The ION Files (Battery operated Ice Auger)

n.pike, thats not bas, 8 years and never drained the battery stone cold dead.

Who is counting, but I think this is ION Ice season Year 8 and for the first time I had the battery completely die! 

It was probably after about 22 holes. 20 inches per hole. I saw the red light for the first time ever and the Ion stopped. Got a little more drilled. Stopped...repeat, etc. Finally able to finish the hole. Can't complain. The battery has been awesome! But, I've noticed a drop in speed and longevity this year. On my 10 inch, the blades aren't razor sharp, that's when I noticed the holes took longer and sometimes the auger blades slipped due to the lower power from the battery. The 8 inch bit cuts so much better and faster, but today, met it's match.

--A very satisfied ION user.

By the way, Year 7 or is it 8 now with the battery....That's impressive if you ask me. 

Can't wait till it peters out though...would love to get one of those new ones. 

Charged my battery the other day. A good idea a few months before the season. 

Heck, in two months, we'll likely be on the ice! Woo hoo. November 12 last year was my first outing. It was a really early start. 

Strikemaster released a sneak peak of that auger last year but it wasn't available for purchase. Looking forward to see it in action this year. I love my kdrill but it would be great to have a second bit with a smooth blade!

EDIT - reread the description below...serrated blades? Different than chipper blades? Not sure I've seen an auger with serrated blades before.

Just a reminder to charge the battery over the summer once. At least, that's the recommendation I've heard. I charged mine yesterday. Think I'm going on Year 6 now with that battery. Want to get the new one eventually, but no reason to yet. 

fish-I'll drill you a few ION holes anytime. Yeah, your old gas sounds like a tank. But, it is what it is. I'm sure you managed. 

The new Strikemaster you mentioned sounds really cool.

It’s very possible I had one of the heavier gas augers out there as i lugged it up that moving van ramp. I’m sure not all of them are that heavy. But compared to the Ion, it felt extremely cumbersome and heavy. I was happy I had the Ion, and not my friends older gas auger, at that moment.

I will always keep my gas auger, I want my kid to know what I had to grow up using. 10 years from now you won't be able to buy one new.

A 10 inch IONX weighs 25 pounds. 

A 10 inch F1 Rocket weighs 24 pounds.  

I'm guessing you'll be able to punch more holes on one tank of gas with that Rocket than you will with the IONX and one battery.  

Older gas augers are heavier, there are some newer augers that are also heavier...but even the gas augers are getting lighter as we've seen with the F1 Rockets.  

I have a gas auger and a cordless drill set up. I'm glad I have both as both see about the same amount of use each year. It depends on the situation and species I am targeting.

So I was helping my friend move the other day. Fella is moving from northern Wi to Washington State. We were moving various things...packing the truck. I was looking for something to put on the truck. I notice an ice auger sitting there. He wants to bring it with. I picked it up and could not believe the weight of the thing!! Shocked actually. Let's just say...it wasn't an ION. The days of heavy gas augers have got to be coming to an end. I can't imagine lugging that thing around all day through thick snow. 

Check out Lake link Classified for like new Ion 8 inch auger and extras. 

Ice ?? fishing

Anybody know where you can get the 5 amp battery?. Fleet has been out . They suck at restocking. Thanks. Mrt.

Picked up an ION at Menards this afternoon. Regular price $449.99

                                                                            Sale price   $429.99

                                                                  11% mail in rebate $47.30

                                                                               _______________

                                                                           Final price $  382.69

Now bring on some cold weather!!