Ice Auger Brands?

[Mad Caddy]

So I'm thinking about getting a gas powered ice auger for this season. I don't know much about them but the brand names and prices seem to be all over the map. Is there a common feel for which brands are better than others? I see a lot of Jiffy, Eskimo, etc. Any common things to look out for when buying? Just looking for some info so I can compare apples to apples.

[yoteblaster]

I would never ever buy a gas powered auger again, but I did have a Eskimo gas auger for 24 years and I never even replaced the pull start rope. From what I understand now is that they are mostly made of plastic and don’t hold up well in the cold. Go electric

[Mad Caddy]

An electric auger would be sweet. My friend has an Ion and loves it - unfortunately they're going to be out of my price range brand new.

[Scott N]

I don't own a power augur either, although it's on my list of kit to acquire one day. I've heard good things about the augers that come with the Honda engines, I think they are Jiffy units.

One thing I've noticed over the last couple of seasons is that some of the retailers have pretty good "Black Friday" sales in November, and I've seen some of the lowest prices on ice fishing gear on those sales.

[pinelakeperch]

No complaints about my Eskimo, and despite what people say on here, the differences between an Eskimo and a Jiffy really aren't that noticeable. It's no different than Ford vs Chevy. People have their preferences, but one isn't vastly superior over the other. If there was a vastly superior unit, it would massively outsell the other. This hasn't occurred.

What's more important to consider are your engine size and diameter needs. What are you fishing for? How thick is the ice?

[Big Racks]

I picked up an Eskimo P1 Rocket this last year. After reading up a bit on it, i was convinced that propane was the way to go. Haven't even had it one full season yet so my experience is limited, but so far so good. Lots of power, no regrets going with propane over gas or electric.

[SamSteele]

Strikemaster makes a good auger as well. I have a Mag 2000 that is probably 20 years old and still going strong.

[calgarygringo]

Electric is the going thing or on a drill. I am still a gas guy and own an old style classic Jiffy and newer Eskimo. Like them both and they are totally different on engine, speed, torque, blades etc.As someone mentioned its like asking who makes the best pickup. Saying that my next one will probably be on a drill or Ion style. Id you dont run & gun or prefer the no mix no gas method I would consider the extra dollars. And when you get old like me the lighter electrics are way better when you cannot drive on tte water.

Originally Posted by Mad Caddy

So I'm thinking about getting a gas powered ice auger for this season. I don't know much about them but the brand names and prices seem to be all over the map. Is there a common feel for which brands are better than others? I see a lot of Jiffy, Eskimo, etc.





Any common things to look out for when buying? Just looking for some info so I can compare apples to apples.

[JohninAB]

I have a Eskimo Stingray 8 inch gas auger. Inexpensive to buy and run the premixed 50:1 2 stroke gas from Aspen or Trufuel in it. Never an issue and never has the 8 inch hole affected my fishing. 33 cc engine drilled thru the thick ice of last year no problem.

As others have said, it is a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge discussion.

[dwedmon]

I've had Strikemaster, Jiffy and Eskimo. Was not impressed with Eskimo, poor assembly and customer service. Strikemaster was good. My current auger is a Jiffy, the new Jiffy's have too much plastic. My starter pull cord assembly broke on the first trip. I replaced it with a metal one and now I have no problems with it.

[SNAPFisher]

I was thinking about electric myself for my next purchase. They are pricy...
I was not impressed with the Ion and a 10 inch bit - just from seeing youtube vids so no real experience. But the StrikeMaster Lithium 10inch seems to cut much better than the Ion which really, really struggled:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PeZ2jc2_kM

Anybody have or ever tried the StikeMaster Lithium?

[calgarygringo]

Ion is the benchmark and has been pretty good. Remember 10 in holes are are cutting around 4% more ice tham 8 so will use more juice. I know when I sold them we did a few special orders for 10 and guys said it really hurt the power. Also remember the Eskimo machines which these are part of do cut slower. My gas is the same vs Jiffys.

If you search Auger Wars on Youtube there are some good ones and they are using 24 inches of ice which is more realistic than 10 in your link. Strikemaster does cut very well their gas too. Just not a lot of presence around here compared to the others.

Originally Posted by SNAPFisher

I was thinking about electric myself for my next purchase. They are pricy...
I was not impressed with the Ion and a 10 inch bit - just from seeing youtube vids so no real experience. But the StrikeMaster Lithium 10inch seems to cut much better than the Ion which really, really struggled:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PeZ2jc2_kM

Anybody have or ever tried the StikeMaster Lithium?

[kenh]

Originally Posted by SNAPFisher

I was thinking about electric myself for my next purchase. They are pricy...
I was not impressed with the Ion and a 10 inch bit - just from seeing youtube vids so no real experience. But the StrikeMaster Lithium 10inch seems to cut much better than the Ion which really, really struggled:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PeZ2jc2_kM

Anybody have or ever tried the StikeMaster Lithium?

I have one and I must say I was sceptical about going electric but I have screwed up shoulders and the torque of the gas hurt to much so I tried the strikemaster Lithium and doubt that I will be going back to gas, works great

[graybeard]

Originally Posted by JohninAB

I have a Eskimo Stingray 8 inch gas auger. Inexpensive to buy and run the premixed 50:1 2 stroke gas from Aspen or Trufuel in it. Never an issue and never has the 8 inch hole affected my fishing. 33 cc engine drilled thru the thick ice of last year no problem.

X2....

I have the same auger; I am very happy with my Stingray as well....

[bobalong]

I got an 8" Ion a couple years ago, pretty happy with it. I fish most of the time in the ice shack so the reverse feature is nice and no smoke or stink in the shack after drilling. I still have the old Jiffy (1997) which still works but doubt I will every use it, one of sons is going to take it back home with him.

[curtis_rak]

Bought an 8” Rapala Nitro 43cc last winter on sale after my very old Jiffy packed it in. The Rapala runs awesome and cuts nice. No complaints.

I think it’s the same powerhead as the Eskimo 43cc and the Woods 43cc



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[Wrangler3878]

I will chime in on an old post, nothing but good to say about Strikemaster's customer service out of Bay Distributors in Ont! I have the Solo 3HP, after having issues with the fule line coming off the primer bulb and being a PITA to get started, I did some research and found out they had been sending the units out with the same type of fuel lines as you would use on your lawn mowers, weed wackers etc. Talked to George at Bay Distrbutors, sent him model/serial number, he sent me all new fuels lines for the power head (3 different lines total). Last year one blade on my auger shattered while drilling, not an overly cold day, or drilling shallow (9fow). Managed to still drill another 12 holes with only one blade! Sent pics of the pieces of the blade in to George, he sent me a brand new set of blades, used them for the rest of the year. This year I went to the same lake, same thing busted a blade! Have tried different scenarios of tightening down the blades but after sending in pics of the latest blade to George, they think there is something off on the angle of the flighting on that side, they are sending me new blades AND a new 10" auger flighting under warranty!
Yes the auger components failed (3 times), but I was prepared with tools to fix the fuel line, as well as back up blades. I just have not experienced that "no questions asked" customer service in a very long time and really appreciate it when it happens!

[honker_clonker]

Originally Posted by Wrangler3878

I will chime in on an old post, nothing but good to say about Strikemaster's customer service out of Bay Distributors in Ont! I have the Solo 3HP, after having issues with the fule line coming off the primer bulb and being a PITA to get started, I did some research and found out they had been sending the units out with the same type of fuel lines as you would use on your lawn mowers, weed wackers etc. Talked to George at Bay Distrbutors, sent him model/serial number, he sent me all new fuels lines for the power head (3 different lines total). Last year one blade on my auger shattered while drilling, not an overly cold day, or drilling shallow (9fow). Managed to still drill another 12 holes with only one blade! Sent pics of the pieces of the blade in to George, he sent me a brand new set of blades, used them for the rest of the year. This year I went to the same lake, same thing busted a blade! Have tried different scenarios of tightening down the blades but after sending in pics of the latest blade to George, they think there is something off on the angle of the flighting on that side, they are sending me new blades AND a new 10" auger flighting under warranty!
Yes the auger components failed (3 times), but I was prepared with tools to fix the fuel line, as well as back up blades. I just have not experienced that "no questions asked" customer service in a very long time and really appreciate it when it happens!

How old is your auger? I tried to get some parts through Bay distributors last year but for the basic parts I needed, the bill would have been more than a brand new auger.

[Wrangler3878]

Got it through safety points about 4 yrs ago I believe. Hopefully they step up as they have for me!


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[Darrenjos]

really like my eskimo propane

[Poppa]

Originally Posted by Darrenjos

really like my eskimo propane

I had to replace my fuel hose this fall, but since that, has been running like a dream. Just need to get my blades sharpened and I'll be back to new again...otherwise, my Jiffy Pro4 Propane has been a phenomenal purchase ($275 open box deal from Canadian Tire)

[cujo1969]

See they have ion on sale for 599 at peaveymart

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by cujo1969

See they have ion on sale for 599 at peaveymart

I picked up the Ion X display model for $559. They didn't have the box but had everything else. I was wanting to get the Eskimo propane but this seemed like a good deal. I'm only worried about if they will still make a replacement battery in the future.

[expedition]

Originally Posted by Darrenjos

really like my eskimo propane

My first ice auger was an eskimo . 25 years ago . Was wondering that auger would drill first hole beautiful . Then the blades would get a coat of ice on them and nothing . Just spin . Have they fixed that? Cheers

[Battle Rat]

You can find an 8" jiffy used for $200- 250.
It will last you for the rest of your life and never fail to start.
A 10 " gives you a bigger hole to look down but that is the only advantage.
With a 10" some fish will be able to turn around and get off.
Battery technology is not yet there to make the $800 IONs as good as a gas powered auger.

[Hunter guy]

I have an older strikemaster auger works like a charm frills twice as fast as newer other augers, my old man runs a 10inch jiffy it can be temperamental at times if you let it warm up it’s decent, you couldn’t give me an electric one I’ve seen them die on the lake than it’s “can you you drill me a hole” maybe they don’t smell like gas but I’d take that knowing I’m gonna be able to cut through 2ft of ice and fish for the day, I’ve also seen a cordless drill try to cut through 8 inches of ice that was brutal too, I’ll stick with my gas auger there’s a reason they build them

[Poppa]

*edit*

I'll take a StrikeMaster 40v every day and twice on Sundays over anything else. It's the absolute best auger on the market, AINEC.

[CNP]

Originally Posted by Poppa

*edit*

I'll take a StrikeMaster 40v every day and twice on Sundays over anything else. It's the absolute best auger on the market, AINEC.

Quantify that?

[Bigwoodsman]

Originally Posted by CNP

Quantify that?

I will Quantify your Quantify

BW

[Wrangler3878]

Agreed, heavier? Yes. Can have issues running properly? Yes, but as long as you are somewhat handy you can usually fix what ails them, out on the ice. I have no experience with electric augers at all, nor have I fished with anyone that uses one, I will say I AM curious to compare!


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