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Top Ice Augers – Guide & Comparison
Finding the best ice augers might prove to be a time-consuming task, given all the products available for sale. To help you find the ice fishing auger you need with greater ease, we have examined some of the most appreciated products in this line and concluded that the first option to consider is the ION X 29250 5 Amp-Hour Electric. Featuring quality materials and a build that will cover your ice fishing needs for a long time, this unit promises to make such activities easier and more efficient. Thanks to the 5 amp-hour 40V battery it comes with, the product will help you drill up to 66 holes on a single charge and will turn your fishing into a mess-free activity. Despite such characteristics, the ice auger is also lightweight. If this product is currently unavailable, the second option to consider is the Strike Master Lazer.
5 Best Ice Augers (Updated Reviews) in 2020
The market now offers a variety of ice augers and finding the right one for your needs might prove to be a challenging task. To simplify your decision-making process, we have showcased below some of the most popular items in this category. Check out these ice augers reviews before ordering.
1. ION X 29250 5 Amp-Hour Electric
If you are serious about your ice fishing and are looking for a dependable and durable electric ice auger, this device is well worth considering because it is built to last and will make ice drilling a much more enjoyable activity for you to participate in.
With a 40V battery that can punch up to 66 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge, the gadget may be used for extended periods of time without losing its effectiveness or efficiency. This means that you may engage in long ice fishing sessions without having to be concerned about needing to recharge your battery in order to continue your activity after it has concluded.
The fact that this is an electric unit means there will be no mess because there will be no need to combine oil and gas, and as a result, there will be no possibility of spillage. Also implied by this is that there will be no fumes and that you will be able to participate in an activity that is free of pollution.
It will be easier to cut because of the aluminum cast bottom, and you will be able to use the auger even in the dark because of the two LED lights that are included. Because the handlebars have been reduced in length, drilling near to shelters or walls is now more straightforward. As a result of the device’s small weight and portability, it will provide you with greater overall comfort while in use.
Pros
This ice auger drill can be described as strong, simple to operate, and lightweight in its goal of facilitating and boosting the efficiency of your ice fishing activities.
A battery-powered design provides an exhaust-free performance, while the absence of oil in the operation means that there will be no messes to clean up afterwards.
Because of the 40V battery’s 5 amp-hour capacity, it is able to drill up to 66 holes on a single charge, which makes it a simple and cost-effective alternative for drilling.
The handlebars have been redesigned to make drilling holes in close proximity to walls or other obstructions much more convenient.
The aluminum cast bottom will assist you in making more even and smoother cuts, and the lightweight construction will make it comfortable to use even for lengthy amounts of time on the ice….
Cons
According to one customer, some of the product’s components may not survive as long as they should, particularly in really cold settings.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($579.99)
2. Strike Master Lazer Hand
If you prefer the old-fashioned way of doing things, this manual ice auger from Strike might be exactly up your alley. In addition to meeting your ice fishing needs for a long time, the product is dedicated to making your ice drilling experience as efficient and comfortable as possible.
The equipment was designed with ease of operation, precision, and simplicity in mind. Therefore, it is equipped with chrome-alloy stainless steel blades that will assist you in drilling holes accurately and evenly. The rubber handles will make it more comfortable for you to use the machine for extended periods of time during ice drilling.
The handle of this drill ice auger has been ergonomically built to provide you with even more comfort when using it. Furthermore, it can be changed from 48 to 57 inches in height to accommodate anglers of varying heights and ice thicknesses, among other things. The product is painted with a powder-coated finish to prevent ice from accumulating.
Because this is a manual model, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery power or risking leaking oil in your vehicle or on ice because of the manual transmission. This also indicates that the product will provide an exhaust-free performance because there will be no fumes released during use.
Pros
This ice auger for fishing is made of durable materials and is simple to use and transport. It is an excellent addition to your choice of possibilities because it will assist you in drilling ice holes without contaminating the environment.
Because the product is operated by hand, it does not require a battery or a mixture of oil and gas to function, resulting in an exhaust-free performance.
Because it demands your physical strength and there is no oil involved, there is no danger of spills or a messe to worry about.
Operating it will be more pleasant for you because of the ergonomically designed handle. Additionally, the soft rubber grips will increase your level of comfort even more.
The application of powder-coated paint considerably reduces the likelihood of ice forming on the surface.
Because the handle can be adjusted to fit varied angler heights and ice thicknesses, it is a versatile tool.
Cons
Although some purchasers may consider the product to be overpriced considering that it is a manual ice auger, users have praised it for performing an excellent job on a variety of ice conditions.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($84.99)
3. Strike Master Mora 8-Inch
There are numerous advantages to using a hand-operated ice auger, which range from the mess-free operation to the ability to use it whenever you need it without having to worry about fueling it or charging its battery to name a few. In the event that such advantages are what you’re looking for, this model shouldn’t be overlooked when shopping for your next ice auger.
The device is equipped with a well-thought-out handle knob that makes it easier and more comfortable for you to operate. Furthermore, the material chosen for the handgrip provides improved gripping control, which will further improve your ability to drill with greater ease.
The alloy carbon steel blades will not only assist you in drilling ice holes with more ease, but they will also assist you in doing so with greater precision for an extended period of time. The handle may be modified from 48 to 57 inches in length in order to meet varied angler heights and ice thicknesses.
It is not need to worry about losing battery power or spilling any oil because this is a manual ice auger. This results in less mess and a performance that is free of emissions. The unit is light and portable, weighing only 6 pounds, making transportation a breeze.
Pros
If you’re looking for an ice auger that you can use without having to worry about running out of battery power or running out of gasoline, this manual model might be just what you’re looking for.
Because the product is handled by hand, there will be no leakage or mess to clean up, as is the case with versions that require gasoline to run and do not require a battery to be charged before use.
Blades made of the material that promises to provide you with increased durability and make it simple for you to drill holes with high precision are included in the package.
The handle has been ergonomically shaped, and the handgrip is made of a soft substance for a more comfortable gripping experience.
Because the handle is adjustable, it may be extended from 48 to 57 inches, allowing it to be used by fishermen of varying heights and for ice thicknesses ranging from 1/8 to 1/8 inch in thickness.
Cons
According to at least one user, the upper portion of the product may not be very sturdy and may break after only a short period of time.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($62.35)
4. Eskimo HD06 Dual Flat Blades
You can use this Eskimo ice auger whether you’re an early or late season ice angler, and it’s a wonderful choice if you travel a lot to find that right place and require a lightweight, sturdy, and trustworthy ice auger. As is the case with manual ice augers, this model claims to provide a number of advantages that may make this machine an alternative worth considering.
The device has dual-flat stainless steel blades that will last for a long time and will meet all of your needs. They are not only long-lasting, but they will also retain their sharpness for an extended period of time due to the design, material, and protector that has been added.
Overtightening of the unit will be prevented when drilling because of the use of a cross-bolt takedown mechanism. You can rest confident that using it to drill a large number of ice holes will not be an issue in terms of comfort, as the item is designed with a soft handle and pommel knob.
In addition to having blades with a 6-inch cutting diameter, the equipment weighs only 7.20 pounds and measures 31.8 8 6 6 inches in length, width, and height Because of its size and weight, you can easily incorporate it into your fishing equipment and transport it from one location to another.
Pros
This hand ice auger is lightweight and robust, and it will assist you in drilling ice holes efficiently and effectively for an extended period of time.
The auger is equipped with dual-flat stainless steel blades that are resistant to damage and will retain their sharpness for an extended period of time; in addition, the blade life is extended thanks to the blade protection that is supplied.
You can be confident that there will be no over-tightening involved when drilling because the item is equipped with a cross-bolt takedown system that will prevent this from happening.
The handle and pommel knob are dedicated to making your drilling experience more pleasant, while the lightweight construction allows for convenient transporting.
The product’s dimensions are 31.8 x 8.6 x 6.5 inches, which means it won’t take up much storage room and can be readily incorporated into your fishing equipment.
Cons
According to one buyer who posted a review online, the top plastic handle may not be as sturdy when used in really cold temperatures because it is made of plastic.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($64.99)
5. RICE Hydro DIRTDAWG-CUB 8 Inch
Ice fishing necessitates the use of heavy-duty gear, and this device was created with these requirements in mind. Cutting through thick ice is a difficult operation, especially when you’re fishing in a remote location where the ice is dense. This ice auger was designed to withstand the test of time and assist you in creating the path to your next catch with greater ease, in order to simplify your experience and produce better results for you.
The material utilized to construct this item promises to hold up to many ice fishing excursions, while the replaceable blades are committed to making the operation of ice drilling simple and smooth. The unit has an 8-inch diameter, weighs only 16 pounds, and has dimensions of 8 × 8 x 40 inches. It is made of plastic.
A small item of this size and weight can be readily added to your fishing equipment and carried from one location to another. Although the product is marketed largely as a long-lasting equipment for ice fishing, it can also be used for a variety of other purposes, such as protecting animal habitats and conducting scientific investigations.
Its varied functions have received overwhelmingly positive response from those who have used it. Many users have expressed their appreciation for the product’s solid construction and durability.
Pros
If you want to take your ice fishing to the next level and you require a dependable and durable ice auger bit to assist you in cutting through the ice, this model should not be overlooked before making your final decision on which model to purchase.
The item is made of high-quality materials that will allow even experienced fisherman to meet their needs for an extended period of time.
The blades have been created in such a way that they assist you in cutting smoothly and easily, which considerably improves your drilling experience.
Furthermore, the blades are easily removable; as a result, if you feel that they are no longer performing their functions correctly, you can simply replace them.
Considering that it is compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 16 pounds and measuring only 8 x 8 x 40 inches, it is ideal for storage and transit in tight spaces.
In addition to ice fishing, the product can be used for scientific study and a variety of other purposes.
Cons
It takes some time for the Honda engine that this ice auger bit is designed to work with to warm up, according to one customer who left an online review.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
With winter just around the corner, many anglers interested in ice fishing are on the lookout for new, upgraded gear. If you’re among them, you probably know that there is no more capable tool when it comes to drilling through the ice than an ice auger.
The market now offers a rich variety of affordable ice augers you can choose from yet finding the right one for your needs might be a bit confusing and time-consuming if you’re new to this.
To simplify your decision-making process, we have highlighted below some of the features that require consideration before buying. Reading a drill ice auger review will also help you know how a certain unit works in real life.
Types of ice augers
Choosing the right ice auger depends on a variety of factors from the ice thickness in the area of your interest to the fishing conditions and the effort you’re willing to put into this activity. You can thus go for a manual, gas, or electric ice auger.
If you intend to fish in an area where the ice is thin and you engage in fishing just now and then, a manual ice auger might cater to your needs. Such items are operated solely by hand, which means that they require more effort, though. Still, they are cleaner since there is no gas, oil, or battery involved, they are economical, quieter as well as lightweight.
In case you plan to engage in more serious ice fishing and thus need more power, you could opt for a gas ice auger. Such models are fast and work even through very thick ice. However, they are loud and not environmentally-friendly. Plus, the fuel might freeze in extremely cold conditions.
The third option is the electric ice auger, a common choice among anglers thanks to its exhaust-free operation and ease of use. Electric models are quiet and produce no fumes, so you can employ them without feeling guilty about polluting the air.
Moreover, newer models are lightweight, which reduces arm and shoulder fatigue. The only downside when it comes to electric ice augers is if the battery runs down and there is no power source available.
Blade size and type
Ice augers are further divided into different types depending on the blades they come with. You will find different models here as well. Shaving blades feature smoother edges and are appreciated for cutting through the ice quickly and accurately and for being easier to control.
Chipper blades, as the name suggests, are designed to cut and chop through the ice. That’s why they come with jagged teeth. The way the blades cut through the ice is not the only aspect to consider, though. Think of their size, too. They range from 4 inches to 10 inches and even more when it comes to their diameter. Consider the fish you want to catch and choose accordingly.
Materials, weight, and accessories
The weight of the ice auger you use is another factor you need to pay attention to. If you need to trek to your ice fishing destination, then a lightweight model is desirable. Manual ice augers are ideal in this case yet some of the newer electric ice augers weigh as little as 20 pounds. Gas ice augers are the heaviest.
Still, a lightweight build usually means less or no power as is the case with manual models. If your ice fishing needs require more power, then going for a heavier yet more powerful unit is recommended.
Don’t forget to consider the materials used for the unit you’re interested in. Ice fishing requires durable tools; therefore, avoid cheap ice augers that might break easily when used heavily or in extremely cold conditions.