Strikemaster Solo Stats

Hey all,

Here’s some stats that I picked while I was at Strikemaster earlier in the week. When you compare them to the old Tecumseh stats… you can see why the guys that have used the Solo engines are so excited about them. If you thought your old auger was fast… these Solos will blow your mind.

2008 Tecumseh Engine (2 HP)

6,000 – 8,000 RPM’s no load

4,200 RPMs under load w/ 25:1 transmission

Generates 170 RPM @ the drill

2009 Solo Engine 137 Mag (2 HP)

9,000 – 10,000 RPM’s no load

8,000 RPMs under load w/ 40:1 transmission

Generates 200 RPM @ the drill

2009 Solo Engine 142 Lazer Mag (2.5 HP)

9,000 – 10,000 RPM’s no load

8,800 RPMs under load w/ 40:1 transmission

Generates 220 RPM @ the drill

2009 Solo Engine 154 Lazer Pro (3 HP)

10,000 – 11,000 RPM’s no load

9,500 RPMs under load w/ 40:1 transmission

Generates 240 RPM @ the drill

NOTE: all stats based on using 8″ drill.

For more information on this new line just click on the banner at the top of this post.

Impressive, I still can’t get over how quick my lazer mag is, I have a hard time imagine going faster.

James any idea of the prices on these ??

And, I was ok with keeping my old Strikemaster,now how am I going explaine this one to my wife?

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James any idea of the prices on these ??

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I have MSRP info. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find deals until later in the season or not.

Edit: I’m going to price shop retail a little and get back on this. I’ll do a comparative sampling and post the results.

Thanks lets see…. sell my other one and save a few more pennies .. should be ready for 3 HP Lazer Pro w/ 8″ Auger in a month

These are the retail prices I am seeing on new strikemaster augers:

2.5 HP 8″ auger- 439.99

2.5 HP 10″ auger 449.99

3 HP 8″ auger 469.99

3 HP 10″ auger 479.99

These are current retail prices at Scheels. I think they are very competive prices from what I’ve seen.

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These are the retail prices I am seeing on new strikemaster augers:

2.5 HP 8″ auger- 439.99

2.5 HP 10″ auger 449.99

3 HP 8″ auger 469.99

3 HP 10″ auger 479.99

These are current retail prices at Scheels. I think they are very competive prices from what I’ve seen.

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I have no idea how accurate my info is / was. I would just about guarantee Marble_eye has better info than I do as he works in a retail environment.

Nice work Dwight! I couldn’t have asked for more. You Scheels boys are the best!

Ok guys…..when drilling…are more RPMs a better thing? I know most of us have an obsession with the latest and greatest anything…However, I believe that it is the design of of the Lazer blades that create the smooth, effortless cutting action that we all love about our Strikemaster augers. When held steady and perpendicular, my Strikemaster auger draws itself into the ice without exerting any downward pressure. My Auger Blades last! When drilling any material speed is not the primary factor in obtaining a good cut. Higher rpms, means more torque when that auger does grab, potentially bending the hardware out of shape. My Mag 2000 with the 8″ twin Lazer Blades cuts faster and smoother than any other brand I have drilled holes along side of….so for now..I am keeping it! OK..I will shut up my rambling now….the weather today makes me believe I will get to see one of these “race cars” in action out on the ice soon. PS….the big walleyes are biting hard on Minnetonka in all of our favorite places.

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Ok guys…..when drilling…are more RPMs a better thing? I know most of us have an obsession with the latest and greatest anything…However, I believe that it is the design of of the Lazer blades that create the smooth, effortless cutting action that we all love about our Strikemaster augers. When held steady and perpendicular, my Strikemaster auger draws itself into the ice without exerting any downward pressure. My Auger Blades last! When drilling any material speed is not the primary factor in obtaining a good cut. Higher rpms, means more torque when that auger does grab, potentially bending the hardware out of shape. My Mag 2000 with the 8″ twin Lazer Blades cuts faster and smoother than any other brand I have drilled holes along side of….so for now..I am keeping it! OK..I will shut up my rambling now….the weather today makes me believe I will get to see one of these “race cars” in action out on the ice soon. PS….the big walleyes are biting hard on Minnetonka in all of our favorite places.

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More RPMs makes for a smoother, faster cutting machine that still “draws itself into the ice” like previous Strikemaster augers. It just does it… faster. But there’s really a lot more to the Solo than just blinding speed. The powerhead starts easier, smokes less and generates more torque than the older tecumseh power heads. If you get a shot to run one this winter I’m willing to bet you’ll agree. As for selling off an existing auger that still runs well… I’m not sure that’s called for. But when it does come time to replace old reliable the Solo augers deserve a look. As for the extra speed causing the blades to dull faster, that was not my experience at all last year. And you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that punches more holes during a day on the ice.

This is interesting. I have the power head of what is now two generations ago and I love it. I wont trade it or sell it for nothing. The last generation motor with the goofy primer button is for the birds. I had a friend who had numerous problems with this power head. I know he is in the market for a new one and is actually considering a electric power head- personally I think he is nuts but if I was in his shoes after all the problems he had with the last generation of power heads I would probably be thinking the same thing. The whole faster thing really does nothing for me or for him- though it is nice. What really matters is does it start nice and easy and do the blades last. My original set of blades lasted me 7 years and were replaced last year, I cut more holes than sand in an hour glass. Dependabilty and durability really matter to most guys with speed coming in third.

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This is interesting. I have the power head of what is now two generations ago and I love it. I wont trade it or sell it for nothing. The last generation motor with the goofy primer button is for the birds.

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The EPA regs that forced tecumseh to lean out their motors during the final years of production definitely made for a harder to start and less powerful engine when compared to previous models. No doubt about it. I have friend that are the exact same way… they have 6, 8 or 10 year old Strikemasters they won’t part with for a newer model. Some of the newer tecumseh power heads were great. Some left a lot to be desired. Basically I think it depended on how they came tuned from the factory. I never got a slow one but know guys that did and guys that take their ice fishing seriously aren’t willing to take the chance when it comes time to make a new purchase.

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What really matters is does it start nice and easy and do the blades last. My original set of blades lasted me 7 years and were replaced last year, I cut more holes than sand in an hour glass. Dependabilty and durability really matter to most guys with speed coming in third.

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I couldn’t agree with you more. An auger that doesn’t start is just extra weight to lug around. And nobody needs that. As for durability… time will tell. Solo has a solid reputation but trust in the reliability of a product is earned over time. And since these are new… time is what it will take. My gut tells me that these new power heads will be nearly indestructible and far superior to the tecumseh’s in every way. And I’m basing that solely on “feel” for the quality based on last season’s use. I think what has guys so excited about this product after one season of use is that these solo motors seem to have it all. Easy starting, very smooth and powerful during use… and they cut like nothing else I’ve ever used. And speed does start to matter when starting and durability aren’t issues. Punch 75 holes with a slow auger. Do the same with one that cuts fast and easy. The difference in time it takes to cut those holes is only part of the story as it takes a lot more effort and energy to muscle through the process when the auger isn’t up to par.

Ice is coming at break neck speed. I’d actually like it to hold off until late november / early December like most years but it is starting to look like there’s going to be ice fishing by mid-november if this keeps up. Chances are I’ll start the early season with a hand auger but it won’t be long and I’ll get to throw season #2 at a solo and see where it all shakes out.

Well Lets turn this into a “Quiz James” Session.

I am going to buy a Solo and am thinking about running the AMSOIL Saber 100:1 oil. I was thinking more like a 70-80:1 ratio. What does strike master recommend with the new auger?

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Well Lets turn this into a “Quiz James” Session.

I am going to buy a Solo and am thinking about running the AMSOIL Saber 100:1 oil. I was thinking more like a 70-80:1 ratio. What does strike master recommend with the new auger?

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40:1 – 50:1 mix ratios. I just sat in on a conversation on this with some of the guys at Strikemaster and they would never recommend going that lean.

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Well Lets turn this into a “Quiz James” Session.

I am going to buy a Solo and am thinking about running the AMSOIL Saber 100:1 oil. I was thinking more like a 70-80:1 ratio. What does strike master recommend with the new auger?

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40:1 – 50:1 mix ratios. I just sat in on a conversation on this with some of the guys at Strikemaster and they would never recommend going that lean.

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I was lucky enough to be in on this same conversation, as I’ve always run the Saber myself as part of concoction utilizing the Amsoil, premium gas, and some Seafoam.

It was interesting to note the fuel tips they provided also. Most of us buy some gas at the beginning of the year, pre-mix with oil, and leave it sit until we use it. Through some extensive testing and research done at Strikemaster regarding winter fuel blends, they found that without any stabilizer, many gasolines break down as soon as 30 days from purchase. These engines are also tuned to be run on winter fuel blends (no ethanol), sold here in the midwest after Nov. 1st. Buy premium gas (highest octane) after Nov. 1st, and freshen your fuel supply often for the best performance.

To keep things running smoothly at recommended ratios, and take care of the stabilizer in one-step, Strikemaster is offering their Low-Smoke 2-Cycle oil this year with stabilizer additive in the oil already.

Strikemaster Low-Smoke Oil

I used the AMSOIL in previous years and was a big fan of the easier starts and less smoke. However, after talking to Mike Katchmark at Strikemaster regarding the situation, these Solo engines are less the bang-em-up tanks of old, and more precision cutting machines that feature high-ouput, finely-tuned engines. Why risk such an engine and its performance to an oil mix outside of the mfrs. recommendations? Especially when a better product exists out there that’s been tested to spec. That’s at least my thoughts going into the ice season.

Joel

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Ok guys…..when drilling…are more RPMs a better thing? I know most of us have an obsession with the latest and greatest anything…However, I believe that it is the design of of the Lazer blades that create the smooth, effortless cutting action that we all love about our Strikemaster augers. When held steady and perpendicular, my Strikemaster auger draws itself into the ice without exerting any downward pressure. My Auger Blades last! When drilling any material speed is not the primary factor in obtaining a good cut. Higher rpms, means more torque when that auger does grab, potentially bending the hardware out of shape. My Mag 2000 with the 8″ twin Lazer Blades cuts faster and smoother than any other brand I have drilled holes along side of….so for now..I am keeping it! OK..I will shut up my rambling now….the weather today makes me believe I will get to see one of these “race cars” in action out on the ice soon. PS….the big walleyes are biting hard on Minnetonka in all of our favorite places.

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The new solos are better, if you would run a new solo 2 hp with a 10inch auger, it is faster than a tech. lazer without a auger bit on. This means you have more power through the thickess ice. You know when the ice is thick and near the end some augers struggle to break through, the new Solo’s do not slow down at all. This is going to be good for everyone who fishes way up north with up to 4 feet of ice.either way the new and old Strikemasters are the best out there!