Ion alpha series auger

[FishingDAD2020]

Hi theee has anyone used the alpha series auger I’m on the fence with buying one and wanna know if anyone used one before. This will be first electric auger so don’t know what to expect.

[Newburg007]

"Been there, worried that" -- so to speak! After decades using/hauling my old faithful Jiffy 8" gas, I took the leap and bought the Ion Gen 2 with the second battery. The weight difference was a selling point. Most trip in the ice are on foot so pulling less weight make it easier and moving around less of a hassle. I use a hand auger when the ice is less than 12" because of the weight saving.

I've never had to use the second battery to make it through a day on the ice. I bought a cheap cooler bag (like the photo) to transport and keep batteries out of the cold. And added padding/insulation to its interior.

The reverse feature is surprisingly convenient for cleaning the slush out of a newly cut hole.
Ion's warranty is the best of the electric auger.

After year #1, I have no complaints. These augers go on sale and you can save a few bucks.

[Drew]

I’ve been watching ice fishing videos online and guys seem to love them.

[dmaster]

For many years I am fishing without any power devices, but...
I was thinking about that, even bought few years back adapter, found it and eventually past winter attached to my FiinBore III 8 inches 20V DeWatt drill via that adapter. I have two 4ahrs batteries, so keep both detached and under a jacket between drilling I was able to use one battery a day - average capabilities between 11 and 13 holes in past year 45-50 cm of ice. Second one always been a spare.

Almost everyone told me - forget, 8 inches not good, use 6 instead as everybody doing... So, it is working fine and I am pretty happy, new season coming

This post has been edited by dmaster on Nov 30, 2022 - 02:54 pm

[IRFERG]

I was in the same boat as yourself and Newburg, got sick of hauling my old faithful Jiffy around and gas spillage. I took the plunge on the ION Gen 2 as well and will never look back. I can drill holes all day, the reverse function is more functional than I had originally anticipated and the speed at which I can drill holes without fighting the weight is impressive.

There's not much else I can say other than if you have the funds available it's a great choice and worth every penny in my opinion!

Happy hole drilling!

[Disco]

I have zero experience with the ION but can speak about battery operated augers. I made the change well over ten years ago. I will never ever go back. Everyone who ever came with me switched to electric after using mine.
There is only advantages to going electric and no drawbacks IMO.
Lighter,
Faster,
No possible hazardous spills,
Always starts,
Simple storage,
All sizes of electric are now readily available and capable.

[sabmgb]

007, I do the same thing with my spare battery.

[fisherman2280]

I though regular fishing was expensive but now that I got addicted to hard water dammit.

My new toy for this year, it's not electric but it's better than that drill set up I had last year that let me down far too often.

I guess a bigger sled is up next? And then a ride!

[longfish]

Congrats but maybe you cheaped out on the drill and had one that cant handle the load........I am going into my 4th year with a Milwaukee drill set up and will never go back to gas. Due to weight, smell and speed. I have the biggest Eskimo gas auger at 71cc and I will put my drill setup against it anytime.


Arnie

[sabmgb]

yeah I agree electric is the only way to go, unless maybe you are way up north and have 4ft of ice. I get about 16, 8" holes out of a 5ahr battery with 18" of ice with my Dewalt and the Milwaukie fire is even better than what I have.

[Brooktrout]

I've had the Ion for at least five years now (maybe longer). I have zero complaints of it. I've used it for perch with close to 30 holes drilled in one day, and still going strong. No issues going through the thick ice.

For me, the best feature was I don't need to worry about mixing gas & oil.

I haven't used the drill/plate combo. I have heard with this set up, you want to use a good battery (at least 5 ah?) like Milwaukee fuel.

Regardless of your choice, look after the battery - charge after every trip and it won't let you down. I also charge my batteries during the off months (once/month)

Good luck!!

[Limacharley]

Bought an IOn 2 years ago and fish strictly Northern Ontario where the ice is thick. 30 inches plus in March.

Cleans up slush in the holes by reversing the auger. Never needed an extra battery and we jump around quite a bit so by the end of the day I've drilled 25-30 holes on one battery.

I too keep my battery in an insulated cooler. The unit is light weight. Always starts. No gas/oil mixing....the benefits are endless.

Gas auger is $400 Ion is $800 but worth every cent.

[deepjigger]

I have been on the fence with this purchase for awhile. Mainly the price tag that’s holding me back. Last year all I could find was the 2nd gen, and I knew that there was a 3rd gen out, so decided not to buy. It’s usually around March when the ice is really thick that I kick myself for not buying one. So I’ve downsized to a 4 inch auger and don’t move around as often to help.

[Knuguy]

Hi Mark,

My buddy Al and I bought a Ridgid combo a few years back. Nothing super fancy. Even with the 1.5 Ah batts I can cut quite a few 6" holes. Al upgraded to a 3 or 4 Ah batt and the 6" goes thru like grass thru a goose! Four in is quite a small hole if you are hoping to get a good sized laker.