Which strikemaster would you choose?

My current strikemaster w/ Tecumseh has finally met its end after many many years of use and abuse. A few years ago I decided my next auger would be a 4-stroke as I really liked how light the strike lite II is. However, after reviewing the specs on the new augers, there’s only a 2lb advantage of the Honda vs. Solo. The question for those of you with either of these new augers is, which would you choose given the chance to buy again?

I primarily fish on the move and punch a lot of holes to find schools of crappies or stay on the perch. The lighter 4-strokes seemed to be the ticket given my heavier/older 10″ auger, but with only a 2lb difference amongst new augers leads me to believe I’d be better off with the 54cc 2-stroke vs the 35cc 4-stroke. I’m looking to buy an 8″, but still occationally put on my 10″ for a few holes (if thats still compatible) as I am also considering a wheel house this year. Fish S.MN and NE.SD so extra power for extensions and such is not necessary. I’m the first to admit that I use my augers solely as a tool and not an item to constantly look after – if either is easier to fix while on the ice and on the go, it is also a consideration.

Any input from those who have experience with either model is greatly appreciated. I need to buy one now, so finding and test running each is of minimal opportunity.

I personally would go with the 2 stroke I have owned both of these augers and had the 4 stroke blow up. After talking with the Strikemaster tech after the Honda blew up he recommended the 2 1/2 hp lazer mag said it’s by far the best and most tested motor they have on the market. We ended up working out a deal and they sent me a new lazer mag with a 10″ auger and got to keep the 8″ bit off the 4 stroke and all I can say is this one rocks. Now I know there is a lot of guys who love there 4 strokes but like the tech said to me there are way too many moving parts in the 4 stroke.

Sorry but can’t help you with those models but I did add a K-Drill this year with a Milwaukee drill and so far love it! I have not punched that many holes as of yet but plan to this week end. Last weekend I punched 17 holes in 14″ of ice with one battery and it still had at least 1/4 left for power according to the lights on the battery. I have three batteries so conservatively I can punch at the very least 60+ holes without having to recharge. I am hoping I don’t have to use the gas auger all winter but we will see. I bring the Strikemaster along so far just as a backup but I can see that soon it will stay at home.

The other auger I would consider it the new Jiffy propane light!

Good Luck

Can’t give you a straight answer but I can give a suggestion. Just keep in mind how many times you will be re-opening holes in the fish house. Do you want that smoke smell in the house, also the chipper blades are the best when it come to re-opening holes. I have had the laser mag 2.5 hp 8″ for three years and so far it has performed flawless (knock on wood). I do not re-open holes and I fish outside.

I’m very interest as well on on the thoughts between the Lazer Pro and the Mag. Considering 8″ is the typical use, I’ll be using a 10″ and 6″ as well. Will going with a larger power head just give speed or will the reduced stress add to longevity? For me, its all compared to a S.M. Magnum II (tech. motor) that is 27 yrs old, dropped through the ice twice, and is still running.

So what happened to the old auger if I may ask? Kinda a shame to see those old motors go. They where very simple, reliable and tended to last forever. Brother in law ended up with my first one. Rings seized up on it after it was ran on white gas. He freed them up and its still going strong and on 24 years now.

I have the 2.5 HP its a great auger but I think I’ll be getting the Honda in the next couple years. No reason to bring two gas cans with.

My sources and experience tell me the 2.5 Solo has been the most reliable and easiest to maintain of the 3.

I have had the LM for several years with zero issues… two years ago I switched to the Honda four stroke and everyone of my fishing buddies want it..

well, they can’t have it….

Smooth running, light weight, no gas/oil mixing..

Thats what I got

What happened to the old one. I am looking for a part or two for mine they no longer make.

I bought the 2.5 hp lazer mag at the ice show this year and love it so far. I can’t speak much for the reliability yet, but this thing cuts like crazy. I’m still breaking it in so I’ve only drilled at half throttle, but even then it cuts very quick. I used to dread cutting holes with my old electric, now I actually look forward to it.

No question the Honda lite. I have the Strike lite 2 with the Robin engine and love the thing. I want the Honda lite now for the fact of not having to worry about which way I set it down. It hasn’t been an issue yet but just for piece of mind. The Honda is the only 4 stroke auger that you can do this with. I will never own another 2 stroke auger after using my 4 stroke for the last few years!!

I think you would be happy with either the Honda 4 stroke or the Solo 2.5. I have the Solo 2.5 with the 8″ lazer blades and it cuts like butter, always starts in 2-3 pulls, hardly smokes running Amsoil Saber synthetic at 75:1

Yes you can use any of the old strikemaster bits on the new strikemasters.

Going on my 3rd season with the SM 3HP Lazer Pro. I’ve been running 100:1 Amsoil Saber Synthetic and haven’t had an issue with the motor yet. I have been running the 8″ bit, but just received a 6″ bit for Christmas and can’t wait to see how much faster I am able to cut the ice with it. I like to stay on the move and drill a lot of holes, the 3HP matches my personality perfectly.

With that being said, I have heard nothing but good things about the Honda Lite

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I had a few questions in mind that were answered by your replies. My last auger is blown up, scorched piston walls and blowing gas back out the intake. I was pretty hard on it, especially back in my earlier days – got too comfortable with its reliability. The last few years it has been cold blooded and I knew after what I put it through, and the number of holes I was still punching with it; I knew it was just a matter of time. Looking back I think its 10 or 11 years old, I’ve run the paint pretty much completely off the auger, at least a set of blades a year, some weekend trips of firing through a full auger tank of gas and more, was always on the run and should have given it better time to warm up on several days a winter, etc.

Im still on the fence about which auger to end up with, but I was worried about the 4 stroke needing to lay a certain direction given the fact I know some day that would likely be an issue. I no longer run and gun with multiple guys and only one auger, just me running now which helps take care of things. Never re-cut holes, nor will I. If the wheel house works out, it will be reopened with a spud bar for sure. Kind of leaning towards the 4-stroke just to relieve the hassle of mixing gas and the noise after cutting so many holes a day.

Any additional input on these augers is greatly appreciated, and thanks again for those of you who provided input already.

Buy a Strike Light 2 1/2 hp. and just have fun.