Which is better... 5 inches or 6 inches?

[Steve-o]

I was thinking about getting a hand auger to minimize weight and bulk on long treks.

I gotta believe that a 5" auger would be easier to use than a 6" auger when the ice gets thick, but would it be enough of a difference to say I'd better off with the 5-incher?

[Rebel SS]

I know a lot of guys that prefer the 5" Nils auger....which is convertible to a lithium hand drill. (The way to go with these) But, they have 6" and 7" too....entirely up to you....

[Leech~~]

I know a lot of guys that prefer the 5" Nils auger....which is convertible to a lithium hand drill. (The way to go with these) But, they have 6" and 7" too....entirely up to you....

So now your an expert on the size guys like?     

I guess it would all depend on what size you want to get out of the hole?    

[LPS]

I'm sporting 9 inches....   

[Rebel SS]

I know a lot of guys that prefer the 5" Nils auger....which is convertible to a lithium hand drill. (The way to go with these) But, they have 6" and 7" too....entirely up to you....

So now your an expert on the size guys like?     

I guess it would all depend on what size you want to get out of the hole?    

Well, maybe you can learn something, scooter. I do know just a wee bit about ice fishing. From the 15 yo card we experts carry in my ice tackle box:

Here is the girth you can get up each specified hole size. Remember that fish like B'gill's and crappie are not round  (circumference) so they tend to have taller height and less width. (hole size X 3.1416 if yer a real  techie)

4" = 12.57" girth
5" = 15.71"
6" = 18.85"
7" = 21.99"
8" = 25.13"
9" = 28.27"
10" = 31.42"


And yes, this formula will work on ice that is 3' thick, before ya say something.

[Leech~~]

I know a lot of guys that prefer the 5" Nils auger....which is convertible to a lithium hand drill. (The way to go with these) But, they have 6" and 7" too....entirely up to you....

So now your an expert on the size guys like?     

I guess it would all depend on what size you want to get out of the hole?    

Well, maybe you can learn something, scooter. I do know just a wee bit about ice fishing. From the 15 yo card we experts carry in my ice tackle box:

Here is the girth you can get up each specified hole size. Remember that fish like B'gill's and crappie are not round  (circumference) so they tend to have taller height and less width. (hole size X 3.1416 if yer a real  techie)

4" = 12.57" girth
5" = 15.71"
6" = 18.85"
7" = 21.99"
8" = 25.13"
9" = 28.27"
10" = 31.42"


And yes, this formula will work on ice that is 3' thick, before ya say something.

Sorry, I saw your bent over so nicely there I just had too hit that one! 

[Gunner55]

Our hand auger is a 8", same as the 43cc Eskimino Viper that we got a good seasonal closeout deal on 2-3 years ago from L & M.

[Rebel SS]

Our hand auger is a 8", same as the 43cc Eskimino Viper that we got a good seasonal closeout deal on 2-3 years ago from L & M.

   

 I was gonna ask if an ESKIMINO is an Italian Viper, but that would be smart-alecky.   

[Gunner55]

 

[Gunner55]

OK, ya got me. Made me curious so I had to go back & look, guess it's actually the Mako model & it's a Viper motor. Kinda heavy

[Rebel SS]

Yup, the Mako "shark" (they dropped that  few years back..now it's their Z71 Shark 10")
is the bigger one. Not real light. Viper is the Eskimo brand engine. Danged good engine...plus all Eskimos have the industry leading 5 yr warranty.