Ive heard great things about the Ion, but I just hate how short they are and the handle design compared to Strikemaster. Plus I could use all my extensions from the Solo I had.
I have the SM 24V and love it. I have both the 6″ and 8″ light flight. I bought the second one on end-of-year clearance. I also really like the handle design on the SM.
In the metro I use the 6″ most of the time. It works fine with the Marcum cable and OK with the Vex float. Son pulled a 20″ bass and released it back through the 6″ hole without issue.