Lite Flite – Early reviews ???

I have a buddy who has a K-drill that he now needs a few flights replaced. I have him thinking about just spending the extra $ ( after all not my $ ) on a new lite flight instead. I know its a rather new product and with the poor ice conditions we have had, there probably are not a lot of people who have had much usage with them yet. Just curious what the early thoughts are on them. For those who now own one and had a K-drill prior – Do you think the flights on the Lite flite will be as durable, More durable, or less durable than those on the K-drill. I myself have owned the K-drill for 2 or 3 full ice seasons now and have only had to replace 1 flight. I do have a few others that are starting to show some wear where they may need to be replaced in the near future. The concerns I have on the lite flight are: How durable are the flights going to be and how long are the blades going to remain sharp. The lazer blades in the past have always been great when they are new and sharp but they did not seem to stay sharp for a long period of time – They were also rather costly to replace. I am now on my 2nd blade set on the K-drill ( free replacement ) Given the # of holes I’ve drilled with the K-drill I have doubts that a set of lazer blades would have held up that long and would have cost me $’s to replace. I myself have been really happy with the k-drill and would not think of replacing it with the lite flite until it has been out a longer to see what the durability is like on it.

How are people using the K drill that they’re breaking the auger flights? It is not meant to drive over. Are they using them to auger holes for deck footings?

I’ve drilled thousands of holes and been in temps from 50 degrees spanning to -35 and don’t see any sign of anything breaking on my 8″ k drill. It has been dropped off tailgates, a wheeler, drilled through 24-30″ of ice all day, hit branches and wood in the ice, and it shows no signs of wear.

I’ve drilled a few holes with mine (6”). It seems alright and cut nicely on the 40V Head. I’m skeptical about breaking the flites. Can you purchase these and how do you replace them?

I believe most of the wear and breakage to the flights come from late winter – Think ice use. Pulling up on it to clear the ice puts a fair amount of pressure on the flight blades contact the shaft. I think the up and down motion just causes wear in this area. I dint notice hardly any wear the first season – By the end of the 2nd season you could begin to see wear in those areas. Almost everyone I know who has a lot of use on theirs has some wear or tears in the area. I purchased mine right away when they became available so its possible they make some design or material changes after the early units.

Bluegill89 wrote:

I’ve drilled a few holes with mine (6”). It seems alright and cut nicely on the 40V Head. I’m skeptical about breaking the flites. Can you purchase these and how do you replace them?

I assume they are replaceable – The little I’ve looked at them they look like each flight is individual just like the k-drill

Ripjiggen wrote:

No review but also curious how the flite broke. On year six and never had an issue with flite breaking.

I did not even think the K-drill has been around 6 years yet – Maybe mine is older than I thought. I know I got mine the 1st year they were out

I have the 8″ SM LF and love it so far. Ive had it on the ice a few times here in Maine. Deepest Ice so far is 8″, and it ate it. Smoohtest ive seen so far. I have an 8″ Nil and the LF definitely beats the Nils. I still planning on keeping my Nils for hand drilling purposes only. As far as the flights, its kind of early to argue durability, but they seem tough. I plan on removing my last flight and keeping it as backup just in case on breaks.

Precision Angling wrote:

I have the 8″ SM LF and love it so far. Ive had it on the ice a few times here in Maine. Deepest Ice so far is 8″, and it ate it. Smoohtest ive seen so far. I have an 8″ Nil and the LF definitely beats the Nils. I still planning on keeping my Nils for hand drilling purposes only. As far as the flights, its kind of early to argue durability, but they seem tough. I plan on removing my last flight and keeping it as backup just in case on breaks.

Interesting idea on removing the last flight to keep as a back up. I would think it would work just fine with one less flight

Precision Angling wrote:

I have the 8″ SM LF and love it so far. Ive had it on the ice a few times here in Maine. Deepest Ice so far is 8″, and it ate it. Smoohtest ive seen so far. I have an 8″ Nil and the LF definitely beats the Nils. I still planning on keeping my Nils for hand drilling purposes only. As far as the flights, its kind of early to argue durability, but they seem tough. I plan on removing my last flight and keeping it as backup just in case on breaks.

I’m not sure what my buddy does different with his drilling. but he broke 2 or 3 flights the 1st time and has since broke another 2 since replacing his. I guess it is possible he hit something within the ice. He does tend to be rather hard on his equipment. he also does tend to fish way more often than the average fishermen.

Like I said I am more than happy with my K-drill. I tell people all the time it is one of the best purchases I’ve made over the last few years. I’m not looking to make a change for awhile. By the time I may be – The lite flite will have plenty of time to determine how well it holds up.