Prefered Powered Ice Auger

[SoUtDuckHntr]

I'm thinking about purchasing a powered ice auger this year ( back cannot handle hand augers no more ) I have been reading about the different models. They are all similiar but I was wondering what make and model everyone prefers? Also would you make sure you get a two cutting blades or is one sufficient?
[signature]

[IceFishingGod]

I have the Shark by Eskimo. It's 6 years old and has never givin me trouble. Of course I summerize it every year. I did break the choke handle off it last year, but it was my fault.
[signature]

[cableguy]

I have a 3hp barracuda by eskimo. It has dual blades and cuts a ten inch hole in no time. I like it a lot but if I had it to do over again I might look for something a little more lite weight This one is quite heavy.

Cableguy
[signature]

[hedgesd]

Hey SUDH its been a while. I have a Eskimo that works great for punching 10" holes. It seems to be a little heavy but I guess thats the price we pay for slapping a motor on top. I haven't checked out any others since I bought this one but I wouldn't be surprised if they wasn't all that much lighter. I'd get a laser type or two blades with any size of motor but they all work great for punching holes. Some claim to be better at deeper ice but around here the most you'll probable see is 24". It doesn't matter if it takes a extra couple seconds for the cost of a bigger motor. Oh I almost forgot check out the safety features before you buy one. They can and will cut the crap out of you if your not carefull.

Do you have a couple you already like? I'm sure somebody has used one of them or seen them in action. I've seen a couple at Panquitch that couldn't punch one hole in the time it took me to do 5. I'm sure I don't have to reiterate this but if you take a little extra care when you summerize them they'll last forever.
[signature]

[DonInDenver]

Regardless of brand, if you do any fishing for lake trout, walleyes, or really big trout, I would get one that cuts a 10" hole. I really like that extra bit of diameter when bringing a bigger fish up through the ice. Personally, I have a Jiffy with 2 cutting blades and I've been very happy with it for several years now. Only negative is the weight, but everything in life's a trade-off.

You'll love a power auger. When there's 18 - 20 or more inches of ice and you're not getting any action, it's a lot easier to make the decision to move to a new area and drill new holes if you're doing it with a gas auger rather than drilling by hand. Been there, done that..
[signature]

[bigben1]

So what are the costs of these bad boys?
[signature]

[KOKANEE]

I use a Strike Master lazer mag. Bought it 4years ago and absolutely love it. I can drill a 10 inch hole throught 24inches of ice in nothing flat. Has never gave me any problems and always starts in the first couple of pulls. You can check them out on the web at: [url "http://www.strikemaster.com"]http://www.strikemaster.com[/url]
[signature]

[Lundman]

I have not ventured to the power auger yet - still using the hand BUT...

My dad in South Dakota (Cold Country) has always recommended JIFFY augers.

Here is a site with FREE Shipping. (Strikemaster, Eskimo, & Jiffy)

[url "http://www.altapower.tv/z_augers/Products/Storefront_Power.htm"]http://www.altapower.tv/z_augers/Products/Storefront_Power.htm[/url]

Also go to EBay and enter "Ice Auger" in the search field and you will get about 70 hits....

Good Luck -
[signature]

[SoUtDuckHntr]

Right now I am leaning towards the eskimo barricuda. As you know Hedgesd being

where we live the selection is pretty slim. I am heading North for Thanksgiving

and a goose hunt so I'll prob stop by a sporting goods store to see their selection and prices.
[signature]

[hedgesd]

Everything is slim down here. The only bad thing about buying a auger is that you can't fire them up and see how well they work. You basically have to walk around and talk to people that have one and ask them if you can fire it up. Since we don't have any Ice yet you really can't do that.

If you want to see how a barricuda runs let me know, I'll let you play with mine.
[signature]

[pontoonfool]

I got an Eskimo twin blade and I kicked myself for not getting one sooner the first time out with it. It's never given me any trouble.
[signature]

[southernman]

good to see ya on the boards and hope your back is doing better . .

sm
[signature]

[BearLakeMack]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Hi SUDH! [/size][/font]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Been a while. Good to see you back![/size][/font]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]I have an Eskimo 3hp Barracuda also with 8" Blade. You hear that 10" is the best but I can triple drill a hole, chip out the middle with my ice bar and have a 18" triangluar hole for big fish lakes where 18" diameter is max hole size. You can't double hole a 10" without exceeding the max hole size.[/size][/font]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]My buddy has a strikemaster and it has been a jewel too. So I don't think you can do much wrong by going with the big three. Eskimo, Jiffy, or Strikemaster. I've heard you want the Tucumseh motor that's engineered for cold starts and operation without much warm up. Who knows...[/size][/font]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Actually, the best auger is your buddy's that you can use but don't have to buy or maintain but I don't think that is what you were asking! Again, good to see you back![/size][/font]
[signature]