Auger opinions?

Looking to pull the trigger on a power auger. Been looking at Strikemaster Magnum vs Laser Mag. Is the dual blade worth the extra $100?

Not really set on anything at this point just looking for a little help before dropping some bucks. Don’t do a TON of fishing but a decent amount – mainly in Iowa with one or two trips up north each year. Will I regret saving the $100 on the single blade? Thoughts on Jiffy? Eskimo? Seems like Strikemaster is lighter and more compact so been leaning that way.

Appreciate any help!

I can’t speak for any augers other than Strikemaster, since I’ve never used anything but the Strikemaster (Mag III) I purchased new sometime around 1991. It’s been outstanding. These are workhorses. I’ve put in a carb kit twice & just replaced the blade for the FIRST TIME.(I lightly sharpen with a stone before each use). Thats it. The thing has never let me down. If the newer models are built anything like this model, you can’t go wrong.

personally i have had two eskimos the first one is probably 15 to 17 years old and still running strong. other is brand new. never had any real problems with the older one and the new one started on the 3rd pull out of the box and first or 2nd pull everytime on the ice. all eskimo power augers have dual quantum blades if not mistaken. with the eskimo you will likely pay close to $100 less than a equal strikemaster or jiffy, for whatever reason. probably so they dont lose money when you have a problem with it after one season and have to send it in to get fixed for no charge. which im sure eskimo would also do. f.y.i. look for deals online instead of in store, deals to be had. i bought my mako 43cc 8″ power auger for $283.16, shipped to my doorstep online from gander mountain. $50 bucks off $200+ purchase + free shipping. they and fleet farm had the cheapest pricetag anywhere at $319.99 everywhere else, same one was about $350.

If you drill more than a couple holes…yes the lazer mag is worth the extra $$$. Good Luck!

Quote:

---

If you drill more than a couple holes…yes the lazer mag is worth the extra $$$. Good Luck!

---

I agree. Sure you can get by with any auger, I just think it’s money well spent, then again I think you could at some point buy the lazer auger and sell the chipper, probably won’t set you back much more than $100 said and done.

I think my lazer does about a foot of ice in 6-8 seconds I’m not sure the chipper would take twice as long.

Bang for the buck? I’m not claiming it’s the best deal ever, but I think it’s still worth it, and I’ll never regret it myself.

I’m not sure if there is a more worthy investment for the ice angler than their Auger. I have a dual blade Strikemaster Laser as well as the 3hp SOLO 154. Both have been very good augers for me. I will say teh SOLO is ridiculously powerful!! Either way I’m sure you’ll enjoy the new auger.

I also run the Strikemaster 3HP Solo with a 10″ bit very fast The bigger hole is nice especially in a hard house. Ive also had a Strikelite no oil to mix very good auger look at it also. Strikemaster customer service is top notch.

Good luck

I’ve got a 30 year old 3HP Jiffy with a 10″ blade and it’s running strong. It’s amazing how well that thing works.

However, running what I’m running and knowing what little I know. Weight would be on the top of my list of priorities when shopping for a new auger. My jiffy is a tank and you’ll know it after a day of running and gunning. Even just setting up tip-ups all around get’s tiring in knee deep snow lugging that thing around.

I also use an Eskimo Mako, i picked mine up at fleet farm last year for just under 300, like 285 or something.

It started on the second pull out of the box, and started on the third pull this winter after sitting the entire off season. now, i have not compared it to a new Solo, but it drills just as fast as the original Lazer Mag augers, and for the money you save, a much better buy.

plus blades are a lot cheaper than they are for the Lazer Mags.

just my $.02, but until i see real difference, and by that i mean a $100+ difference, i can find better things to spend that 100 on.

here you go.

Eskimo Mako 43cc – $289
http://www.fleetfarm.com/catalog/product_detail/fishing/ice-fishing/augers/eskimo-mako-43cc-power-ice-auger-8-inch

Lazer Mag 2.5hp solo – $449
http://www.fleetfarm.com/catalog/product_detail/fishing/ice-fishing/augers/strikemaster-lazer-mag-power-auger

is the difference really worth an additional $160?

the dimensions are the same, horsepower the same, weight the same, design the same. I would like to see a head to head speed difference, cause even if the solo is a few seconds faster (at best), that is not worth $160…

Thanks for all the replies! The Mako looks like a good deal – seems really cheap for what you get and a great price at Fleet Farm! Any other feedback on the Mako? Anyone seen it run side by side to a Strikemaster? Does look like it is about 5-6 lbs heavery and larger profile.

I was in Rice Lake 1 1/2 weeks ago and at Blaine’s Farm and Fleet they had a Stingray Eskimo auger for 229.

Quote:

---

I was in Rice Lake 1 1/2 weeks ago and at Blaine’s Farm and Fleet they had a Stingray Eskimo auger for 229.

---

i think that is the baby of the family, like 33cc. probably work just fine for the every other weekend warrior. i went with a little more power with the mako. i drill alot of holes.