on the Tanaka. The setup is around 21 pounds too! enjoy your Nils!

bee · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 06:56 AM »

Quote from: IceRabbit on Nov 25, 2014, 06:03 AM

Thank you Fish-Kabob....I just did a little research....and you are absolutely right....It should upgrade...but way more expensive buying seperately. Unfortunately just have the $ for the hand now....but still very excited!....thanks everyone!.....making the purchase this weekend....

kb · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 05:15 PM »

If your ice is dirty, meaning it has allot of sand and grit in it, you will be sharpening heads allot. Have a spare head to use while you get your old one sharpened. You will also be obligated to use people who can sharpen these specialized heads. If you dont mind being 'herded' into a corral, and forced to pay extra for this, then they are great augers.

I have one (hand auger) that Im not too happy with. Cuts like crap!. I just got another head to give it one last try this year, if I dont see any improvement, Im selling it.

Just my experiance

Reel trouble · « **Reply #15 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 06:56 PM »

Quote from: kb on Nov 25, 2014, 05:15 PM

If your ice is dirty, meaning it has allot of sand and grit in it, you will be sharpening heads allot. Have a spare head to use while you get your old one sharpened. You will also be obligated to use people who can sharpen these specialized heads. If you dont mind being 'herded' into a corral, and forced to pay extra for this, then they are great augers.

I have one (hand auger) that Im not too happy with. Cuts like crap!. I just got another head to give it one last try this year, if I dont see any improvement, Im selling it.

Just my experiance

I think any hand auger is that way when you get into dirty ice, ran into that last year with good Mora of Sweden blades cut perfect at the start of morning and after about 15 holes blades were done. Seriously thought I had bent my auger or something put a new set of blades on it and it was fine. I now carry two sets or replacement blades.

mbart · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 07:22 PM »

I'm sure Strike Masters owner didn't feel herded into a corral when they realized that the Chinese auger blades were junk...kb, paddle or pedal ? I'm just a hack in a yak, with my Pescador.

FISHFORPIKE · « **Reply #17 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 07:28 PM »

I have an 8"NILs and I don't feel "herded". I feel like I have the best auger on the market.

Used it pretty steadily for two seasons, bought a spare head the third year out and swapped it that next summer. Sent the original to Frank and he had it back to me in less than a week. It's not a big deal to ge tthe heads sharpened. Just be prepared.

AND when you feel the urge for additional power - just buy a power head - gas or electric, your choice.

fish-kabob · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 25, 2014, 07:39 PM »

@ reel trouble:

could not have said it better any auger need maintaining every year the nils is more expensive about it like said very well put by the way..

@ the original poster and every one else that wants to know more about nils:

that why i bought two new heads for my nils this year i was thinking the same thing. after using my lazer last year after buying it last year and have to sharpen the blades this year. go figure cheap Chinese blades. so you know how $35 for new blades feels did that too this year it is yearly maintenance is what it boils down to that i was not expecting cause a lot of people were saying that the auger heads lasted 5-6 years before sharpening... which could be the case... it just threw me...i am use to moras they last one season but dang having to send them out to sharpened is a tad of a pain too for the nils. to bad you can't just sharpen them your self?? with some thing like those hockey skate keys that the nhl uses lol's ..

IceRabbit · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 27, 2014, 06:20 AM »

Thank you everyone!....fortunately there is someone who is certified to sharpen blades not too far from where I live....

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Author Topic: 8" Nils (Read 1154 times)

FISHFORPIKE