Opting for the best ice auger gives you the ability to easily make holes in the ice and catch some delicious fish.
There are many different types of augers such as manual, gas, propane and electric. Electric is becoming the optimal choice for many.
Pick the best ice auger for you using the reviews below!
Best Ice Auger Fast Comparison Chart
Best Ice Auger Reviews
Our top tested and rated Ice Auger are listed here:
- ION Alpha Plus 8 Inch: Premium Electric Ice Auger
- Ion G2 8 inch: Runner Up
- Ion R1 Electric: 3rd Place
- Ion X Gen 1 Electric: 4th Place
- Eskimo HC 40 Propane: Best Propane Ice Auger
- Jiffy 30 ALL XT 10″: Runner Up Propane Ice Auger
- Eskimo StingRay 33cc
- Strike Master Lazer: Awesome Hand Ice Auger
- Strike Master Honda-Lite
- Trophy Strike
- Strike Master Chipper Lite
- ThunderBay 33cc
Premium Ice Auger
Premium Ice Auger: ION Alpha Plus 8 Inch
- 3 year warranty
- 8 or 10 inch bits Avail.
- 40V
- Weighs Under 16 lbs
- 52% faster cutting than competition
- Cuts 3.4 inches/second
One of the newest Electric Augers is the ION Alpha PLUS. This beast of an ice auger delivers so many goodies to its users but it comes at a premium price. For that premium price, you get an auger that outperforms not only the competition, but previous generations of the same auger from ION.
This bad boy weighs under 16 pounds which is about 40% lighter than its competition due to the composite auger bit. Don’t let its lightweight fool you, this auger packs a punch with the fastest cutting speed we’ve experienced at 3.4 inches per second. This is because of the turbo high speed cutting system that is new on ION augers and reduces resistance when drilling holes.
The long drill bit allows you to drill 24″ of ice without the use of an extension because the auger length is 40 inches. The variable speed trigger allows you to customize your speed for the ice conditions you encounter.
The lithium ion battery has been supercharged even compared to older ION models. How long do ION ice auger batteries last? This 4 Ah ION Gen 3 battery can cut up to 2000 inches of ice on a single charge, whereas older models it was 1600 inches.
Typical of ION quality, it also comes with a centering point to drill holes straight and keep it from skimming on the ice and a slush flush reverse function. This unit comes with 2 high powered LED lights underneath the powerhead, so you can drill in the dark in your shelter, on the lake at sunrise/sunset, etc.
We love the best in class warranty of 3 years that also covers the battery.
Quiet and no fumes
3 year warranty
52% faster cutting than the competition
Ion G2 8 inch
- 3 year warranty
- 8 or 10 inch bits Avail.
- 17lbs
- 2 batteries included
- Reverse Function
- 1200″ on a single charge
Fast and smooth but lightweight: that’s the ION G2 Electric Auger. Fast cutting speeds are maximized with the G2, you can cut through 12 inches of ice in 8 seconds or less and it carves through 18 inches of ice like butter.
How long do ION batteries last? Ion auger battery life is pretty impressive, but it really depends on how much you’re drilling and how thick the ice is. Drill 40 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge with this electric auger.
This ice auger features a reverse function for flushing slush out and the flite design allows for a smooth, uninterrupted hole breakthrough.
Like all ION electric augers, the G2 comes with 2 LED lights underneath the powerhead, so you can drill in the dark in your shelter, on the lake at sunrise/sunset, etc.
The centering point keeps the auger in position when drilling new or reopening old holes.
Weighing in at approx. 17lbs, its easy to transport over the ice and a dream to chase fish all day. You won’t feel fatigued from the weight of this electric auger.
Ion includes two batteries, a charger, and a 3 year warranty with your purchase.
You can also buy a handy Ion Carry Bag that fits Ion Augers AND most other types of Augers.
Quiet and no fumes
Drills faster than other models
3 year warranty
Ion R1 Electric Auger Gen 1
Ion Ice Auger
- 30% faster than older models
- Reverse Function
- Centering Point
- Electric
- 8 or 10 inch bits Avail.
- 3 year warranty
If you love chasing fish, the Ion Electric Ice Auger is built for you. The quiet operation means you won’t be scaring any fish away.
How long do ION batteries last? Ion auger battery life is pretty impressive, but it really depends on how much you’re drilling and how thick the ice is. This 8 inch ice auger drills up to 40 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge.
Weighing in at 22lbs, its lightweight design allows for easy transport and portability over ice. Because its electric, you don’t have to worry about mixing oil/gas or fumes in your ice shanty. One of the best electric augers on the market.
Ion includes one battery, the charger, and a 12 inch extension with your purchase. You can also buy a handy Ion Carry Bag that fits Ion Augers AND most other types of Augers.
The reoptimized power system delivers up more power than previous ION augers, which equates to 30% faster ice cutting speeds.
The reverse function flushes the slush ice down the hole. The design of the blades and flite allows for an incredible smooth hole breakthrough.
This unit comes with 2 high powered LED lights underneath the powerhead, so you can drill in the dark in your shelter, on the lake at sunrise/sunset, etc.
The centering point keeps the auger in perfect position when drilling new or reopening old holes. No more skipping and skimming across the ice, reducing fatigue.
You will love these extras because it means you can get out on the ice and fish fast, without having to buy additional supplies.
You can also buy a handy Ion Carry Bag that fits Ion Augers AND most other types of Augers.
Quiet
No fumes
Drills faster than older models
3 year warranty
ION X Gen 1 Electric Auger
ION X
- 8 or 10″ blades
- Reverse Function
- 40V, 1600″ of drilling on 1 charge
- 22-25lbs
- 34-42″ drill bits
Precise reliable drilling with ease with the new ION X High Performance Electric Ice Auger.
The best electric ice auger you can get. Save yourself the hassle of dealing with fuel.
You get the latest in cutting edge ice auger technology with a new aluminum cast bottom. This gives you a smoother more even cut when drilling or re-drilling ice fishing holes.
During testing we found that the re-designed handles bars that are closer to the powerhead let us drill in tight spaces (like your ice shanty) and gave us more control. We love that.
Weighing in at only 22 lbs for the 8 inch and 25 lbs for the 10 inch, it was easy to pull on our sled behind us.
Ion includes one battery, the charger, a 12 inch extension and a blade cover when you purchase this ice auger. Good value for your dollar. You can get everything you need with one purchase and get out fishing faster.
The LED surface lights were awesome and positioned under the powerhead, letting us drill at night with no problems. You can also buy a handy Ion Carry Bag that fits Ion Augers AND most other types of Augers.
Slush Flush Reverse
Comes w/12 inch extension
Jumps around if drilling on uneven surface
Doesn’t have center spike to hold it in place
Expensive Replacement Parts
Eskimo Ice Auger
Eskimo HC 40
- 8 or 10 inch
- Propane Powered
- Auto Prime fuel system
- Holds 1lb propane cyclinder
- 32-34lbs
- Chipper blades
The Eskimo HC40 Ice Auger is the best propane-powered ice auger. It offers several features that allow for an easy, yet powerful operation.
The HC40 engine was built by engineers to use higher octane propane instead of gas. No toxic fumes so you can use this auger in your ice house. Clean burning and low maintenance.
With 40ccs and a four cycle engine, this Eskimo Ice Auger packs some serious power and torque. The higher compression ratio let’s you get more power out of the Eskimo than other ice augers.
When testing we found the engine is pretty lightweight. The perfect combo. This line of Eskimo ice augers comes with Quantum blades. We found it to be incredibly sharp and cut through the ice easily. You can even buy a handy Eskimo carrying bag to protect your vehicle and your auger from any damage while transporting.
Choose from either a 10-inch cutting diameter or an eight-inch one. There are durable foam grip handlebars which are comfortable for operation.
Even though it’s powerful, the Eskimo HC40 is one of the quieter models we tested. Making a lot of noise won’t help you catch any fish.
Eskimo includes a blade protector made from hard plastic and an adjustable rubber strap to keep the blade protector in place.
The four-cycle engine also provides for better efficiency, a higher level of durability, limited pollution, and more torque. You simply attach a one-pound propane bottle, flip the switch to on, and pull the grip recoil. You don’t have to prime the engine or fill a tank.
For maintenance you can grab the Eskimo Oil Collection, made specifically from Eskimo Propane Ice Augers. Don’t forget your Eskimo Blade Protector to keep you and your blade safe from damage.
The Eskimo HC40 is a great investment for any ice fisher who wants a powerful, propane-powered auger. One of our favorites.
Efficient Engine
Auto Prime System
Plastic Body can Feel Cheap
Jiffy 10” Ice Auger
jiffy 30 ALL XT
- Gas Powered
- Serrated blades
- 32-36lbs
- 49cc, 4 stroke
- Available in 6, 8 and 9 inch too
Whether you are gearing up for another upcoming ice fishing season or you just want to add to your arsenal of toys, you need a reliable, quality ice auger.
The Jiffy 30 ALL XT 10” Ice Auger is new and improved over the previous model, the Jiffy 44.
This Jiffy gas auger is a very close 2nd to the Eskimo HC40 in terms of being the best propane ice auger around. It’s a powerful ice drill which comes with several unique features to help with better control and higher efficiency.
During testing we loved the new, wider handles and the serrated ripper blades. It cut through the ice like butter, making drilling easy and manageable.
With that said, at 32 to 36 lbs, it’s bit on the heavier side compared to all the other models we tested. So, if you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight auger, this probably isn’t the model for you.
Jiffy also includes a plastic blade protector with purchase. The quality build on Jiffy ice augers means that maintenance is virtually nonexistent.
Other than being heavy, this ice auger can meet your goals of cutting through ice without issue. It’s marketed as always starting right away, and it mostly does, but not when it’s super cold.
Get your fuel and get your fish on!
New Serrated Blade System
Risk Free Purchase
Heavy given the engine size
Best Value for Money
Eskimo Stingray S33
Eskimo 8″ Stingray S33
- 33cc
- Gas Powered
- See through gas tank
- 28lbs
- 42 inch drill depth
- 5 year warranty
When it comes to value and features, the Eskimo Stingray S33 is a great option.
The Eskimo Stingray 8 inch ice auger is the best gas ice auger and definitely a powerhouse when it comes to ice fishing. We found that if you need to drill multiple holes, its 33cc Viper engine will allow you to do it with ease.
The Quantum blades easily cut through the ice, cutting through like butter. Eskimo Stingray quantum ice auger blades are top of the line for bits. The drill bit on the Stingray is a combination of shaving and chipping blades, which will slice through the ice easily.
When it comes to stability, the Eskimo Stingray 33cc 8” Power Auger provides a wide range of features to allow you to use the power auger easily.
The steel handlebars stabilize the power auger while drilling to reduce stress on your hands. We really loved the primer button and the fingertip throttle trigger. This model also has mitten-grip recoil which would allow you to start the engine even while wearing thick gloves or mittens. The Stingray also comes with a muffler guard which will protect you and your clothing from hot areas.
Available in both 8 and 10 inch bits so that you’re covered for most fishing situations. Because this is an Eskimo product, it comes with a centering ring for drilling and redrilling holes which pairs well with the stainless steel centering point for keeping the auger stable on uneven ice.
The primer button can be used to start the engine easily, while the throttle trigger will allow you to control the engine when drilling. Protect your blades and hands with the Eskimo Blade Protector.
Be careful though, since the rubber cover on the on/off rocker switch tends to freeze in super cold temps. You can even buy a handy Eskimo carrying bag to protect your vehicle and your auger from any damage while transporting.
If you want something that won’t break the bank, the Eskimo Stingray is a good pick.
Finger tip throttle control
Steel handlebars
Easy Start priming
5 year warranty
Stock fuel lines are prone to cracking
Break in period 30-40 holes
Pull cord isn’t as strong as it should be
Gas caps can leak after awhile
Best Hand Auger
StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger
StrikeMaster Lazer
- Adjusts from 48-57″
- Stainless Steel Blades
- Coated to reduce ice build up
- Ergonomic handle system
- 4-8 inch blades avail.
It’s not often that you hear people saying that a hand auger cuts through ice like a hot knife through butter! But when they do, you should listen.
When we tested the StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger we were impressed. What impressed us most was the ease of use, how sharp the blades are, and the stainless steel construction.
If you’re going to use a hand auger, then this is THE one you want to use. When drilling holes, it cut through the ice almost twice as fast as other comparable hand augers.
We timed it and we could drill through approximately 10″ of ice in 10 seconds….14-17 inches in just under 30. When chasing fish, a fast cutting hand auger is important.
The handle adjusts from 48 inches to 57 inches, giving you good reach when drilling through deep ice. It comes in a ton of diameters from 4″ to 8″.
If you’re after larger fish, we recommend you go for the 8″ model. The 5″ will do for perch and walleye.
It tends to catch at the end of the hole but it’s nothing that would steer us away from using this hand ice auger again.
Pair this with a drill and you save a ton over electric, propane and gas augers. The best ice auger for cordless drills hands down.
You can find replacement blades online for your Lazer Hand Auger HERE.
These Lazer Ice Auger blades come in a pack of 3 and in 6, 7 and 8 inch lengths. They are made in Sweden, so you know you are getting top quality ice fishing blade replacements for your Lazer Hand Auger.
Sharp Blades
Comes in 4 through 8 inches
Slices through ice fast
Double check that the blades are Swedish made, they are the best quality
Strikemaster Honda Lite Ice Auger
Strikemaster Honda Lite
- Gas Powered
- Mora Lazer blades: BEST blades!
- 23lbs
- 2 year warranty on Honda Enginre
- 35cc 4 stroke OHC
The StrikeMaster Honda Lite delivers consistent performance with its 35cc four stroke OHC engine.
If you’re environmentally conscious, this Honda gas auger delivers 75% less emissions than other 2 stroke gas powered ice augers. This StrikeMaster ice auger comes equipped with Mora Ice Lazer Blades, top quality sharpened blades from Sweden. Mora blades are considered to be the best ice slicing blades on the market.
The polymer gear casting reduces the weight of this gas auger to one of the lightest in its category for 10 inch holes: 23 lbs! The high impact vibration absorption handlebars help to reduce fatigue when drilling multiple holes, like when you’re chasing fish.
Some owners have problems with starting their Honda Lite. The carb is jetted for a range of cold temps so this can lead to issues with the engine getting enough fuel when cold.
When starting it cold, do not prime the engine. Instead, hold the throttle down while pulling and it should start 1st or second pull. Once warm, you’ll have no issues starting it.
StrikeMaster ice auger parts are available from:
-2 Year Warranty
-High Impact handles soak up vibration
-Need to check carb and idle and set them right
-Tube from tank to carb might be too long
Best Budget Electric Ice Auger
Trophy Strike Ice Auger Drill
- Electric
- Drills up to 70 holes in 20″ thick ice
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic Handles
If you’re looking to save a few bucks but still get out on the ice the Trophy Strike may be for you.
For the price, you get an ice auger that drills 8 inch holes and up to 35.5 inches in depth.
What we loved about this auger was the ergonomically designed handles that made using it with our thick gloves a breeze. I know I’m always struggling when I’ve got my thick gloves on. The Trophy Strike eliminates this problem.
It’s also lightweight, just like you’d expect an electric ice auger to be. Just know to save some money you may have to sacrifice reliability.
You can’t have everything you want for a cheap price, but this auger comes pretty close.
Two known issues include the batteries not being able to charge/hold a charge and the auger parts not being able to hold up to winter drilling conditions.
We tested and found that performance was a bit overstated and that we only get about 70 holes/charge, not 86. As long as you are prepared for this, you won’t be disappointed.
You get what you pay for.
-Great at Cold Starts
-Handles are Glove Friendly
-Power not overwhelming
-Battery may have charging issues
Strikemaster Chipper Lite Ice Auger
Strikemaster Chipper Lite Power Ice Auger
- Gas Powered
- 2 stroke 32cc 1.5HP
- 8″Steel chipper blade
- 40:1 trans
- Heat treated steel gears
- 24 lbs
If we were looking at buying a gas powered auger, the Strikemaster Chipper Lite would be our first choice.
The Chipper Lite is a gas powered two stroke auger and you’ll notice the power while drilling.
The auger has a 32cc engine with 1.5 horsepower, producing enough force for you to drill through thick layers of ice comfortably and quickly. During testing, reopening holes was never a problem.
Measuring 43 x 18 x 12 inches, the auger is at a comfortable height not just for piercing through thick ice but also for handling.
And the 8.25 inch holes it drilled were the perfect size. The Chipper Lites blades are perfect for when you’re dealing in dirty and uneven ice. The blades have a super sharp tip to prevent the auger from jerking around too much while drilling.
Additionally, the auger features an American-made 40:1 transmission with steel gears treated with heat. This ensures a smooth and long life for your auger. Despite all this, the StrikeMaster Chipper Lite only weighs 24 pounds.
We did find that the two stroke was noisier than other ice augers, but that’s expected for this type of engine.
This auger is noisy because it’s a 2 stroke so be aware of this if you don’t want a noisy auger.
StrikeMaster also offers a two-year warranty on its power auger Solo engine in case of any faulty components.
Lightweights: 24 lbs
Reliable
Powerful
Sharp Blade Tip
Long handles for easy use
Doesn’t always start on first pull
Thunder Bay 33cc Gas Ice Auger
Thunder Bay 33cc 8“
- Gas Powered
- 33 cc
- 32 lbs
- Geared to deliver extra torque
- 8 inch bit
- Blade Protector Included
If you’re looking for a budget gas powered auger, the ThunderBay 33cc may be for you. This ice auger is geared for extra torque cutting through 25 holes in a row without issue.
We found that until it warmed up, you needed to give it 3 or 4 pulls to get it started. You may need to adjust the idle so that it idles properly when not warmed up all the way.
It cuts 8 inch diameter holes, perfect for larger fish and comes with a blade protector. This ice auger goes through 10-12 inches of ice very easily. While testing, we found it to be on the heavy side, compared to other gas powered augers on our Best Ice Augers top 10 list.
The 33cc, two cycle engine does require you to mix gas and oil at a ratio of 40:1. We recommend using a pre-mixed fuel called Tru-Fuel to get ‘er done.
The warranty is 2 years on the engine and 1 year on the other auger parts.
Low Price
Good torque and power
2 year warranty on the engine
Might need to adjust idle
Best Ice Augers: Buyer’s Guide
What Is an Electric Ice Auger?
You’ve likely seen an auger at some point, especially in landscaping. These tools are designed to enable you to drill a hole into the ground with minimal effort, especially the electric battery powered augers.
Electric ice augers are slightly different than the rest, as they are specially designed to drill through thick sheets of ice.
Auger blades are shaped differently depending on the surface to be drilled. The blades maybe be sharper or serrated with an ice auger vs an earth auger.
Some might assume that since they are called electric, you’ll need a connection to power. Good news is that they are typically cordless and battery-operated, which makes them a more environmentally friendly and lightweight option to have at your disposal.
Built simply with a handle and a threaded shank, they are highly versatile tools. With your ice auger in hand, you simply place it over the spot on the ice where you want to drill your hole.
The next step is to turn it on and then allow it to do all the work for you, instead of having to twist the handle on your own. The threaded shank will make its way into the ice until it breaks through.
What Size Ice Auger Should I Buy?
That all depends on the type of fish you’re chasing. Larger fish will require a large hole and therefore a large auger diameter. Larger fish you should aim for minimum 8 inch auger, maybe even 10 inch. Smaller fish, you can get away with a 6 inch to 8 inch in most cases like Perch, Bluegrill and Crappie. We recommend an 8 inch auger because it covers the most types of fish you’d be chasing. That would cover, Northern Pike, Bass, Whitefish, Lake Trout and Walleye.
Can I Sharpen my Ice Auger Blades?
Yes, you can sharpen them and you should for every trip. You should even think about bringing sharpening gear with you on trips, just in case the blades get dull while out on the lake. Check out this video on how to sharpen the blades. You can also buy a blade sharpener, which may be a bit easier. Some brands like jiffy, Eskimo, and Strikemaster make their own sharpeners. Check out this link to see all the options.
What to Look for in Ice Fishing Augers
What Are the Most Important Features to Look For when buying an ice auger?
The most obvious advantage of having an ice fishing auger is that it is specifically designed to make your job easier. You won’t have to crank the shaft manually for it to work its way into the ice, which also makes your fishing expeditions less time-consuming.
-Long battery life
-Good cold start
-Fuel efficient
-Quiet
-Metal Parts
-Easy to find and replace parts yourself
#1. Lithium-Ion Batteries
When you’re headed out on a fishing trip, you’re going to want to ensure your auger won’t run out of charge before you make enough holes.
This is why these devices are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which are known to hold plenty of charges and last over hours of continuous use.
As advancements are made to electric augers since they are relatively new, the battery life is only foreseen to get better. Make sure that the auger you buy has a depth per charge or drilling hours per charge so you have an idea of what to expect when you’re ice fishing.
On average, lithium-ion batteries can take several hours to charge, especially if they’re powering heavy-duty equipment such as an ice auger. Beware not to overcharge your batteries and store them in a warmer environment to avoid the battery not keeping a charge or becoming difficult to keep a change in the future.
Once they have fully charged, though, they’ll power the device for several hours without needing to switch them out or recharge them.
#2. Highly Portable and Lightweight
The main premise behind any auger is to give the user the ability to carry it to their desired location, whether it’s an ice fishing hole or their backyard but not all are designed the same.
Electric augers are known for being lightweight and portable, even with the added weight of a battery.
When you take out the need for gas, you’re also removing all the heavy components needed to operate the device and as such, they are becoming more lightweight as advancements are made.
Most ice augers now weigh approximately 40% less than gas augers, which is ideal for people who want to pack as light as possible. Additionally, you won’t need to worry about straining yourself while traveling.
Try to find an auger that is lightweight but still powerful enough to get through the layers of ice and dig as many holes as you need while chasing fish. Careful though, some brands achieve a lighter weight in their ice augers by using plastic parts or lower grade metal that can’t withstand cold temps and heavy use.
#3. On-Demand Power
A major concern for gas auger users is that getting the unit started is more difficult than you might anticipate, especially if it’s an older auger.
You have to ensure there is enough gas in the tank as well as oil all in addition to cranking it several times until it starts up. All of this can be avoided when you opt for an ice fishing auger with an electric startup.
With access to on-demand power, you won’t have to worry about extreme cold affecting the inner components of the engine nor will you have to wait several times for the tool to start working.
Depending on your model, you likely have to push a single button and it starts up in a matter of seconds. Another important feature of this is that you can use it consistently without leaving an idle engine running.
You’ll more than likely need to drill several holes in the same area and instead of leaving the auger running, burning gas and posing a safety risk, you can start and stop the tool with the power button.
Propane ice augers can be a bit finnicky to get started in colder weather, the trade off is that they are super efficient with respect to fuel. Your propane canister will most likely last longer than a battery ice auger.
#4. Quieter Use
Like any fisher, you know how important it is not to scare your catch away; otherwise, you’ll be spending more time than necessary waiting for a bite.
Although electric augers aren’t completely silent, they are far less noisy than their gas counterparts. This applies to any tool that has a gas and electric option since gas is noticeably louder and causes stronger vibrations on the ice.
When you start your electric auger, it’s a very dull noise which will be far less likely to scare away your fish, making them ideal for plenty of ice anglers.
Search out the quietest ice auger you can afford. Make sure that you aren’t sacrificing power for less noise. You’ll also find that you’ll appreciate the quietness of the tool yourself, so you can enjoy your time spent fishing in the quiet outdoors.
#5. Zero Emissions
This is particularly important for anglers who use ice fishing houses, as the last thing you’ll want is to have to inhale exhaust fumes which are terrible for your health.
Gas augers put out a large level of fumes compared to electric ice augers, which create zero emissions. You’ll not only be protecting yourself, but also the environment.
There’s no point to putting an excessive amount of pollutants into the air if you can avoid it with the help of a tool designed for ease of use and convenience. If you’re environmentally-conscious, you’ll see no other choice other than a manual or electric ice auger.
#6. Simple (and Cheap) Maintenance and Parts
Aside from being convenient to operate, when it comes to maintaining your ice fishing auger, you’ll find it’s substantially easier than originally thought.
You won’t have to worry about combining the perfect ratios of oil and gas nor will you be concerned about flooding and leakages, as you would with a gas tank. The only type of maintenance to do is recharging the electric battery and storing it in a warm place so that it’s ready to use in the future.
Make sure that parts are available for the ice auger you choose. You could need another battery, handle or blade replacements, or a dirt blade for your powerhead.
Also check that replacement parts aren’t super expensive and that the company has a rock solid warranty that covers defects for a long time.
#7. Interchangeable Blades
Imagine that you buy an ice auger. Summer comes along, and now you need to dig some holes in the dirt. Wouldn’t be great if you could use your ice auger powerhead?
You can, if you purchase dirt blades for your ice auger drill. Check out our detailed explanation to learn if you can use your ice auger for dirt and learn the difference between an ice auger vs an earth auger.
Advice for Picking out the Best Ice Auger
3 Things You Need to Look For When Buying an Ice Auger
Every tool that you own serves its purpose and although electric augers seem to be the cure-all solution to your ice fishing woes, they still do have a couple of disadvantages.
#1. Battery Life
At this point, an ice auger drill operating with gas will outlast the majority of electric augers, especially when it comes to drilling multiple holes.
Batteries are going to be consumed at a far faster pace than gas, but as technology advances, the gap between the two is sure to get closer.
This is especially true for anglers taking a weekend trip to their favorite fishing spot. With overnight stays, though, you won’t have to worry about bringing additional batteries or keeping an eye on the charge of your auger.
All you have to do is bring extra gasoline and as augers won’t go through your entire reserve in one sitting, they can be a more convenient solution.
#2. Power
If you’re not going to invest a large sum of money into the top-tier electric augers, the power from an electric one may be lacking.
Nevertheless, this is common amongst most gas and electric tools, as gas inevitably powers a motor better so it operates at peak efficiency. You’ll mostly see a difference if you are trying to drill through thick sheets of ice and intend on making upwards of 100 holes each day.
The deeper you need to go with your auger, the less efficient it will become, which can make it difficult to use over longer periods.
#3. Cost
With all of the points about power taken into consideration, the cost of an electric ice auger drill with the power of a gas auger is going to be substantially higher.
If you’re budget-conscious, opting for gas may be a better alternative but you’re going to need to take your ice fishing frequency into account. Also, cheaper models tend to have plastic parts that may become weak and break in the cold weather.
You will also want to think about the cost of gas, as with an electric model, you never have to buy any additional items to make the unit work when you need it.
It’s easy to see how the advantages of an electric ice auger overtake their disadvantages when compared to gas, though is it true that electric augers are better than manual ones as well?
Get your Ice Fishing Auger ready for fishing season with our handy post!
Different Types of Ice Augers Available
There are 4 different types of ice augers you can choose from and all have been included in this list. Here is a quick breakdown of the types.
- Gas Ice augers: run on gas and oil mixture, emissions, heavy, powerful
- Electric Ice Augers: run on lithium batteries, no emissions, powerful, batteries need to kept warm
- Propane Ice Augers: run on propane canisters, heavy, louder than most
- Manual Ice Augers: hand operated, can be tiring to use, can attach drills to make them powered, less maintenance
Are Manual Ice Augers Hard to Use?
They can be hard to use if you’re drilling by hand. Manual ice augers, if you are drilling by hand, need alot of elbow grease to get through the ice compared to powered augers. You may get tired and not chase fish as much with a simple manual auger leading to less fish at the end of the day. Especially if you’re on thick or dirty ice.
Adding a drill to your manual auger and powering it that way is the best solution to stop fatigue. It’s also a cheaper way to get on the ice, as the prices of the powered augers is more than a manual ice auger and a drill (that you probably had around the house already).
How Long do ION Ice Auger Batteries Last?
- ION Alpha Plus 8 Inch: 4 Ah ION Gen 3 battery can cut up to 2000 inches of ice on a single charge
- Ion G2 8 inch: 1200″ on a single charge
- Ion R1 Electric: Drills up to 40 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge
- Ion X Gen 1 Electric: 1600″ of drilling on 1 charge
Conclusion
As someone who enjoys ice fishing, you’ll find no tool more important than an ice auger, as they are specifically designed to give you the ability to drill through ice sheets as thick as three feet, if not more.
One common realization amongst any other ice auger review is that electric variants are more convenient, easy to travel with, and ideal for environmentally conscious anglers.
With all of the benefits that they bring to the table, it’s easy to see how they are becoming more popular over the years.
Although they aren’t perfect, especially in terms of longevity and battery life, the more improvements made to electric ice augers, the better they will become. Eventually, they’ll be the only ice fishing auger models you’ll see!
FAQs
ION Alpha Plus 8 Inch: Premium Electric Ice Auger
Lightweight, long battery life, good cold start, drills a ton of holes on a single charge
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