Gas Augers

[OhioFisher19]

Hey guys I know gas augers were a big topic at the seminar.

My Dad will be buying one this winter and I am curious about which ones you like and why.

How long do the blades last?
Do they leak gas at all

We were going to get the Jiffy propane auger but the engines are no longer tecumseh and are probably made in China.

Thanks for your input!

[HardWater Junkie]

I hae an Eskimo Z51 Shark. Just got it towards the end of the season so I havent had it long enough to know how long the blades last. As for the fuel leaking my auger hasnt lost a drop. It is deffenetly a beast ripping thru the ice.

[OhioFisher19]

Also curious about weight. Is it a pain to carry?

Thanks junkie good seminar this weekend btw!

[HardWater Junkie]

It weighs 30 lbs. its not bad pulling it in the sled. An average 8 inch hand auger is 6 to 8 lbs. I will drag the extra weight everyday and not complain about it. The thing to complain about is how bad my arms hurt trying to drill 100 holes a day. You will find that with a power auger you fish harder then you ever have. Its a lot easier to fish 40 - 50 different spots to get on the fish.

[crv423]

I agree the extra weight is well worth the pain free shoulders. I drill three times as many holes.

[zoeconner]

I have a Eskimo Mako. Awesome for the price. Here it it in action.

Eskimo mako

[zoeconner]

Also I had at least 1' of ice

[mitch131]

I have a strikemaster it is 27 pounds i just got it last year and use one tank of gas when the ice is thick i use it i would say its worth it weight.

[slabslayer]

I also fish the strikemaster, never leaked gas for me either.  I've had mine 3 years, this will start the fourth season.  Never had to touch the blades yet!  If you're careful and don't drop the blades on the ice or on your garage floor, they should last a long time.  The gas auger will change the way you fish.  Like I said at the Fin, if you are mobile, and can drill a lot of holes, you're going to be a better fisherman because you will move to find fish.  Now moving and drilling new holes won't seem like a chore.  You can drill 50 in 5-10 minutes, instead of 1-2 hours.  Plus it's easy on gas.  Fill the tank before you start, and you won't need to carry a gas can.  I've drilled over 200 holes in a day before and not run out of gas.   The added weight is very worth it as well.  It seems light compared with dragging your gear around with aching shoulders from a hand auger.

[perchguy]

I have the strikemaster don't use it much,never had any problems with it runs great.

[g]

i've used my striemaster laser mag xpress for 7-8 years now. have never changed blades yet.doesn't leak any fuel. i had it for 3 years before i used it (always went with a buddy that had 1 ). i've had to replace the recoil, the gas tank (sled rope broke the choke lever ) and adjuust the idle.  i love it, beats hand augers any day.

[OldSailor]

i've used my striemaster laser mag xpress for 7-8 years now. have never changed blades yet.doesn't leak any fuel. i had it for 3 years before i used it (always went with a buddy that had 1 ). i've had to replace the recoil, the gas tank (sled rope broke the choke lever ) and adjuust the idle.  i love it, beats hand augers any day.

 You need to get your shoulder in shape so I can watch it in action!! LOL... Or I'll use it and you can supervise!! You can take it easy on your shoulder and just catch fish!!

[futurestrader]

I have a strikemaster 10 1/4".  Bought it off craigslist for $100 bucks and got the blades replaced and it runs perfect.

[OhioFisher19]

Thanks for the info guys. My Dad picked up a brand new shark today at cabelas for under 300 don't ask me how but he is cupon crazy and what not! I am really glad to hear that the blades last so long!!! Only thing I am worried about is the noise but it looks SWEET! thanks all!!

[futurestrader]

Trick is keep the water off the blades and they will not rust on you.  Take the two seconds to wipe them dry after you rip holes and they will be good for a long time.