The best time of the year is almost there people, so brace yourself and get ready to do some ice fishing. Fishing comes with lots of perks, however, drilling holes isn’t one of them. It’s a mundane job but you need to ensure that it goes smoothly so that you can make the best out of your ice fishing expedition.
There is a wide array of different ice augers available out there and choosing the best one is a tricky job. Whether you prefer a hand-powered or electric-powered one, we have got you covered. We have come up with the ten best ice augers that will make your ice fishing experience a lot more hassle-free. Let’s take a look at our picks.
Related articles:
Best Ice Augers We Will Cover Today
- Best Choice-Eskimo Hand Auger with Dual Flat Blades
- Best 2 pics-Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger
- Best Spiral-Nils master UR600C Cordless drill auger
- Best Overall-Strikemaster Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger
- Best Compact-HT Enterprise MNAK-7 Mini Nero Telescopic
- Best One-Eskimo Quantum Auger Series
- Best Easy Starts-THUNDERBAY 33cc 8″ Power Ice Auger
- Best Lightweight-Landworks Earth Ice Auger
- Best Combo-Nordic Legend 33cc Power Ice Auger
- Best Easy Operational-Ion Eskimo Standard Series Ice Auger
Top 10 Ice Augers Reviews!
1. Eskimo Hand Auger with Dual Flat Blades
The first one on our list is an old-school hand auger. It’s a super budget-friendly option and a get fit for people who don’t want to spend hundreds on the auger. It has a simple yet elegant design and most importantly it offers a splendid performance despite the small price tag.
The Eskimo Hand Auger has a dimension of 32.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches with a weight of 8.3 pounds only. It comes in three different variants for the blade size: 6 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches. This gives you the flexibility to choose the one that you find most comfortable to work with.
It features a comfortable pommel handle that enables you to drill through the ice without getting fatigued. Also, the dual-flat blades ensure that you get clean and even cut regardless of the thickness of the ice. You’ll need a minimum amount of effort to cut through a thick layer of ice. The blade comes with an additional protector that helps to keep the blade sharper for an extended period of time.
While using the auger, make sure that the handle is around your chest height as you’ll be able to use your full strength in that position. It has an adjustable length of 49 inches-58 inches and it can be converted into two separate pieces which will make it easy to carry around.
One of the best features of this auger is that you’ll get a solid 1-year warranty with this bad boy. Therefore, if you face any trouble with the auger in this given period then all you need to do is to contact the seller and they’ll refund or replace the product.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Three different blade sizes
- Adjustable length for the handle
- Lightweight
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Needs to be handled manually
2. Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger
If you prefer a hand auger with outstanding durability and performance then the Strike Master Hand Auger is your guy. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that will cut through the ice like butter. Despite being a manual auger, it’ll not leave you tired even after long hours of use.
This hand auger has a simple design that has an easy usage procedure. It’s fast and very efficient as well. We can assure you that the Strike Master will leave you with no room for disappointment. It has a super lightweight design and it can be taken apart into two pieces which makes it easy to carry around.
It comes with multiple different blade sizes ranging from 4 inches to 8 inches. This will help people with a different type of fishing style get their desired type of auger. The blade of the Strike Master is razor-sharp and it cuts through the ice with utmost precision and accuracy
The handle has an adjustable setting ranging from 48 inches to 57 inches. You can adjust the handle according to your height so that you don’t have to hunch over to crank the auger. This method will enable you to put your utmost strength with minimal effort while using the machine.
The Strike Master is built to last. The handle is coated with a powder that ensures greater durability for the auger. The powder coating helps to reduce ice build-up as well. It’ll enable you to drill the holes effortlessly and super quickly with very little effort. . The soft rubber grips are comfortable to touch and your muscles will not ache at all.
Pros
- Cuts through a thick layer of ice effortlessly
- Handle coated with powder for better durability
- Durable build quality
- Comes with multiple different blade sizes
- Can be taken apart in two pieces
- Easy to carry and transport
Cons
- Slightly expensive for a manual auger
3. Nils master UR600C Cordless drill auger
When it comes to ice augers, Nils is one of the most trusted brands out there. They have a large range of ice augers with both hand and electric-powered ones. The Nils master UR600C Cordless drill auger is one of the finest creations of Nils and it’ll make your drilling experience as easy as a breeze.
This Nils Master UR600C is made with high-quality material and it ensures the utmost amount of durability. With this bad boy in hand, you’ll be able to cut through thick layers of ice and make butter-smooth cuts.
The cutting head is made with top-quality chrome-plated steel that offers phenomenal durability. The blade is very sharp and it can run through thick and heavy layers of ice with ease. The manufacturer recommends using the device with high torque or low rev as otherwise, the engine may burn out.
One of the best features of this auger is its versatility. It can be used with the hand handle and also with the cordless drill attached to it. It’s sized to drill a hole of 6-inch which is suitable for catching small to medium-sized fishes.
Drilling doesn’t necessarily need to be a hard job. Despite the strong build-quality, the Nils Master UR600c weighs very light. The blade head of this ice auger is detachable making it super easy and simple to carry around.
However, one of the demerits of this auger is that the length of the handle is not adjustable so it might take some time to get used to the auger and it might take more strength for some people.
Pros
- Durable build quality
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Suitable for digging 6-inch holes
- Makes smooth cut even through thick layers of ice
- Sharp blade
- Cutting head made with chrome-plated steel
Cons
- Expensive
- The handle is not adjustable
4. Strikemaster Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger
If you’re tired of the hand augers that will leave you exhausted after drilling a little while then give the Strikemaster Mora Hand Auger a try. It’s also a great budget buy for beginners or occasional anglers who don’t want to spend hundreds on the ice auger.
This auger has a three-stepped adjustable handle that gives you the flexibility to adjust the handle according to your preference. The handle can be adjusted ranging from 48 inches to a maximum of 57 inches. This feature makes it a blessing for taller people who need to hunch down every time they need to drill a hole.
The blade also comes in two different size variants: 6 inches and 8 inches. The blade of the auger is extremely sharp made with a twin stainless steel blade that ensures the maximum amount of durability. The blades are designed to cut through thick ice and it can cut down multiple layers of ice with just a little amount of time and effort.
It comes with a powder coating that refrains any form of ice build-up. Also, the ergonomically designed handle with a rubber grip provides extreme comfort and ease of use. You’ll face no muscle cramp or ache every after using the tool for a long time.
The Strike Master Mora can be handled with one hand and cranked with the other. The blade tends to shift slightly as you start digging the hole. You need to stay cautious if you’re digging on dirty ice as otherwise, the blade will get dull easily.
Pros
- Adjustable handle
- Sturdy design and build-quality
- Cuts down ice smoothly
- Extremely sharp blades made with stainless steel
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Blades tend to get dull after using for a while
5. HT Enterprise MNAK-7 Mini Nero Telescopic
The Nero Telescopic Ice Auger offers incredible durability as well as performance. If you’re looking for a model that’s above the regular beginner level then do give this one a try and rest assured that you’ll not be disappointed.
This auger has outstanding construction with the super sturdy build quality. The blade is super sharp which helps to cut down ice smoothly. Also, it operates very quickly which will save you a lot of time during your fishing expeditions. The rugged steel alloy non-chip blade ensures a maximum amount of cutting power and drills through all sorts of ice without making the blade dull.
There’s a common misconception that hand ice augers are extremely hard to operate and they’ll fatigue you easily. Well, it’s not the case with the Nero Telescopic Auger. The off-set handle enables a quick rise in the torque that increases the cutting power and you’ll get done with the drilling in no time.
One of the best features of this hand auger is that it comes with an adjustable handle. The handle has an adjustable height setting ranging from 44 inches to 53 inches. This enables you to put the maximum amount of strength without putting too much effort into the tool.
Also, there’s a comfortable grip on the handle. So, you’ll not feel exhausted even after operating the device for a long time. It folds down to 25 inches which makes it super easy to transport and carry around as well.
Pros
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
- Rugged ultra-sharp blade
- The handle can be adjusted between 44-53 inches
- Able to cut down through all kinds of ice
- Folds down to 25-inches
Cons
- Slightly expensive considering a hand-powered auger
Electric Ice Augers Reviews!
6. Eskimo Quantum Auger Series
Eskimo has a versatile range of ice augers and their Eskimo S33Q8 Quantum Auger is one of their finest creations. It’s a powerful gas auger that will drill through the thickest layer of ice and its exceptional durability will serve you for years.
With this bad boy in hand, you’ll be able to drill the holes effortlessly. It has a lightweight design which makes it hassle-free to carry around. The Eskimo S33Q8 features a 33cc Viper 2-Cycle Engine.
This has been thoroughly tested for cold weather and no matter how cold the temperature is, this ice auger will pass with flying colors. It has a very easy operating process. You’ll also be getting a 5-year warranty with the Eskimo S33Q8.
There’s a primer button that quickly starts the tool and a precision transmission that offers optimum gear flexibility. There’s an all-metal ball bearing transmission quantum auger bits that help to convert this power and result in smooth and flawless cutting. It can run through all kinds of ice and drill even through the thickest layer of ice with ease.
The handle of the Eskimo S33Q8 has an ergonomic shape that enables you to hold it without tiring your hand muscles. There’s a large plastic handle, so, you don’t need to take off your gloves or mittens to work with the auger in the freezing cold. The handlebar is made of high-quality steel with a foam cover that efficiently absorbs all kinds of vibrations.
The gas tank has a see-through vision, hence, you’ll be able to determine the remaining fuel by looking at the tank. There’s also a muffler guard that will protect you from hot areas as well. One of the best features of the Eskimo S33Q8 is that it comes with a 5-years warranty.
Pros
- Suitable for extremely cold temperatures
- Comfortable handlebar with shock-absorbing technology
- Muffler guard to protect from heat
- Powerful 33cc Viper 2-cycle engine
- Primer for a quick start
Cons
- Expensive
7. THUNDERBAY 33cc 8″ Power Ice Auger
If you’re in search of a powerful ice auger to drill through the thick layer of ice then look no further, the ThunderBay 33cc 8″ Power is your guy. It offers a phenomenal performance and it can drill through the ultra-thick layer of ice with minimum time and effort.
The ThunderBay 33cc 8″ has a very powerful performance with razor-sharp blades that can cut through all kinds of ice. No matter how cold the temperature is, you’ll have no trouble starting the engine as it features the advanced “cold-shot” technology that ensures an easy start on all kinds of environmental conditions. It’s an excellent fit for people who’re living in extremely cold regions and looking for a powerful ice auger with great performance.
Many times power ice augers weigh very heavily which makes it harder for the anglers to use the tool and carry it around. Often the ice augers are unable to drill holes long enough for large catches. However, with the ThunderBay 8-inch power auger, you’ll face no such trouble with this one in hand. It can efficiently drill holes big enough to go for monster catches.
ThunderBay is constructed with high-quality material and it’s made to last. The handle is extremely comfortable to hold and you’ll not feel exhausted at all even after operating the tool for long hours. The handle can withstand recoil very well, therefore, there will be no vibration or jerking back and forth while digging the holes.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Suitable for catching large fishes
- Includes a blade protector
- Works exceptionally well even in extremely cold weather
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
8. Landworks Earth Ice Auger
When it comes to high-end ice augers, Landworks is the name that automatically comes into your mind. They have multiple different electric ice augers and the Landworks Heavy-Duty Auger is one of their finest. It has been there in the market for quite some time and it’s a top favorite among ice anglers, even the professional ones.
This auger comes with a 24h lithium-ion battery and a charger. However, the charger doesn’t come with the package and you need to purchase that separately. When it comes to performance, this auger is hard to beat. Despite being an electric auger, the Landworks has a super quiet system. It’s one of the quietest electric augers out there. You can drill as many holes as you want without scaring away the fish.
It incorporates a 3-Planetary Gear Mechanism which provides a higher transmission efficiency. Also, the brushless motor makes the digging process super easy and convenient.
If you’re an avid lover of nature and you’re always on the hunt for eco-friendly products then you’re in for a treat. The Landworks don’t involve any gas or oil therefore, you’ll not be wasting important resources of the earth. It’s completely powered by a battery so, you don’t need to deal with fumes as well.
Safety is a feature that Landworks takes very seriously. There’s an overload protector that prevents the powerhead from overheating. This ice auger is also very comfortable to use as it comes with a wide-space handle that makes it easy to hold and keep balance.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to use and balance
- Quiet operation
- Brushless motor results in efficient digging
- 3-Planetary Gear Mechanism
- Excellent design and performance
Cons
- Expensive
- The charger needs to be bought separately
9. Nordic Legend 33cc Power Ice Auger
The Nordic Legend 33cc comes with a cherry on top. Along with the ice auger, you’ll also get a portable two-man shelter combo with this. This ice shelter will come in very handy if the weather gets nasty or if you want to rest for a while.
When it comes to performance, the Nordic Legend is unbeatable. It has an rpm rate of 8000 which is suitable to cut through even the thickest layer of ice. Nordic has a length of 42 inches which is deep enough to dig a moderately long hole in the ice. It has a powerful 33cc two-cycle engine that works splendidly on all types of ice.
The Nordic Legend features a high-quality blade that can run through all sorts of ice. The blades are made with a carbon steel cutting blade that can drill through ice in seconds. The Nordic Legend also comes with a tool kit. The kit features an Allen wrench and a spark plug wrench. The Allen wrench will come in handy for moving the bolt from the shaft. The usage procedure of the ice auger is quite simple.
One of the best features of the Nordic Legend is the two-man shelter. The shelter is extremely rugged and it can endure all kinds of weather. It comes with a 300D fabric that will effectively keep the wind and heat away from the user. After a long fishing session, you can relax there and rest for a while. The combo comes with six anchors and a carry bag to ensure better portability.
Pros
- Comes with an additional shelter
- The shelter can accommodate two people
- Extremely powerful 33cc two-cycle engine
- Includes a tool kit
- High-quality carbon steel cutting blade
Cons
- Heavyweight
10. Ion Eskimo Standard Series Ice Auger
ION is one of the most trusted ice auger brands. 19150 is one of the most powerful augers that money can buy and we can assure you that you’ll not regret investing in it. ION auger weighs only 22 pounds which is comparatively less than other gas-powered ice augers out there. The lightweight makes it easy to carry around and makes ice fishing a lot more convenient for you.
If you prefer going for large catches then the ION 19150 will be a great fit as it has a massive 8” blade. It can drill large holes which will enable you to catch large fish without any hassle. It has an ION No Catch Cutting System that comes with a spot-on centering ring that enables you to re-open frozen holes.
The ION 19150 has a length of 34 inches and it comes with an additional length of 12 inches which sums up to a total of 46 inches. The battery is very long-lasting, with one full charge, you’ll be able to drill around forty 2” deep holes.
This auger is a superb fit for a drilling shanty. The Slush-Fishing Reverse feature automatically flushes down all the slush making it easier for you to fish in all sorts of conditions. Also, it has a simple and easy usage procedure. The handle is very comfortable to hold and the ergonomic design enables the user to easily hold onto the auger.
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
- Has a simple usage procedure
- Helps you to reopen centering rings
- Long-lasting battery performance
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Ice Augers Buyer’s Guide
The importance of a good ice auger is inevitable for a successful and fun ice fishing expedition. If you’re an ice fisherman then you must have seen them around you or used one. There are many different types of ice augers out there. Well, the real challenge is to get the one that works the best for you.
The most common types of ice augers are gas-powered, electric-powered, and manual/hand-powered ice augers. Before settling down for your ultimate pick, you need to consider multiple different factors that play important roles in the overall performance of the auger. Let’s take a look at the factors that are important determinants of the auger.
Types of Ice Auger
Manual/Hand Augers
If you don’t want to spend a lot on the auger and want something simple that will get the job done then the Manual/hand auger is your guy. Hand ice augers are a lot cheaper than power augers. Their budget-friendly price tag has made them quite a popular choice among the novice and occasional fishermen. They’re also lighter which makes them more portable compared to the other options available out there.
They have a noise-free operation, hence, you’ll not be scaring away the nearby fish. A quality hand drill will be able to cut through a thick layer of ice pretty quickly with some effort. There’s a common misconception that manual augers require a lot of strength to operate the device properly.
There are plenty of hand augers that offer outstanding performance and they’ll not leave you fatigued at all. However, if you’re planning to drill multiple holes at a time then opt for a power auger as it’ll require less time and less effort to drill the holes.
Drill Augers
If you’re looking for an ice auger that’s easy to use but it doesn’t require the manual labor of a hand auger then the drill auger is your guy. It’s very lightweight and has a smooth hassle-free operation that will make your fishing expedition a memorable experience.
A drill auger is slightly cheaper than the powered variants. If you don’t want to spend on the powered augers then do give the drill ones a try and you’ll not be disappointed. With a decent quality drill auger, you’ll be able to cut several holes and they work well in freezing cold weather as well.
However, bear in mind that the drill auger will be no good if the battery runs out. If the battery drains out or fails due to cold weather, you’ll no longer be able to use the auger. If you opt for a drill auger, make sure that you keep spares or keep the battery warm to extend the life of the batteries.
Electric Augers
Electric augers are gaining enormous popularity in recent years due to their ease of use. They are super convenient and they work a lot faster than the other types of augers. The price of the electric is auger is on the steeper side. However, this will not be an issue as a quality electric auger will last you for a very long time which will make up for the large initial amount.
Electric augers are very easy to start and operate. They’ll start easily regardless of the environmental condition. They’re an excellent choice for freezing cold weather where other types of augers fail to operate. These augers are also suitable for cutting down an extremely thick layer of ice.
One of the cons of using an electric auger is its weight. They’re quite heavy and they can be quite a hassle if you need to walk a long way to your desired fishing spot. Electric-powered augers generally use lithium-ion batteries.
Gas Powered
Gas-powered ice augers come with powerful engines and they’re a fantastic choice for drilling through an extremely hard layer of ice. It’s an ideal choice for anglers who need to drill a large hole in little time. One of the downsides of using a gas-powered auger is that they’re very heavy, therefore, it will be harder to carry them around.
Blade
Ice augers come in different sizes of blade sizes. In this article, we have accumulated augers with blades ranging from 4 inches to 10 inches. The size of the blade determines how big of a hole you to drill. The size of the blade is proportionate to the size of the fish you’re planning to catch.
If you’re planning to catch small fish then blades sized at 4 inches or 6 inches will be sufficient. However, if you’re going for large fish then you need to rise the blade size to make the fishing expedition more convenient and successful.
Taking proper care of the blade is also very important to ensure its peak performance. Often times the blades tend to get dull. A dull blade will not be able to drill the holes properly and make a mess instead. Try to change the blades or sharpen them with a professional if you don’t want to buy a new one.
There are two kinds of blades: chipper blades and shaver blades. Chipper blades are serrated and they work splendidly well for cutting dirty or uneven ice. On the other hand, shaver blades are quite sharp and have plain edges that take a paper-thin slice of ice on every pass. They’re more suitable for drilling clean ice.
Size
An ice auger of a massive size is not a feasible one. Portability is one of the most important factors that you should consider before purchasing the auger. You need to carry the auger around to your fishing spot, so, if it weighs extremely heavy then it’ll be of no use.
Manual augers are usually the lightest ones. If you’re looking for a portable auger with decent performance then a hand auger will be the best option for you. On the other hand, electric-powered or gas-powered augers are quite heavy and they’re hard to carry around.
However, if you want to get the job done quickly and don’t mind some little extra weight then a powered auger will be a perfect choice for you.
Noise Level
No matter what kind of ice augers you use, they’re quite noisy. The excess noise level will hamper the fishing experience as it’ll scare the fish away. Gas augers are the noisiest ones and they’re not safe for use inside the shanty. On the contrary, electric augers are the least noisy ones. So, if you’re looking for an ice auger that doesn’t produce much noise then go for electric augers.
Adjustable Height
Ice augers with adjustable height come in very handy for tall people. You don’t need to lean down to work with the auger which will save you from back pain. Most ice augers that we reviewed come with adjustable height so that people can adjust the auger according to their height.
Accessories
The most important accessory that you should get for your ice auger is a blade extension. All your hard work will go in vain when you realize after halfway through drilling that the blades are no longer working. A set of spare blades will keep you away from these unfortunate events and help you drill to perfection.
Read More: Best Fishing Gloves
Ice Augers Maintenance Tips
You need to invest quite in an ice auger. To make the most out of your investment, you need to take some basic care of the tool so that it’s always at its peak performance. Following just a few simple steps, you can ensure maximum performance from your ice auger. We have come up with some basic tips that are super easy to follow.
- Clean the blades of the auger after every fishing expedition. This will prevent corrosion on the blades. However, make sure that you wear proper precautionary gloves or wear necessary gear as the blades are generally razor-sharp. One slight mistake can cause severe damage so make sure that you handle the blade with care.
- Sometimes, the blades get dull after frequent use or if it’s used on dirty ice. Carrying a spare blade will come in handy if the blades are on the verge of getting dull.
- If you don’t want to spend on the new blade then take the old ones to a professional to get them sharpened up. Professionals can do it at home, however, sharpening the blades at home bears risks so, unless you’re absolutely certain that you can do it yourself then take it to a professional.
- Most augers come with a blade guard to keep the blade secured and keep you away from unfortunate events. Along with protecting the blades, the guard also helps to sharpen the blades as well.
Best Ice Augers FAQs
1. Is the blade protector necessary?
Ans: A blade protector will help you keep the ice auger in great condition even after years of use. Without any additional protection, the blade might corrode away and start building up rust. The cover will help to retain the performance and the sharpness of the blade.
2. Can I drill on all sorts of ice?
Ans: Drilling on thin ice may result in breakage which may lead to fatal accidents. Before you decide to start drilling for fishing, make sure the ice is strong enough and it’ll not cause any unfortunate events.
3. Do ice augers make noise?
Ans: Ice augers do make some noise but it’s not very overpowering. All the ice augers that we reviewed in this article have a moderately quiet operation and they’ll not scare the fish away.
4. Does the quality of the blade matter?
Ans: Yes, the quality of the blade is one of the most important determinants of how effective the ice auger is. It’s the blade that ensures how smooth the cut will be and how long it will take to reach your desired drilling stage.
5. Do all augers come with an LED spotlight?
Ans: Most of the high-end electric auger comes with an LED spotlight. LED spotlight comes in handy when you’re working past dusk. You’ll be able to work without any other source of lighting with the help of an LED light.
6. Which auger will be best for drilling multiple holes quickly?
Ans: Power augers are best when it comes to drilling several holes within a short time. All the power ice augers that we reviewed come with outstanding performance and you’ll be able to drill around 100 holes on a single full charge. Also, you’ll not get as fatigued as with a manual auger.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When you’re dealing with ice fishing, you get to learn so many new techniques every day. With new devices arriving now and then, it’s hard to keep track and choose the best one. However, in this article, we have tried to accumulate the best ice augers of all different kinds. We have created this unique blend with manual, power, and gas augers so that you can make your best pick.
Manual/hand augers will be the best option for people who prefer lightweight augers and looking for portable ones. The gas augers are super powerful, so, if power is one of your main concerns then a gas auger will be the best fit for you. On the other hand, electric augers are powerful as well as eco-friendly. So, take your pick and have a great time ice fishing!
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