Ice auger?

[EyLayo]

Hey catchion-  I may have an opinion that has some merit for you, though just my opinion. I’ve been through a few augers over the years and have developed some strong preferences through mostly bad experiences. But I now have an auger set up I love. Here are my preferences in order of importance. 

1- Chipper Blades. I’ve been through a number of shaver blade augers. I always had to carry spare blades and sharpen. A shaver auger is the only thing that’s ever ruined a trip for me. I got an Eskimo Stingray 15 years ago. I have never sharpened or changed blades and it will still rip a hole. I’ve never changed or sharpened a chipper blade. 

2- Weight. I got really tired of the heaviest item I take being an auger. Even just lugging between holes gets old. 

3-  Electric. Not having to deal with gas/gas tanks leaking. Starting on sub zero mornings, etc. I will always have an electric auger with me. I did have a little bit of an issue at the Naughton derby 2 years ago. 30” of ice was max I could do and it’s the only time I shredded both my batteries. I take the old reliable gas auger when the ice is that gnarly. 

4- Drill style-  I like everything about the drill style over the larger dedicated Ion/Strikemaster style auger. If I had a second choice, it would be an Ion- but they are pricey and replacement batteries are too. 

5-  Starting point.  Your drill will never wander again, you can open old holes easily and overlap cuts. 

With all that said- I know it was long…my go to set up is a 18v Milwaukee Fuel drill w/ (2) 5 ah batteries turning a 7.5” KDrill. I’m on season 4, fishing every weekend in the season. I drill 15-40 per day and it has never let me down. I’m going to get another set up this year so my boy and don’t have to share. I’m looking hard at the new Jiffy Torch. Not sure why I am looking at something different- but that bit has my attention. It only has one chipper blade (KDrill has 2 with free lifetime sharpening). Im thinking one blade will put less torque on the drill. Chippers aren’t the fastest out there, but they are tanks. I’ve never competed in a speed drilling contest, so that’s not important to me. I will still turn it with a new Milwaukee drill. That drill has done nothing but impress me. 
Milwaukee Fuel 2604 kit- $250
7.5” KDrill- $220
Jiffy Torch- $189 (not released yet- just msrp)

Good luck, it’s a fun endeavor.

Lots of good info there, have you ever tried the nils?