I've drilled probably well over 1000 holes with my Nils in the past few years and have not had to replace the blade.  I like it a lot.  We got into a habit of bringing the handle with, but I don't think it's necessary.   I'm not worried about my hammer drill failing or the 9 amp battery running out.  Unless Strikemaster came up with a new blade design they aren't as fast at drilling as the Nils.

I agree with Tim, give the eskimo pistol bit a look.

That $80 nils head is what deterred me from considering them, anyone that isn't concerned about that hasn't hit a rock while drilling (yet).

You should check out the Eskimo Pistol Bit,  Weight about 1 1/2 LBS lighter than the Strikemaster Lite Flight.  It has shaver blades which are easier on your drill batteries vs a chipper style blade.

Thanks for the responses. I have not looked into the Nero but will definitely check it out.  Your points on the nils are spot on and one of the major concerns I have with purchasing it.  I’m not planning on buying the strike master power head but I’m hoping to use an 18v drill with adapter.  I had seen some interesting videos on the new strikemaster lite flite auger which has the adapter for the 18v drill.  I was hoping that a standard strike master handle would fit on the auger as a backup similar to how the nils has a handle.  Thanks again and good luck

I carried a backup handle for 5 years, and gave that up five years ago.  Decided I would rather leave or ask for help drilling holes vs doing any by hand.  

No one brings back up handles for gas augers.   

I don’t think the Strikemaster is able to take a handle for drilling by hand but it can bolt right on to a Strikemaster powerhead. I say that because they have a serrated blade as opposed to one that is a shaver or a standard Lazer blade. 

There is no doubt that the Nils is an exceptional auger but the cutting head is expensive to replace....$80 for a 6”, over $100 for an 8”....and can be damaged easily. If you fish on dirty ice (sand or dirt blown into it) a Nils cutting head will lose its performance advantage quickly. It’s not a head you can sharpen on your own, you’d have to send it somewhere to have it done. 

A third option you might want to look at is the Nero. For about $100 you can get a 7” and it comes with the drill adapter and offset handle. Blades are about $15. Reviews of them have been very positive.