New auger time

[bink]

So everyone, its new auger time. I currently have a 8in Eskimo pistol bit with a dewalt 996 attached but the drill is starting to slip. Overall it was really good to me, only thing I didn't like was how hard it was to get the chuck to hold on that darn thing. So this year, I'm going to upgrade to a fully electric auger. Looking at the strikemaster 40v lite and the Ion Alpha, in 10 inch. So I'm hear to ask, whats everyone's opinions, which should I get? I see the strikemaster is currently 100$ off, should I jump on that? Do we think that there will be some black friday deal that surpasses it? I see scheels has their Ice days coming up, do we think there will be a better sale then? Is their another brand I should be looking at? So many options and I'm guessing I'll be happy with whatever I get, but I like hearing the peoples opinion. Also, does anyone know if there is an adaptor or something I can use so that I could still utilize the pistol bit on the new electric, then I could have a 8in and 10in auger which would be the bee's knees.

 

[Eatsleeptrap]

I really like my Strikemaster 40V Lite Flite, but a friend bought a new Ion Alpha last year and I cut a few holes with it. You are right, you really cannot go wrong between those two. Yes, Scheel's Ice Days is a great place to shop deals. At least it has been in the past.

 

[wslayer]

Really need the 10" ? They are just gonna suck more battery juice. I see it in a wheel house as you can get by a couple extra days before needing to re-drill.
Do love my Ion when clean ice, otherwise Kdrill

 

[bink]

Really need the 10" ? They are just gonna suck more battery juice. I see it in a wheel house as you can get by a couple extra days before needing to re-drill.
Do love my Ion when clean ice, otherwise Kdrill

I really don't NEED the 10, but I figure I am crazy enough to figure out a way to hook up the old pistol bit to whatever head unit I end up with so then I'll have both a 8 and a 10. About 4-5 times a year I like to go pike fishing and ran into some issues with the 8 last year while doing that.

 

[Auggie]

Good Milwaukee/DeWalt drill and k-drill

 

[Sluggo]

Do you fish waters with dirty/sandy ice?

 

[5575]

The Ion Alpha my buddy has blows my Stikemaster 40v/Kdrill out of the water on Winnipeg its impressive. But for around here my combo does really well.

 

[NG3067]

I like the strikemaster 40v with a kdrill.

 

[Jm1986]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

 

[bink]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

November 15/16 in Bismarck

 

[ndrivrrat]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

I run a second gen ion 40v, son runs an alpha. Alpha is about twice as fast in an 8". Pretty impressive. I use a 10" in my wheelhouse but use and 8 out and about. A 10'' will burn thru a battery fairly fast, really fast in thick ice. If I was going to buy a new auger I would definitely go with an ION Alpha.

 

[ndfinfan]

I've had the SM 40v 8inch 4 seasons now, never needed to use the second battery. Fouled the blades once, otherwise been excellent. Have not bought the Lite flite, so my unit weighs in about 27. Still much lighter than my old Eskimo gasser!

 

[Migrator Man]

So everyone, its new auger time. I currently have a 8in Eskimo pistol bit with a dewalt 996 attached but the drill is starting to slip. Overall it was really good to me, only thing I didn't like was how hard it was to get the chuck to hold on that darn thing. So this year, I'm going to upgrade to a fully electric auger. Looking at the strikemaster 40v lite and the Ion Alpha, in 10 inch. So I'm hear to ask, whats everyone's opinions, which should I get? I see the strikemaster is currently 100$ off, should I jump on that? Do we think that there will be some black friday deal that surpasses it? I see scheels has their Ice days coming up, do we think there will be a better sale then? Is their another brand I should be looking at? So many options and I'm guessing I'll be happy with whatever I get, but I like hearing the peoples opinion. Also, does anyone know if there is an adaptor or something I can use so that I could still utilize the pistol bit on the new electric, then I could have a 8in and 10in auger which would be the bee's knees.

Wait for the ice fishing sale or even Black Friday to get the best deal.

I went with a k drill because I don’t want to worry about dirty ice. I have a hand auger flight too that I’ve tried out too.

 

[shorthairsrus]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

black friday --- i got a hell of a deal. Fleet farm dudes couldnt do math. Yes - but last year with so little ice i barely used it. worked good when i did

 

[Migrator Man]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

Depends on what Scheels

 

[wslayer]

Last year was terrible for dirty ice on many bodies of water. No snow cover anywhere allowed dirt and dust to blow all over the place. Was glad to have the k drill then.

 

[Downrigger]

Does anybody have a date for scheels ice days?
Side note: has anybody used the Eskimo e40 auger? Pros? Cons?

I ran the e40 last year. Solid auger, not quite as fast as the as the ion but faster than my buddy’s strike master. Good price point. I was very pleased with the battery life and it’s real lite. Also their customer service is miles ahead of strike master. Strike master has a good auger, ran one for several years but I’m happy I’ve changed to an ion and Eskimo combo of augers. Ion didn’t offer the added flight with the alphas but they are available this year so I’ll probably buy the 10” and run one auger.

 

[Migrator Man]