This is my 3rd season with a Nanook Thermal and have had no problems with it. I can’t stand in it (I’m 6’3″) but that’s not a deal breaker. I have also owned an older Otter Lodge (with the purple canvas). It was a great shelter but just too big & heavy as I mostly walk.
I don’t have experience with the Abu Garcia but I have owned a Jason Mitchell Meat Stick rod/reel combo for several years now. It is my favorite reel (& rod as I love the extra weight in the handle). I’ve never had an issue with it. Granted it is my most expensive combo so I may not have the best frame of reference (I haven’t taken the plunge on a TUCR, St. Croix or Thorne Bros nor spent more than $30 on a reel).
But I can say it hasn’t ever let me down.
I like the Jason Mitchell Meatstick as a decent rod/reel set up without breaking the bank. The heavier weight just feels good in my hands. I believe its about $59 at Thorne Brothers.
If interested I will give him a good deal on a similar model with a 8″ lazer bit. Runs great, cuts great. HAd D Rock go through it end of last season. I did nto use it this year because I got a drills et up. $135 live in Shoreview, MN.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>jonbodin wrote:</div>
Update:Took the auger back to the shop that tuned it up and as was suspected by the posts, the piston seized. They said it was cheaper to buy a new ‘Strikemaster’ as versus fixing it. It did it’s job for 20+ years, now I’ll have to figure what to replace it with. Thanks for everyone’s input!
Hey, if you are interested a buddy of mine has a newer Magnum Auger (not a solo) with a lazer drill that he is will to sell. He just bought an ion and wants to get rid of it. He just put a new carb on it and the drill itself is only a couple years old. He says it runs like a champ now.
PM me if interested and I could get you in contact with him.
Thanks for the offers! I spoke to my Father and it sounds like he’s probably going to replace it with an ION. I appreciate all the feedback & replacement options!
Update:
Took the auger back to the shop that tuned it up and as was suspected by the posts, the piston seized. They said it was cheaper to buy a new ‘Strikemaster’ as versus fixing it. It did it’s job for 20+ years, now I’ll have to figure what to replace it with. Thanks for everyone’s input!
The tank was low but it was the mixture to it’s specifications (24-1 on that particular model). The gas used was non-oxy. It looks like it’s going back to the shop.
I have both a Clam Nanook Thermal flipover and a Sharpell 6500 Hub. Like others have posted, it really depends on what you plan on doing. I love the Hub to plant in one spot when I have my kids. It has plenty of room and heats up pretty well with a Little Buddy heater. The Nanook is great for just myself and my son if that is all that is fishing. The downside of the Nanook is the extra weight as I am a walker and have to contend with a substantial hill to get to my lake. A smaller Hub like a Vista thermal is on my radar as the Sharpell is sometimes too big and defeats the whole weight saving purpose. It’s nice to have both options if possible!
I’ve been using the Marcum VX-1 for a couple of years. I have had nothing but a positive experience with it and it is in your price range ($279-$289 range at Fleet Farm).
Sold! Thanks!
Hi Matt,
I just sent you a private message.
Thanks,
Jon
I have an older Otter Lodge that I was able to load into my 2010 Traverse. I did have to put the 2nd row seats flat. With that I can only transport 2 adults but could pack up the Otter.
There were about a half dozen Cobalt Blue #4 Rippin Raps at Fleet Farm in Brooklyn Park last night (minus the one I bought!).
I’ve been using a Mora hand auger that’s been fine up to about a foot. Now the ice on my ‘walk to’ lake is about 15-18″. Took a lot of effort yesterday to dig 2 holes. Since I am ‘hoofing’ it from my house to the lake, I’m trying to figure what type of auger to get since I want to keep the weight low (propane, lithium, or hand drill) without breaking the bank.
Sunflower seeds, beef jerky, water, Diet Coke & a sandwich.
I have no complaints with my Marcum VX-1 Pro. It’s right in your price point. You could probably also look at the Vexilar FL-8 Genz pack also but I haven’t used it personally.
I picked up an older Otter II Magnum Lodge this season. I also walk it (no ATV or snowmobile). I can easily pack a Mr. Heater, extra 1 lb propane tanks, cooler, bait bucket, 2 rod cases, Marcum VX-1, & a hand auger. The sled is large so can hold much more, however, it is heavy and can be difficult to walk very far. It does have the hyfax runners on the bottom which helps but I think the lodge size are meant for towing. I would have purchased a smaller model (cabin or cottage size) but I got it for free so I couldn’t pass it up. It is still easier than pulling a sled and putting up my Sharpell 6500 pop up though!
Hi Carter,
I bought a VX-1 Pro last season and have had nothing but good things to say about it. I haven’t tried the others (FL8 or Humminbird) so I can’t really compare.
Jon
Hi Timo!
My Mother was born & raised in Hamina! Welcome to IDO. Minnesota is definitely Finn country!
Jon
I picked up a VX-1 Pro from Marcum at Fleet Farm after christmas last year for about $264 and have loved it. I’ve had no issues and would recommend it for a ‘budget’ flasher.
