Is the strike master electric any good does the battery last? I hear different advise. I have a house 6 holes. Some day I might want to go portable. Any advise does the cold affect the battery?
I have had a StrikeMaster 2hp x8" gas auger for about five years. Works Great I did have a carb problem a couple of years ago, probbley my fault ???
I bought a Strikemaster electric x8" this year to use in my permnant house. The main difference is the RPM, the electric is at about half of what the gas cuts at. That took a little getting used to, but the electric is quiet so I can punch holes as I need them versus peppering the area with hols as I did with the gas model. I have cut about 16-18 holes during one outing with the electric and sitll had plenty of power from the battery. In the Ice house I can cut without opening windows etc. Re-drillig holes can be a little tricky with either modle but I haven't gotten hung up yet, I use a little less pressure and let the auger work through the old hole. I kept my gas auger for those trips where I know I'll be moving often and drill 30-40 holes. The auger portion of both units are interchangable so I have a back-up (never needed one but good to know). So far I have been impressed with the electric, it has done everything I need it to do.
The cold will effect the batteries strength. I didn't notice any change in battery strength during temps beteen 10-30 degrees but I haven't used it with my portable below 10F. I usually drill 5-6 holes at a time the the battery has time to recover before I move and drill again. Last Saturday I drille 6 hole in my permant house without any problem. The tempature was about 5 below.
I have a jiffy 8 inch and a strikemaster electra. I really like the electra. It is very nice to not have gas and fumes in the house. For portable fishing the gas may be better unless you are using a 4 wheeler you can connect the electra auger to the battery if needed to make swiss cheese. The auger does spin a bit slower than the gas so holes dont go as quick. The best part is no starting. You do want to make sure the unit is warm before charging or you will not get a full charge. For perms its perfect.
I paid $326.00 tax incuded for my electric 8" at the St Paul Ice Show. My Strikemaster lazer 2HP x 8" was $329.00 a few yeara ago. Some retailers will deal other won't. Check with Thorne Bros., Reeds, Joes, and the big box stores for current pricing. Now is probbly a good time to buy many retailers want to clear inventory for summer products.
Is the strike master electric any good does the battery last?
