Its time for a new electric. I have used the same old ion for a looong time. Two batteries worth. It’s been a damn good unit with no problems at all. In that time StrikeMaster came on as the new and improved favorite but it would seem ion is back in the running? If so I would probably get another one of those.
What’s the vibe out there currently?
Love my strikemaster 40 volt. The nice thing is all the extensions I had and quick coupler from my Solo fit on it. I have used ions and absolutely hated them. I hate the handle design and they are super short. My buddy’s only cut 9 holes one trip on LOW before it was dead. Yes, the ice was nearly 4 feet thick but that was ridiculous.
The Gen3 ION Alpha Plus is the leader of the pack currently. You will pay a premium for it no doubt, but you will also love using it. It’s awesome!
Ion Alpha Plus is a damm nice unit at 13.5lbs. Check the new V40 Eskimo, comes with a free $200 2nd battery this weekend Black Friday deal. Both made by same company.
I have been very happy with my Strikemaster 40V. This year, I am adding an 8″ Razor Scout with my Milwaukee Drill. I am really excited have it’s lightweight capabilities.
I bought the Ion Alpha last year and have 0 complaints. The thing is awesome. A couple friends that used it last year loved it so much they went and upgraded from their older gen ions(I hated their older gen ones as well). Compared to my buddies strikemaster 40v the ion is so much faster it was actually surprising and both the ion and the strikemaster batteries seemed to last all day on our trips. With the alpha the only time I drained the battery last year was an all day hole hopping trip on mille lacs in late February.
I’ve never been a fan of the ions and agree with the above. Too short, handle design is opposite of what you think it should be. My back kills when I have to drill a hole with one of those. I got the 40v SM a few years ago, couldn’t be happier.
I have the 24V SM and it has been exceptional. I have two augers … a 6″ and an 8″ that I use depending on what I am pursuing.
after reading the replies your answer is clear as mud suziki lol! Sounds like all the major players make good units. Maybe go into a store and get your hands on one and see what you think. Personally i have an older ION and have zero complaints however maybe ill take a look at the alpha. 13.5 lbs is appealing
Enjoy whatever you pick up.
I’m with crappie. I would look for a deal first and foremost over one specific brand (especially between Ion and SM). I wouldn’t pay $100 more for one over the other at this point. Look for deals that include an extra battery or just $$$ off and pull the trigger.
Still quite happy with my SM 40V
Ion alpha plus is a great auger. Smaller. Lighter, faster than the 40v. I’ve owned both and the alpha is a lot nicer all around. The new Eskimo should be a great auger and a little cheaper$$
I really like the new eskimo E40. If i was gonna switch from my drill/pistol bit set up, thats what Id get. Lots of promos right now for a free extra battery too.
For those who have the 40V strikemaster, Why the 40V over the 24V. Looks like retail price is 169.00 less on the 24V in 8″ 599.00 VS 430.00 ) Weight is 10 Lbs less in 8″ ( 24 Vs 14 ) I would think the 169.00 savings would buy you a extra battery. The 40V says 100 holes per charge. The 24 says 50. So 2 batteries would + 100 homes, The same as the 40V. This is with the standard auger – Not the lite flight. I just think the lighter 24V with a extra batter would be the better choice
For me, it was weight first. I do walk out often so light weight was a factor. Size … the 24V unit has a smaller footprint when fitting into a sled. Price third. I picked up the 24V SM heavily discounted after the 1st of the year a few years ago.
If I drove out all the time and loved cutting 8″ or 10″ holes, then the 40V would have been the answer.
Hmmmm. Nobody mentions the Jiffy Lightning??? 
I bought my 40V before the 24V was around. After 5-6 seasons with the original batteries, I probably get 40-50 holes per battery when you’re cutting through 20-24″ regularly. So 80-100 holes is plenty for me when I’m trying to chase schools of crappies around. If I need a new auger today I would probably go with the 24V just for the weight difference, probably just buy 2-3 extra batteries. Never held or used a 24V, so not sure if the lower unit is less durable.
For those who have the 40V strikemaster, Why the 40V over the 24V. Looks like retail price is 169.00 less on the 24V in 8″ 599.00 VS 430.00 ) Weight is 10 Lbs less in 8″ ( 24 Vs 14 ) I would think the 169.00 savings would buy you a extra battery. The 40V says 100 holes per charge. The 24 says 50. So 2 batteries would + 100 homes, The same as the 40V. This is with the standard auger – Not the lite flight. I just think the lighter 24V with a extra batter would be the better choice
Hmmmm. Nobody mentions the Jiffy Lightning???
The old ION that Suzuki is trading in is probably better than that jiffy.
All I know is that the new ION Alpha will drill a 10″ hole faster and easier than a lot of the 8″ units. Yes, it’s that good.
For those who have the 40V strikemaster, Why the 40V over the 24V. Looks like retail price is 169.00 less on the 24V in 8″ 599.00 VS 430.00 ) Weight is 10 Lbs less in 8″ ( 24 Vs 14 ) I would think the 169.00 savings would buy you a extra battery. The 40V says 100 holes per charge. The 24 says 50. So 2 batteries would + 100 homes, The same as the 40V. This is with the standard auger – Not the lite flight. I just think the lighter 24V with a extra batter would be the better choice
I use 10 inch holes for my wheel house.
For a wheelhouse I would choose Ion just for the shaver blades over lazers. Shavers are head and shoulders over lazers for reopening holes. This always brings the SM people out in defense of SM, but until you have owned both your comments are mute. Lazers just don’t take the abuse and once nicked you might as well try drilling with a soup spoon. Lazers have a slight advantage on new ice but a second or two per hole never really mattered to me. Both are very fast compared to just a few years ago.
Those saying the ion is faster than the strikemaster 40v no chance. I got the 40v because I fish late ice on lake of the woods and needed the capacity. This thing cuts almost asr fast as my solo I had. Anyone who say differently is lying.
Those saying the ion is faster than the strikemaster 40v no chance. I got the 40v because I fish late ice on lake of the woods and needed the capacity. This thing cuts almost asr fast as my solo I had. Anyone who say differently is lying.
We have auger races every year when the guys would get tuned up a little over the long weekends. 2 buddies had the new ion alpha, and 2 guys had 40v sm, and 1 had 24. The alpha was the winner everytime. Unless some one fired up the old solo with fresh blades lol. I have never seen Eskimos auger.
I might be in the market for a auger this year.
Im not much help because I still run gas. The deals on used gas augers are nuts. You can get real nice ones for $75 easy.
To the OP, why not just get a new battery?
I have been happy with my strikemaster 40v as well over the last couple years, may pick up a lite flight bit for it if I can find a good deal to cut some weight on it though. Have a buddy that got the new ion alpha last winter, had to send it back right away as the pitch had to be off from the factory or shipping so it would barley cut. They sent him new blades and now he’s loved it. Definitely faster as well over the 40v if that matters to you.
Those saying the ion is faster than the strikemaster 40v no chance. I got the 40v because I fish late ice on lake of the woods and needed the capacity. This thing cuts almost asr fast as my solo I had. Anyone who say differently is lying.
Sorry, but you’re wrong and please don’t call me a liar.
Im not much help because I still run gas. The deals on used gas augers are nuts. You can get real nice ones for $75 easy.
Yep, I sold my Solo for $50.
Sorry, but you’re wrong and please don’t call me a liar.
Well my firsthand experience says otherwise, but glad you like your Ion.
last year at the end of the season Reeds had the 24v SM 8 inch on sale for 199. Price matched it at scheels and walked out at 210. Used inside my ice castle and late season pan fishing. It is extremely light and cuts fast. If I need to cut lots of holes I still have the 4 stroke SM.
My borther in law runs an Ion and that thing works great.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>3Rivers wrote:</div>
Sorry, but you’re wrong and please don’t call me a liar.Well my firsthand experience says otherwise, but glad you like your Ion.
Your saying this against the new alpha ? Because my eyes have seen it many many times. They are both great and the faster cutting is pretty lame claim to fame. But the ion did beat the 40v sm in every category last season on late ice up on lotw
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
