Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by Afsar

Here you are, reading an article about the best ice augers. Is it safe to assume that you’re looking for an ice auger that won’t put you down? Now that winter is around the corner, many people would start ice-fishing. For many families, ice fishing is a unique way to pass their time in the cold winter season. Apart from the fun that comes with it, ice fishing is a unique opportunity to experience the winter while chatting with your buddies. Simply put, an ice auger is actually a big drill that can cut holes in the ice allowing you to drop a line down the water. There are different types of ice augers available on the market. You could choose a manual ice auger or a powered one. Both electric and gas-powered ice augers are popular among anglers.

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Best Ice Augers 2024

Best Manual Ice Augers

Eskimo Hand Auger

If you are looking for a hand ice auger, you need to check this ice fishing auger from Eskimo. This cheap ice auger is available in three different cutting diameter sizes: 6 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches. It doesn’t matter if it is the start of the season or the end of the season, this hand auger from Eskimo is ready to be your travel mate. Despite its lightweight design, it is able to offer clean-cut fishing holes.

As you can see in the picture, it comes with stainless dual-flat replaceable steel blades that will stay sharp longer than many of its counterparts. Also, it comes with a blade protector that extends the life of the blades. This ice auger is equipped with a cross-bolt takedown system that prevents over-tightening when you are drilling holes on the ice. Besides that, the handle and pommel knob design make it much easier when drilling. In a nutshell, this is a great hand ice auger to have.

A top hand auger with a reasonable price.

• Dual Flat stainless steel replaceable blades
• Blades are designed to stay sharp for a long time
• Blade protector included to extend the longevity of the blade
• Comfortable handle
• Cross-bolt takedown system prevents over-tightening when drilling
• Available in three different cutting diameter sizes: 6″, 7″ & 8″
• Handle and pommel knob allows easy drilling
• It cuts clean fishing holes

Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger

This is another superior quality ice-fishing augers. The body is composed of chrome alloy stainless blades. It is built to resist ice buildup and that is why it is powder paint coated. For ease of use, it is fitted with soft rubber grips. It is ergonomically designed and that is why it is simple and easy to handle. This simplifies its hole drilling processes. Moreover, the handle can be easily adjusted to suit you. Because of the design, it can accommodate various ice thicknesses.

Pros

• Chrome alloy stainless steel blades are highly durable
• powder coated drills are used to stop/reduce ice build-ups
• Soft rubber grips provide comfort
• Available in different sizes: 4-8 inches
• Ergonomic designed handle system for higher efficiency

Cons​

• Price could be low
• Blades become dull after excessive use

 

ION G2 39350 8″ Ice Auger

G2 was ION’s biggest hit for 2019. It came with tons of features that make sense to upgrade from the standard series of ION. It comes with the ION 6AH Gen 2 battery, the most powerful battery used by ION augers yet. It truly is equipped with the nex generation auger technology that can make some real impact on the ice. A great combination of speed, weight, and longevity of the battery makes it one of the best ice fishing drills of 2019.

You will be surprised to know that this electric ice auger weighs only 17 pounds, which is roughly 23% less than traditional agers (as claimed by the manufacturer on their website). ION G2 powerhead design ensures that operating this device is reasonably easy than its counterparts. It is highly durable, has high-torque, high-efficiency, and great transmission. Just like its standard series, ION G2 also features the ice slush-flush reverse technology, which will flush the slush back down the hole. It also comes with the composite bottom with aggressive design, which ensures smooth cutting in all conditions. On top of that, you can also re-drill the frozen holes. In a nutshell, this is a fantastic ice fishing auger to check.

Overall, the Best Ice Fishing Auger of 2020

• Lightweight design: weighs only 17 lb
• Powerful ION 6AH Gen 2 Battery
• Cut 1 foot of ice in 6 seconds
• Battery performances great in cold weather
• One single charge can produce up to 2000 inches of drilling power
• Reverse slush-flush feature to flush the ice in the hole
• Easily re-drill frozen holes
• 40 inches long auger length
• High-strength custom polymer composite cutting head
• Smooth cuts all time

ION Eskimo Standard Series Ice Auger

ION’s Eskimo Standard Series ice auger is one of the most popular ice fishing augers available on the market. This electric-powered ice drill comes with eight inches cutting diameter. ION’s standard series ice augers come in these cutting diameters” 6″ & 8″. ION 8″ weighs only 22lb and has a length of 34″. It is one of the lightest ice fishing augers you will find on the market. In fact, it weighs 40% less than traditional gas-powered augers. The ergonomically placed trigger will help you run the device very smoothly. Op top of that, the wide-spaced handlebar design comes very handily to operate the equipment. Once you use it, you will notice that it offers a great smooth cut almost every time. The ION No Catch Cutting System comes with a spot on the centering ring that allows re-opening the frozen holes. It is also equipped with the ION reserve, which will eliminate the need for an ice skimmer by flushing the ice down the hole you just created.

A Great Lightweight Electric Ice Fishing Auger.

• Lightweight Design: Weighs only 22 lb
• Has a cutting diameter of 8″
• Slush-flush reverse flushes the ice down the hole
• Smooth cuts
• High-portability
• Ergonomically positioned trigger
• Wide-spaced handlebar design
• Easy to operate
• Drill up to 66 holes through two feet of ice in a single charge
• Easily re-open the frozen holes

 

Eskimo Sting Ray 33c 8-inch Quantum Ice Auger

Putting holes on thick ice with a hand auger can be annoying, and time-consuming. Eskimo Sting Ray 33c comes with an 8-inch diameter auger. The length of the auger is 42-inches. Eskimo is very popular for their ice augers, and this is no exception. This ice auger is lightweight and works like a charm. It comes with all the features you need in an ice auger. Unlike most cheap ice augers, this one is made of high quality raw materials, and has the ability to work on thick ices. The powerful 2-cycle 33cc viper engine offer can be started on the coldest weather to cut holes on ice.

If you are already in the ice fishing game, you know how annoying the vibrations can be. Thanks to the wide-wing tubular steel handlebars for absorbing the vibration. The fingertip throttle offers a precise power control. It comes with a see-through gas tank to quickly check the gas level.

One of the top gas powered ice auger you will find on the market.

• Lightweight yet powerful
• Rugged design to withstand harsh environments
• Fast-cutting quantum blades
• 2-cycle 33cviper engine is powerful
• Mitten-grip recoil to start the engine without having to remove gloves
• See through gas tank to easily detect gas level
• Highy visible color
• Foam-covered handle for comfort
• handlbar absorbs vibration
• Muffler guard protects from hot areas

Eskimo Quantum 43cc Power Ice Fishing Auger

Eskimo Quantum 43cc Power Ice Fishing auger is one of our top recommendations. This is recommended because of its high-end capacity. It is a high performance ice-fishing auger because which operates on 8000-RPM viper engine. Moreover, it was such designed that it is easy and simple to operate. It uses foam-padded handlebars as well as fingertip throttle control. It has a primer button and this makes it easy to start the auger. It is a gas powered auger and fitted with a muffler guard. This is to reduce the noise emanating from it. To ensure sharp ice cutting the auger, it is fitted with two quantum blades and this can be easily replaced. Eskimo Quantum 43cc is considered as one of the best ice fishing auger on the market

Pros

• Highly visible color
• Foam-grip handlebars for comfort
• Fingertrip throttle control
• Comes with blade protector
• Quick and easy assembly
• Easily starts on cold weather
• Easily cuts through the ice
• Uses few gas
• See-through gas tank
• Dual quantum blades can be replaceable

Cons

• Short break in time required after drilling several holes

 

Why Do I need an ice fishing auger?

Ice fishing is quite different from traditional fishing, and because of that, you have to take the correct precaution and use the proper fishing gear. The most important instrument to use for your ice-fishing is a fishing auger. Auger is needed to drill a hole into the ice before you can carry out fishing activities.What are the risks of using an ice auger?It would be best if you learned how to use the ice fishing augers correctly to avoid any problem. This means that you must learn how it functions. Because of the design, it is easy to move the augers in different fishing angles. They can be operated manually using your hand, or they can be operated with gas and so on. If you are unable to use it properly, you may hurt yourself or the people around you.

Hand Powered auger or Gas powered auger?

If you want to fish on a tough ice surface, then it is wise to use a gas-powered ice auger. If you are an occasional ice fisher, it is better to use a hand-operated auger. Many people can opt for hand-operated because it could be cheaper than the other types in the market. The decision to use hand-operated and gas-operated is influenced most by the thickness of the area. When the area is very dense, gas-powered augers would be more efficient. It takes less time and effort to penetrate through the ice. More experienced fishers prefer gas-powered augers because it makes them more efficient and more productive. Though gas powered drills can be more efficient, you should note that it is available in different horsepower. Those with superior strength are expected to drill faster and wider than the others. You can always make your choice based on your experience and the thickness of the ice.

How Long A Gas-powered Auger will sustain?

Ice fishing augers is a worthwhile investment because it is intended to last you for a longer period, especially if you take good care of it. The best way to take care of it is to ensure a thorough cleaning. It would prolong life, and it would make it more efficient. Check how to maintain an ice auger to keep the longevity high.

Maintaining Powered Ice Auger

• Clean depending on your usage
• Requires maintenance for long life
• Need to check every time you go for ice fishing

How To Choose the Best Ice fishing augers?

There are various kinds of augers on the market and they are available in different sizes, styles, and shapes. Because of that, it may not be easy to make a choice, especially for the first time ice fishers. If you were finding it hard to make your choice, the following guide would assist you in making the right choice. The first thing that you must address your mind is your wants and needs. This would assist you in narrowing down your needs for the best ice-fishing auger.

What are the various kinds of ice fishing augers?

There are actually three types of fishing augers and they include the manual, gas as well as the electric-powered augers. This means that you can get either of these three.

• Manual hand ice augers
• Gas powered ice augers
• Electric Ice augers

You have to determine the pros and cons of each of the augers and pick which one would be better for you. In doing that, you have to bear at the back of your mind, your fitness level, as well as the style of fishing, ice thickness, and budget and so on.

When you have considered all these factors, you would see that it is easier for you to make your choice.

Manual Hand Ice Augers

Manual augers are the basics because it is meant to be the entry level. It is basic in its design and it is widely used. For you to drill holes with this type of auger, you have to rely on your body strength.

However, you should know that you must be fit before you can use this type of fishing augers. You should know that once the ice becomes thicker, it would be more difficult to drill through it and in such a situation; you may require another thing to power the auger. When it is thicker, it would be extremely difficult to drill several holes at a time.

Because of the problem of thickness of the ice, you have to look for the most modern ice-fishing auger. Modern manual augers are redesigned and that is why they are fitted with new blades, as well as ergonomic handles. These new features are to make it easier for the drilling job.

Best Hand Ice Auger: Eskimo Hand Auger

If you want to fish in a lake or a river that has thin ice, it could be easier to use manual augers because it would not be difficult to drill through the ice. Moreover, when it comes to the issue of cost, many people would prefer to opt for manual augers. These are cheaper when compared to what it would cost to get electric or gas augers.

Moreover, manual augers are designed to be lightweight. This makes it easy to be moved from one place to another place. Moreover, manual augers do not make noise when compared to the electric and gas powered ones. They are more environmentally friendly.

Manual Ice Fishing Augers Pros & cons

Pros

• Easy assembling
• Low price
• Lightweight
• Easy to carry

Cons

• Requires physical work
• Can be boring if you are digging a lot of holes
• Not fast compared to the electric or gas ice augers

Gas powered auger

This is more advanced and more powerful when compared to the manual and this means that you are going to achieve better and faster results. If you want to fish in an area with thick ice, gas powered auger can break it down.

It would cut it down in the way a knife would pierce through butter. This is hassle free. This is better because it does not take much of your energy, but you are required to have certain level of expertise before you begin to use this system. It is certainly the best choice for you when you want to fish in a thick ice.

Best Gas Ice Auger: Eskimo Quantum 43cc

This does not mean that this method is one hundred percent efficient, there are instances it can disappoint you. This could be in rare cases. The system is known to be efficient and reliable.

The major benefit is that it can be more efficient. It can be heavy and this could constitute a problem carrying it from one place to another place. You need to have strong muscles for you to move it about. There are various kinds in the market. You have to consider the capacity and make a choice. That depends on the hole dimension you want to create. It is better that you get one that can create bigger holes. This makes it easier for you to fish through the water beneath the ice.

Two stroke gas and four stroke gas augers appear to be the most popular in the market. In terms of ease of use, many people would prefer to use four strokes because it does not require premixing before you begin to use it. If you want to use two strokes then you have to mix gas and oil in the right proportion. Four strokes are more expensive than two strokes. Gas augers are more durable and that depends on the type of maintenance administered to it. You are going to drill more holes.

 

Gas powered auger Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very powerful
• Works Quick
• No tension of fatigues

Cons

• Costly
• Heavy
• vibrations can be annoying

Electric Ice Fishing auger

Electric auger is another type of ice fishing augers in the market. This is supposed to provide the same efficiency as a four-stroke gas powered model. This is lighter when compared to the other two and it is more environmentally friendly. This is because it makes the least noise. It does not produce fumes and oil residues and so on.

Though this can be very powerful, the major shortcoming is that it depends solely on its battery power. Its power to drill would be diminished as the battery life drains. You may be disappointed in the midst of the action when the power is completely depleted.

Best Electric Ice Auger: ION 40V Max

Electric Ice Auger Pros and Cons​

Pros

• Very powerful
• Works Quick
• No tension of fatigues
• Charging ability

Cons

• Costly
• Heavy
• Vibrations can be annoying

Now that you have seen the different kinds of ice fishing augers, you can always make your choice based on what you want to achieve. To start with, you have to define the correct hole size to dig. This would assist you in selecting the best ice augers.

If it is a minor hole that you want to create, then manual augers can do it for you, but when it comes to larger holes, then you have to think of gas powered or electric powered. Depending on the thickness of the ice and the size of the hole you want to dig, you can always make your choice based on what you want to achieve.

Final Verdict

If you are a healthy person who don’t mind spare time for digging holes, a manual hand ice auger will do the job for you. My favorite hand ice auger is Eskimo Hand Auger. However, if you are going to dig a lot of holes or don’t have the time to do that manually, a gas or electric ice auger will be best for you.

​ION 40V Max is the best electric ice auger you can find in the market. Overall Eskimo Quantum 43cc is the best ice auger in my opinion.

If you have any suggestions to add to this best ice augers list, mention them in the comments section. Happy ice fishing.

(8 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5)

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