Gas vs electric Augers

[iceman]

Been thinking about buying a new auger this fall just wondering what you are running ?

As of now I'm running a Strike Master light weight 2 hp- 2 stroke..and looking to upgrade...

I trade every 2 years yea i do drill that many holes..

[Mayfly]

Not an ice fisherman but I think it would be pointless to buy an electric auger. Why limit yourself?

[Spinach]

I would never switch to an Electric either, but they are light and your really not limiting yourself much either.

Strikemasters Electric can be unplugged, so you can drill as many holes as you want until it needs to be charged, Jiffy models have to be plugged into the battery, hopefully Jiffy comes out with a new model next year for the people that use Electric Augers.

I like gas augers personally, but the Electrics do have some positives.

[Mayfly]

Strikemasters Electric can be unplugged, so you can drill as many holes as you want until it needs to be charged, Jiffy models have to be plugged into the battery

How is that not limiting yourself?

Gas Auger you pick it up, strap it to your atv and go.

[Spinach]

I know what you mean..... They do have there place, as long as you drive on the lake or bring a battery, they are practically the same as a gas auger and lighter.

I would never own one, because i do not want to bring a battery or worry about having to charge it. Some people love them.

[thunderpout]

Hey guys,  Ive got both.... I got a twenty year old Jiffy model 30 that is bulletproof and would never part with it...would never switch no reason to unless ya have to go lighter..... I also bought the jiffy lectric a few years back, I dont use it as much, but it sure is nice not suckin fumes when drillin in my ultra shack!  And if you are atv fishin, ya plug it in to yer cig lighter outlet....no batteries to charge!  dont ya allready have enough batteries to charge?  No running out of gas, no cleaning jets out, no winterizing.... actually makes sense to make things simpler some times, ya know?  But dont get me wrong, that big old model will never get replaced.... If you buy new every two years,  get the lightest, fastest cutting bugger that comes out each year, as those models aint built to last, but who gives a rip if ya only use em for two seasons, right...?         -thunderpout 8)

[luvnlife]

My husband bought me a Strikemaster electric auger this year and put the 8 in blade on it and I love it. I can go out on my own and use it without the worry of not being able to start it or my arm falling off from pulling. It works great for me. Light and easy to carry.

[GRIZ]

Been thinking about buying a new auger this fall just wondering what you are running ?

As of now I'm running a Strike Master light weight 2 hp- 2 stroke..and looking to upgrade...

I trade every 2 years yea i do drill that many holes..

What ya been doing. Trappin beavers through the ice with it? That is tough on an auger.

[Woody]

After having 2 gas augers (both old and used), I got fed up trying to get them started every time I wanted to drill a hole.  I could/should have taken them in to get tuned up again-but I decided to sell them and get something more my speed.  Since I don't know much about small engines & tuning, I went with the Strikemaster Electra Lazer 8".  I'm very happy with it.

It uses the same battery as a Vexilar/Aquaview/Marcum.  Which also is the same batter I use for lights in my portable.  If I happen to kill the battery, I can swap with any one of the others.  And since I don't have a 4 wheeler, and usually wait for the ice to get safe enough to drive on I don't worry about not having power for it.  It comes with a cable to hook up to you vehicle battery if need be.  I've drilled about 20+holes on one charge-but the ice was around 14" thick.  I'm sure thicker ice will slow the number of holes down considerably. 

Usually it's just the kids and I when I do go fishing.  So I don't do any "runnin & gunnin".  I typically drill the holes I need and set up.  And we usually catch all the fish we need right away without having to move!    (Fishin tale)

Being as you're a guide-I'd probably go with a gas auger.  Especially since you need to keep your clients on fish. 

I don't believe there's an auger for everyone.  Everyone's needs & circumstances are different.  It's alot like the Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge thing.  All a matter of opinion.  Stick to what works for you and follow your gut instinct!

[JohnWester]

I have the 8" strikemaster electric auger, and love it too.  It cuts just fine.  And it starts right away.
I wouldn't use anything but an electric in a permanent fishhouse.  I bought this to mainly use in the dropdown I’ve got.  Best thing ever for them.  No smelly fumes is a big plus.
You use electric, no smelly gas fumes on your hands when you fish.
The reason I went with strikemaster is the on board battery.  Why jiffy hasn't come up with this yet, I’ll never know.  But they are missing out big time.  The onboard battery is great.  For early ice, it's light and I throw it in a sled and walk out.  I can drill many, many holes in 5-6" ice.  I've never had it run out yet on me when out on early ice.
And when the ice is thick enough to drive on, then I can just use a deep cell battery or hook it to the truck. No problems there…
The amount of holes you can cut vary on the ice thickness, but I can do 10 easy in up to 14 inches of ice with the onboard battery.

[iceman]

Well after much thinking about it i have decide on another Strike Master light weight 2 hp- 2 stroke..

the nils master is a nice auger but when i seen and heard you had to break it in before you could use it that turned me away from it..

Jiffy and Strike Master do use the same power head but different augers not sure what to think about Jiffy sounds like copy cats to me..

yes do know there's more augers out there then just the 3 but i like a auger that's known for the fast serves and knowing Strike master are right here in Minnesota if i ever have to get any work done on it makes it a big plus..

[The_new_guy]

Gas all the way, although my uncle ownes an electric strike master and its pretty nice!