ICE AUGERS

[PACKFAN]

Can anyone give me some info on a good manual ice auger, I have an old Mora I think it is, that is about 15 years old. I saw one in Sportsman's yesterday that is made by Eskimo that runs about $50.00 I guess it is an improved design on the blades. Thanks.[cool]
[signature]

[Flycasting]

Hookjaw has a Strikemaster that cuts really well. I have heard good and bad things about the Eskimos. []
[signature]

[JHT]

Sharp blades make the difference. I have an auger that is 15+ yrs. old. I replace the blades every couple of years and it works great on ice less than 20". Yesterday on Causey I drilled three holes with a manual auger in the same time the guy next to me drilled one with a gas auger and dull blades.
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]My suggestion is to NOT buy the Eskimo. I tried for two years and two sets of blades...plus sharpening...to cut holes with the Eskimo Barracuda. Terrible.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I just got an 8" Strikemaster Mora at Big 5, for $55 and it works well. The Strikemaster Lazer is better if you can find one.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

[Flycasting]

No doubt about the fact that sharp blades are important. However, If the blade mounts or the auger is bent 1 degree outta whack, it wouldn't matter if the blades were sharp or not.... it's not gonna cut very well. I know 2 people that have had Eskimos right out of the box with new blades, and they didn't cut worth a darn for those reasons. They are just manufacturing flaws, but I haven't heard of the same flaws with other brands. Just my 2 cents. []
[signature]

[2fishon]

I have an eskimo barracuda also. I don't like it very much. Get a strikemaster if you can.
[signature]

[PACKFAN]

I replace my blades every couple of seasons and also carry an extra set with me. I had heard that there were some better augers made now and I think the Lazer was the one I was thinking of but couldn't remember the name. Thanks for the info guys.[cool]
[signature]

[JLW]

Me and my buddy`s run strike master Mora`s. I have seen a couple other hand augers work and my mora cuts twice as fast. Sharp blades are the key but design is half of it. It also has an easily adjustable handle which makes it nice for hauling and also drilling different thickness of ice or diferent height of the user. Get a mora. That is my two cents. Fish on.
[signature]

[psychofish]

I have an eskimo 8" and just got a strike master lazer 6". The strike master is 10 times better. It is fast. I got mine at Cabelas for about $60.
[signature]

[eskamo]

Gave my eskimo hand auger away. I would have been ashamed to charge money for it! Strike Master lazer is the best money I've spent on my ice gear. My Eskimo 3 HP gas auger works well and I have 2 of their shelters that perform well. The design on their hand augers or the blade steel needs alot of improvement.
[signature]

[PACKFAN]

I have a Jiffy power auger that is great on thick ice but I have only found ice thick enough to justify packing it out a couple of times. Thanks for all the info on the manual augers, I guess I'll take a look at the Strikemaster if I can find one on this end of the Valley. Maybe good Ol'Smith & Edwards handles them.[cool]
[signature]

[redman]

I have an eskimo 8" hand auger and it works just fine for me...I drill pretty fast, even through Strawberry's thick ice/snow/slush layers. Maybe I don't know any better because I've never used anything else.
[signature]

[icerman]

Strikemaster lazer can't be beat! In 6" ice I can out drill a power auger (unless it's a power strikemaster lazer mag). The angle of the blades and sharp blades are key. I love the palm grip (not a handle like one), and have been very pleased with my auger for the past 6 years.
[signature]

[Kent]

One thing I have wondered about is why are hand augers designed to be turned with the left arm? Couldn't they reverse the direction that they drill and design the majority of them to be turned with the right arm?
[signature]

[JLW]

Hey Kentofnsl, I mostly turn my auger with my left hand but I really don`t know why because if I used my right it would be exactly the same except I would push through the inside and pull around the outside which is just the opposite of what you do with your left. I don`t know why that doesn`t feel comfortable while drilling. Seems like it should be same same??????? Fish On.
[signature]

[lavaman]

Just like all these guys say, Strikemaster's can't be beat. Mine is the 8" version; I've had it for a year now and I haven't had a problem with it.
[signature]

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]WHAT??? Who says they are designed to be turned with the left hand? Yes, they are mostly designed to be turned in a clockwise rotation, but you can use either hand. I have been cranking them with my right arm for many years.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I suppose you always look for left handed forks too.[/#0000ff]
[signature]

[Coldfooter]

Hey my friend, my 10" lazer mag cuts pretty badly whether I turn it to the left or right. Of course it really calls for me to hang on with both hands and allow it do the turning by itself. []

Seriously tho',, I do understand what your saying bud and those that dont should grab ahold of a 10" manual. It will teach a person rather quickly which mussels might be slightly out of shape or trained to operate in the opposite direction.. [crazy]
[signature]