New Eskimo or Used SM?

So this next off season, or maybe this ice season if the ice holds out long enough.. I will be in the market for a power auger. The question is, do I buy a new eskimo stingray 8″ for $250 or shop for a used strikemaster for around the same price? I’m sort of leaning towards the SM so I can eventually get a 6″ bit for it (8″ is no good in the shallow backwaters) as eskimo does not sell a 6″ bit. I guess I could have an adapter made and use a 6″ lazer hand auger bit on an eskimo head..

So what do you guys think?

I thought sm augers worked on eskimo heads…

If your planning on buying off season I would watch Glens Army Navy’s website…I bought my Eskimo z51 shark for 230 this last summer, everywhere else there 360….I love the auger have drilled a lot of holes this season and it cuts good and always starts on the 2nd pull no matter how cold

Get a used strikemaster 224. I got one barely used this fall for $250 of craigslist and am loving it. Very fast and fairly light, 5 lbs lighter than the eskimo which is definitely noticeable.

How important is handle material to you? SM uses a plastic handle. I have seen many broken. A few years ago on lake winnipeg, we had four augers in our bunch. After three days, my old SM (steel handles) was the only one still functional the other three all had broken handles. That is a fact.

Eskimo uses steel, or cast aluminum, depending on the model. Drop them both at -30 degrees and the eskimo will not break. After 30 yrs of using a SM, eskimo gained my business buy not going to plastic handles.

T

I have a Strikemaster Solo lazer pro but imma gonna say this time and time again. I feel the Eskimo Quantum blades and auger assembly design are superior to any that Strikemaster has to offer. That is just my opinion whether ones agrees or not I dont care.

Its the best and easiest cutting auger on the market that has a shaver/chipper style blade and it doesnt dull easy like lazer blades. Cutting speeds are also comparable.

I absolutely love my stingray. Im fishing with my dad tomorrow and he has a lazer and his auger isnt coming off the stand… That being said ive only had it for three weeks and im a pretty big guy and spend alot of time in the wieght room the extra 3 lbs wasnt even noticeable…..plus the eskimo starts on the first or seccond pull everytime without fail… In the end price is about the same get whatwill do what u want it too I just feel that after using both sm and eskimo I trust the eskimo more …..and the plastic handlea are a joke make somthing thay will last the stingray is quality for a low price and theres just somthing about pulling somthing out of a box rathaer than dusting somthinh off

I have owned 3 SM power augers in the past 20 years…

Never owned another brand, because I never used one that fit my needs better..

So that is why I will say that.. IMO…. I would stay with Strikemaster augers…

Strikemasters only last 6-7 yrs? To me its a no brainer. New has to be better when its 2 reputable brands. I can’t figure why Eskimos can be found so much cheaper than the others. My Mako 8″ starts on 2-3 pulls, is faster than my brothers Mag 2000 and just simpler. Pushing that button every time you pull the rope is just another waste of time. Fleet Farm or Marine General are good places to watch on Eskimo prices as well. I got mine from Marine General for $245 shipped.

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Strikemasters only last 6-7 yrs? To me its a no brainer. New has to be better when its 2 reputable brands. I can’t figure why Eskimos can be found so much cheaper than the others. My Mako 8″ starts on 2-3 pulls, is faster than my brothers Mag 2000 and just simpler. Pushing that button every time you pull the rope is just another waste of time. Fleet Farm or Marine General are good places to watch on Eskimo prices as well. I got mine from Marine General for $245 shipped.

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The Z71 actually incorporates that compression button also like the Solos as I remember. The Z51, Mako, Stingray doesnt.

Glen’s Army online is having a super blow out sale on the Eskimo augers and hubs right now if your looking for great deal.

I gotta say my lazer mag with the plastic handles has held up very well but I will admit I have been careful with it and the plastic tank.

Two weeks ago om Millacs I slipped big time. You know where you can see your feet in the air and you know this fall is gonna hurt! Well it did hurt. Well the auger went flying and nothing broke. And I mean it went flying when I was finally able to get up I thought something had to break. But all was fine.

When I bought mine years ago the decision was SM due to excellent service in Big Lake. Only time will tell with Rapala how the service will be. Thus far my only expierance with H20 out fitters was positive on replacement blades. They had stock, price was good, and shipping to me was very reasonable.
Bob

But I am hearing good things about Eskimo and some competition is good!

The Strike Master is a very light weight ice auger that is easy starting and burns right through through ice with ease. If you purchase a Strike Master you will not be disappointed.

Paul Delaney
http://www.lateeyessportfishing.com