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.