Strikemaster Solo Augers - Recoil and Fuel Line Issues Fixed?

[jrjach75]

So, I have some gift cards to use up and am thinking it's time to upgrade my hand auger and shop for a gas auger. Where I live, we don't see much more than 20" of ice at it's thickest, so I was looking at a couple lower-end Eskimos, and the Strikemaster Chipper Lite. I'm walking, pulling a sled by hand, so I'd rather have light weight and a compact machine, over hole drilling speed. Also, I don't want to spend over $350 or so.

When I search for info on the Chipper Lite, I don't find a lot, but I do find a lot of posts of complaints on the Strikemaster Solo models. Mostly, it sounds like issues with the recoil assembly (too much grease?), and the fuel lines leaking or something... but those posts are all 3 years old.

So, have these issues been fixed since then? I really don't see many newer complaints. Anyone have any updated reviews?

[Curley]

I'm sure they were addressed immediately once they figured it out. Learning curve with a new motor. I just scored a great deal from Reeds on a Strikemaster laser. Got the VIP price when I put it in my cart. Best price I've seen anywhere with free shipping and no sales tax.

[jrjach75]

Thanks, that's kind of what I figured. My gift cards are all with Cabelas, so I'm waiting on a sale from them. No tax for me in Iowa from them if I have it shipped.

[jrjach75]

Well, I ended up with the Chipper Lite. Not a lot of info or first hand reviews so I was thinking of writing something up, or maybe a video demo when we get some ice. There are some differences on the Lite versus the other Solo models, a review might be helpful for someone looking at buying one.

[squ1rr31_]

I've got 2 extra recoils that I'll rebuild in the offseasons just because I put a lot of use on my auger. When one would go down I'd get a replacement just to have. When the first one was "defective" Strikemaster sent me one, I used and abused that one so I ended up finding one at Reeds for $15 and needed it so I picked it up.

[jrjach75]

I've got 2 extra recoils that I'll rebuild in the offseasons just because I put a lot of use on my auger. When one would go down I'd get a replacement just to have. When the first one was "defective" Strikemaster sent me one, I used and abused that one so I ended up finding one at Reeds for $15 and needed it so I picked it up.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into a spare recoil. One of he things the Chipper Lite is supposed to have is a redesigned recoil. They also did away with the compression release button, not sure if that is good or bad as far as stress on the recoil.

[zip7111]

I have drilled 1000's of holes with my Lazer pro over 3-4 years.  My recoil is still working like new.  Not sure why you would have burned through so many with your auger?

[SLAYERFISH]

MOST recoil problems are caused by pulling the rope to the end of its travel. Just sayin-

[slamer58]

MOST recoil problems are caused by pulling the rope to the end of its travel. Just sayin-

I agree.....just pull it to your chest.

[Oldbear]

I was recently reading about the gas line leak when  wrong line was installed.  I believe it was black plastic which has been corrected.

[tracksnorth]

I have two strikemaster augers. One is a lazer pro and the other a chipper mag,last Sunday evening my fuel filter line cracked. It was terribly cold so I simply blame it on the weather but my local small engine shop had a new one sent overnight and the removal of the old one and installation of the new was relatively easy.