Strikemaster Strike Lite 4-stroke; used price question

Newb to Strikemaster question: I have the opportunity to purchase a used auger, my (crappy)notes have it as a “Strikemaster Strike Lite” with the 4-stroke motor and the carbon(plastic, whatever) shaft. I gather this is the older version, as I can’t seem to find it online new?? Also, the blades are toast and would need replaced. So…
1) A little background/history feedback? Issues, bonuses?
2) If I buy, what’s replacing the blades going to set me back?
3) What’s a reasonable used price? Apart from blades, overall shape appears to be good.

Sorry, I just don’t know that much about these other than I’ve coveted a lighter gas auger(at a price I can swing) for my 5’9″ lightweight frame for quite some time. The old Jiffy Model 30 is bulletproof, but a guy of my stature has to carry it around at shoulder height and the weight is a killer.
Any feedback/tips/advice you guys can throw at me to help me decide on this one would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks IDO’ers!

-Rev

I believe I paid $500 new for comparison. If its a HONDA strike lite it is a newer auger, if its not a HONDA/4 stroke than I have no clue what model it is.

The original StrikeLite were Subaru 4-stroke motors. Some think the motor was at least as good or better than the present motor. It was equipped with a (state of the art then) p-lastic flighting lite-weight shaft with Lazer like blades. The complete auger shaft weighed 4lbs 13 ounces, and it had a nice center point for starting a new or old hole. About 4 pounds less than the present Lazer augers. The shaft was discontinued because of complaints the flighting came off when the auger was stored in a almost thru hole that froze and the operator pulled +++.
Don’t know if the blades can be replaced or re-sharpened.

I just sold a used one last month for my cousin. The flighting on it broke a few years back and SM replaced it with a metal auger bit. The engine runs nice and quite. But it can be a bear to start in the cold weather compared to a 2 stroke.

I own a strike-lite 2 and I bought it the year before Strikemaster put the honda power head on it. Mine has the German powerhead called Robyn. I Wouldn’t buy an auger if it didn’t have a steel auger on it. I bought it back in 2011 I believe and it is still drilling through ice. Don’t have to mix gas either with is a bonus and starts up within a couple pulls of the cord. I would buy another four stroke any day.

I would pay $200 for a used one. Busted blades making it useless…$100 for it. Not sure what’s the going rate.

Hey, thanks everybody! To clarify, the flighting(auger shaft part?) is in good shape, it’s just that the blades look pretty dull. They’re a standard looking two serrated blades.
Can anybody else tell me about the blade replacement/sharpening? Would make a huge difference in value if it’s a PITA to replace or sharpen them.

@JamesHolst – You’re the resident Strikemaster rep, so to speak. Any background in between filming?

New blades are about $50. A couple screws and they pop right off.

I’ve had my Strike Lite since shortly after they came out (2008ish?). Still have the original plastic auger and it hasn’t been a problem. Love how light it is. Can be a little finicky in the extreme cold but if you figure out the startup sequence it likes it will start everytime (let it warm up a few seconds and slowly turn the choke off).

I especially enjoy how it sips gas. On my old auger I had to carry along a gallon jug of gas and refill once sometimes twice a weekend. Now I top off at home, go drill tons of holes, and I hardly notice the gas level had gone down when I get home.

Though it isn’t the fastest cutting it is still the best auger I have ever used. I will never go back to 2stroke.

Hey, thanks Munchy!

If it only has 2 blades they can be found for $45 to $50, the ones that are on it can be sharpened by someone that has the correct equipment to do it. I would buy a new set and have the old ones sharpened and kept as spares.

Price in good shape should run around $300. The older 4 strokes needed to be transported laying with a certain side up to keep the oil from running out of the the crank case if I remember correctly. The newer Honda motors solved that by adding some type of baffle.

As others have said they are a little cold blooded like any 4 stroke motor. You can also find the Solo 2 stroke Strikemasters used at a good price. I picked one up early this fall for $150 in like new condition.

Since you said it has the plastic flighting (with a round bottom that’s about 2.5″ tall), that’s the original Strike Lite. My friend has one and I’ve never been impressed with it due to the flighting breaking, slush getting stuck and freezing in that round bottom, and he had troubles finding new blades (Reed’s was the only place). However, it appears that Rapala.com has them for $64.

I sent my strikemaster blades in last year to get sharpened at Red Rock Wilderness Store in Ely. They did a great job and have heard other good reviews of them.
http://redrock100.com/collections/ice-auger-blade-sharpening-service/products/ice-auger-blade-sharpening-service?variant=5047997764

blank wrote:

Since you said it has the plastic flighting (with a round bottom that’s about 2.5″ tall), that’s the original Strike Lite. My friend has one and I’ve never been impressed with it due to the flighting breaking, slush getting stuck and freezing in that round bottom, and he had troubles finding new blades (Reed’s was the only place). However, it appears that Rapala.com has them for $64.

If you learn to spin the auger for a second or two to sling the water off after use and not let slush and snow get packed into the blades you will never have a problem.

Thank you everyone for your input! In the end, I had to pass on this one…it just wasn’t quite there for the price. But the information I’ve gained here will certainly help while I continue looking! You guys rock!