Auger of Choice

[bmitchell]

I have gotten tired of hand drilling and am looking to upgrade. It seems like least expensive are the Eskimo augers, but figured I could get some educated opinions here. I want best auger for least money if possible. Any thoughts?
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[hookngrinin]

I'm very happy with my Strikemaster Pro Lazer. The new Solo engines start right up and run like a champ. This is my first power auger though, so I really don't have much to compare it to.
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[Fishsticker]

By far not the least money but the new propane augers are amazing! I think "fishhooker" on this forum posted a review of his.
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[bigfish22]

I think now days that they are all probably good..... It's like Chevy or Ford in a lot of cases. I myself have had multiple Eskimo's and loved them all. Currently I have the Z51 Shark in 8" and 10" sizes and it starts great and cuts a hole quick! Just my .02 cents. Eskimo Shark!
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[sinergy]

I got a Ekimo Mako had it for about 4 years now i really like it. Ive had only had minor problems with it. Gas tanked leaked were the screws were and I dropped it unloading it from the truck, broke the choke.

There customer service is great, at the time the closest service center was Cedar City don't know if that's changed but the gal at Arisdam real friendly jut asked me for my info and the parts sent me all the parts. I ended up fixing it my self.

But If I had the money and were to do It all over again The Jiffy Propane Auger would be my first choice, from the videos Ive seen on youtube they have just as much power as there gas counter parts but no mixing and smelly gas to deal with. Screw in a propane bottle and your good to go.
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[k2muskie]

We have a Strikemaster Mag 2000 got it 4 years ago and not a problem at all. First and only gas auger we've purchased.

I always start if up the night before to be certain and add Sea Foam to the gas...has worked like a champ. It is the only gas auger we've had since we started ice fishing...still has the same plug in it and we do only basic maintenance...clean the filter check the plug and use Sea Foam in the gas.

Key to any gas powered item is making sure you take care of it and when we store it for the season a little gas and Sea Foam. I'm here to tell ya Sea Foam ROCKS since we found out about it...way better than Stabil.

Now I hope I haven't jinxed myself and the auger...[][]
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[Trackerg]

I got the Eskimo Mako 10". Had the same problem. gas leaking at the bottom mounting bolts. Ardisam customer service is awesome. They sent a whole new gas tank with the gas line and a new cap. took about 15 minutes to replace. works great now.
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[Trackerg]

Oh I forgot. I also have a Strikemaster Lazer 7" electric that I like pretty well. Not as fast as gas but no fumes. I was thinking about selling it but I'm not so sure I want to now.
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[MichiganAngler]

Eskimo's (manual variety) are cheap for a reason and they give hand augers a bad name. Strikemaster makes a good "middle of the road" hand auger that is still affordable. Around $90 I think.

Nils Master makes the best one, IMO, but they're a little pricey ($139 at Cabelas). It's a great design with offset handles and it weighs less than 5 lbs. An inch of ice ever couple seconds is realistic with sharp blades.

I used an eskimo the last two winters and got sick of drilling holes as well. A buddy convinced me to try the Nils and I'm not even thinking about a power auger anymore
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[northernfisher]

I've had a 10 inch 2hp strikemaster magnum with the solo for two years now and love it! However I must say that jiffy propane is freaking sweet and well work every penny. I live next door to ”fishooker” and have seen this auger in action enough to be sold, but a person buying a gas auger should definitely consider Strikemaster they won't be disappointed.
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[stan55]

Nils is the best auger but it does cost more. Fires up right away plenty of power one of the few that will easily drill through old holes, ot's light and comes with a longer auger which was a great benefit in Minnesota. Does have that baby blue auger but you can always repaint it. I have buddies who have actually chromed theirs to get rid of the baby blue.. I've run one for 6 years now no issues. Little Seafoam now and then is all it takes.
I also have a Strikemaster with the solo engine and is a great unit. I'd rank both of these ahead of Jiffy and Eskimo.
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[SEETSNFR]

I've had the same Strikemaster auger for 12 years. Starts and runs perfect and I icefish more than most. I also am usually fishing with several people and until last year it was the only auger we all used.
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[PACKFAN]

I'm just curious on what you based your opinion on that Seafoam is way better than Stabil? Have you had problems with Stabil? I have been using it (Stabil) for over 20 years in my engines when I store them. Snowblowers, atv's, lawnmowers, chainsaws. outboard motors from 8 hp 2 stokes and 4 strokes up to my current 225 hp Evinrude which I've had for over 10 years and nary a problem. I actually run stabil in my boat fuel tank all year, and have never fogged my engines at the end of the season. Not trying to start an arguement just curious on what your opinion is based on.[crazy]
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[Fin-Addict]

I just purchased the Eskimo Shark Z51. If you are considering Eskimo, check this website out. Cheapest place I found plus no sales tax. 329 + shipping which is about 25 bucks. This is where I ordered mine, got it within 4 or 5 days through Fed-Ex.


http://www.glensoutdoors.com/Gas-Power-I...s/8565.htm
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[Fishooker]

This may be a little late, but I was just reading through some old posts and noticed my name mentioned a couple times. I bought the Jiffy propane auger last year. I have used it all last season, and quite a bit already this season. I think it's a great choice, if you have the money. I sold two power augers to pay for it. You can get one (8") right now, with free shipping for $500 from Glensoutdoors.com. I like it because, as others have mentioned, no gas, no mixing, no fumes. If you run out of propane for your heater, you can rob it off the auger, or vice versa. It's quiet, it ALWAYS starts on at least the second pull, usually the first, and it cuts a hole in a hurry. I have had it in some pretty cold weather, and it hasn't failed me once. One thing I have started doing as a precaution, is I will keep the propane cylinder in the cab of the truck for the ride up, just to keep it warm. I figure it's rated to -20 or something like that, and when it's already freezing out, the wind chill factor from riding in the back of the truck might cool it off quite a bit. Anyway, that's just what I do. I have left the propane in the back and still had it start just fine. I think it has many advantages over gas powered augers, but in the end..it cuts a hole, and that's what counts.
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[yortmac]

Strike Master Lazer 2000 is my choice of Auger by far!!!
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[Fishrmn]

[quote Fishooker] I figure it's rated to -20 or something like that, and when it's already freezing out, the wind chill factor from riding in the back of the truck might cool it off quite a bit. Anyway, that's just what I do. I have left the propane in the back and still had it start just fine. I think it has many advantages over gas powered augers, but in the end..it cuts a hole, and that's what counts.[/quote]

Wind chill does not affect inanimate objects. If it's 0° outside, then the propane will cool to 0°. It will not get any colder than that.
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[Fishooker]

Hmmm. Interesting thought. Would you care to elaborate? I'm not saying you're wrong, I just can't imagine that the movement of air wouldn't cause a decrease in temperature. I know it's not the same, but I'm thinking of a convection oven. You have heat, then you circulate the heat, the food cooks faster. Kind of like wind moving cold air in the bed of my truck. Different, but the same , right?
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[Fishrmn]

It will cool faster, but it won't reach a colder temperature.
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[perchski]

Love the Eskimo Mako, had no problems running or starting and have used it tons. I've also had a Jiffy which worked well for a lot of years. I agree with the statement that they are all probably good. I would go with the best you can afford.
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