Ice Fishing => General Discussion => Topic started by: slabslayer on December 30, 2014, 04:06:07 PM
Title: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: slabslayer on December 30, 2014, 04:06:07 PM
With the forecast for the next 7 days, looks like we'll be on ice within the week! It'll be either Thursday (doubtful it'll be safe by then), or Tuesday, due to work and other obligations.
Put all the ice gear in the truck and loaded the shanty. The only thing I'll need is some bait. Love the way the new shanty drags, on the concrete and thru the grass it slides better than the old one. Think it'll be an easier pull on the ice also.
My only gripe going into the season is the auger. It's a Strikemaster Laser Mag Express and I love it, still on the first set of blades 5 years later with no sharpening! Engine starts up right away every time, and is very powerful. BUT, the kill switch/throttle handle could be improved. The plastic isn't that great a quality in my opinion. I've repaired it twice since last February, doing so again this afternoon after it wouldn't shut off. I don't like to choke motors to shut them off, so I wanted to repair it. Upon disassembling it, its a series of tiny, thin plastic and copper parts with no water protection. They got all corroded and the super fine gauge wires (too thin in my opinion), broke off when depressing the throttle switch. It's fixed now and will be good for the season, but I think a waterproof switch with a rubber button would be a better solution. Augers get wet; snow, improper handling, etc. I get that, but why not try to protect it a little better? Maybe the 2015 models fixed this (haven't looked yet). What do you all think? P.S. don't try to convince me to go to any kind of battery-powered auger, not happening, I drill way too many holes for that!! ;D Even a top-of-the-line battery won't get me thru a long day on a new lake.
Title: Re: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: Fishin 2 on December 30, 2014, 06:21:11 PM
HMMMM, New switch maybe, would last at least another 5 yrs, call Strikemaster, they might give ya a switch for being a devoted customer, mine has lasted for over 8 yrs and I wouldn't hesitate to call and give em a little praise !!! Their customer service is no 1. Mike
Title: Re: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: slabslayer on December 30, 2014, 06:31:55 PM
It is! Had a hand auger break the knob on top and they sent handle no questions. I'd never own another brand, just think the switch design could be a tad better. But I look at things and see how I can improve the functionality of a design. I beefed up everything and replaced all the connectors. If it fails again this year, I'll contact them. But I think it'll last a few more years. I siliconed all the connections and crimp points, so it should last a long time, I hope! ;D
Title: Re: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: Warner22 on December 30, 2014, 07:28:30 PM
Can not wait! Hopefully I'll get out to Nimi on the weekdays to try out the new equipment. One positive of working till 2:30 :)
Title: Re: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: snowcone on December 30, 2014, 07:51:35 PM
I will have to look at my switch to see if I can avert the same thing ....
Title: Re: Everything's ready!...and a gripe.
Post by: g on December 30, 2014, 10:52:50 PM
I have the same auger slab. I have had mine for ten years or so. The only problem I have with mine is it won't idle. Hasn't idled since I started using it. Too bad I didn't use it until after the warranty expired. Otherwise it's a great auger.