NEW StrikeMaster Auger to Launch?

At reputable bait shop in Hayward, WI a couple weeks ago I was told to hold off on buying a new auger, as SM was launching one soon, to compete with the ION Alpha Plus. Anyone know any more? Thx!

No, I have not heard but it would not surprise me.

I asked this same question approx. 6 months ago if anyone heard about a new auger from Strikemaster due to their website being fairly limited compared to previously.

I have a Ion gen 1 because Strikemaster was late to the party. I just upgraded to a Ion Alpha Plus. Maybe 1 day I will own a Strikemaster again if we can sync our timing a bit.

According to Carl at Timberline in Blackduck there is a new one coming. But as he said didn’t really know what they would improve.

The one being sold now is well worth it. Especially at a discounted price. Never once have I drilled a hole and thought wow, this thing needs to be more powerful.

why would you launch a new auger at the end of the ice season?

I love my 24V, just have 2 batteries and I can get through a day with no issues. Not sure what they could do to make me want to get a new one.

It is simply my opinion, but I’m thinking that Eskimo has something new in the offing. Possibly a larger battery as standard on the E40. Possibly other newer technologies on the motor or controls…?? Just got a feeling is all.

I heard they added Bluetooth so you can listen to the ice talking to you.

JoeMX1825 wrote:

why would you launch a new auger at the end of the ice season?

No kidding. Why would they launch at the end of the season. I’m sure it’ll be next year

grpubl7 wrote:

It is simply my opinion, but I’m thinking that Eskimo has something new in the offing. Possibly a larger battery as standard on the E40. Possibly other newer technologies on the motor or controls…?? Just got a feeling is all.

Battery – Yes, I found it a bit odd with the Ion Alpha Plus (Gen 3) having a 4 ah battery. My Gen 1 Ion X from way back has a 5 ah battery. I also found it odd that the Gen 1 and Gen 3 battery to be interchangeable but not with Gen 2 batteries. It would be more of a benefit to the user to just offer a bigger battery.

Bearcat89 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>JoeMX1825 wrote:</div>
why would you launch a new auger at the end of the ice season?

No kidding. Why would they launch at the end of the season. I’m sure it’ll be next year

I thought the same thing at first. I will also state that it most likely would not be available for any of this ice season. So why leak information of a upcoming new model? Because it does not cost anything to leak the information and it most likely will cause some people to hold off buying this years end of the season clearance sales of augers and wait for a new improved model later this year.

It would make sense though, seams like the 40v is hard find and they are running crazy deals with 24volt.

I bought the 24V a couple years ago. I have no complaints about this auger. I really like how light it is and the ease of cutting a hole. Have even let my 9 year old drill a few holes.

Possibly lighter and faster. The newest Ion is very impressive

Could it come STANDARD with a composite drill like the 24V? Otherwise maybe they reduced the weight of the powerhead by using a lighter, durable, plastic similar to ION’s?

Kirk Charipar wrote:

Could it come STANDARD with a composite drill like the 24V? Otherwise maybe they reduced the weight of the powerhead by using a lighter, durable, plastic similar to ION’s?

My 40v came with the composite lite flite bit. Just depends which package you get.

I would love to see an auger with an extension built into the shaft. Kind of like the how you can extend the shaft length on the strikemaster lazer hand auger.

Gitchi Gummi wrote:

I would love to see an auger with an extension built into the shaft. Kind of like the how you can extend the shaft length on the strikemaster lazer hand auger.

The best system I’ve seen to make the extension a quick process for hauling/switching is two ION quick connects, on on the bit and one on the extension. The quick connect does add movement and roughly 4″ to the length, but it’s doable.

The best system I’ve seen to make the extension a quick process for hauling/switching is two ION quick connects, on on the bit and one on the extension. The quick connect does add movement and roughly 4″ to the length, but it’s doable.

[/quote]

If there where some in stock. That was my plan but I was too late and now no one has them in stock.

Gitchi Gummi wrote:

I would love to see an auger with an extension built into the shaft. Kind of like the how you can extend the shaft length on the strikemaster lazer hand auger.

There was a guy who made these ones that fit Strikemaster and another that fit Jiffy many years ago (long before Ion) and it is really slick. One part attaches to the powerhead and the other slides inside the auger shaft and tightens up to the powerhead with that adaptor that is permanent. It comes off by loosening it BUT you must make sure to regularly check it for tightness since it does come loose. When you need an extension, just remove one bolt in the shaft slide the whole business up and then put the bolt back in at the desired height. I love it, but havent used it in years. Was going to this year, but my son just bolted the other extension on instead.

CaptainMusky wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Gitchi Gummi wrote:</div>
I would love to see an auger with an extension built into the shaft. Kind of like the how you can extend the shaft length on the strikemaster lazer hand auger.

There was a guy who made these ones that fit Strikemaster and another that fit Jiffy many years ago (long before Ion) and it is really slick. One part attaches to the powerhead and the other slides inside the auger shaft and tightens up to the powerhead with that adaptor that is permanent. It comes off by loosening it BUT you must make sure to regularly check it for tightness since it does come loose. When you need an extension, just remove one bolt in the shaft slide the whole business up and then put the bolt back in at the desired height. I love it, but havent used it in years. Was going to this year, but my son just bolted the other extension on instead.

seems like a great idea. the auger companies should really think about adding this as a feature on their next product launch. The ability to always have the extension on the auger shaft and ready to go at a moments notice would be very attractive in my eyes.

I have not paid much attention but K-drill came out with a new model that might extend.

OG Net_Man wrote:

I have not paid much attention but K-drill came out with a new model that might extend.

That’s funny it looks like the only difference from the OG k-drill is the built in extension.

I’ve used a mora on a drill for 10+ years and since it’s short I have an adjustable extension on it full time, so basically the same thing.

I’m 95% sure the eskimo kit is the exact same thing. Other than the red instead of green if you are still wanting to go that route.

SconnieFib wrote:

I’m 95% sure the eskimo kit is the exact same thing. Other than the red instead of green if you are still wanting to go that route.

I got a hold of them thru email and it is not the same or at least that is what they said. When I look at the pictures they seem the same but diameters can be off.

Gotcha. Good to know.

Gitchi Gummi wrote:

seems like a great idea. the auger companies should really think about adding this as a feature on their next product launch. The ability to always have the extension on the auger shaft and ready to go at a moments notice would be very attractive in my eyes.

I agree! The only downside is its made of stainless steel and I didnt properly strap the auger down when I went to move the house and it popped free and I ran it over with the ATV. The extension didnt bend, but the auger shaft did. I was able to get that straightened out in town.
Wait, I guess that was my fault LOL

Personally I cant imagine how the E40 could be improved.
I know it will but I am still enamored with it.

suzuki wrote:

Personally I cant imagine how the E40 could be improved.
I know it will but I am still enamored with it.

I love mine!

suzuki wrote:

Personally I cant imagine how the E40 could be improved.
I know it will but I am still enamored with it.

This is a fact. I couldn’t be happier with mine.