When winter comes, and the white veil covers the lakes and rivers, it’s time to get your fishing gear out and set out to the ice. And what would you need to drill your way through to the nice and delicious fish lurking at the bottom except for an ice auger?
On the market, there are three common types of ice drills. We’re putting our focus here on the most advanced type; the electric ice augers. Basically, they differ from their manual and gas-powered siblings in being more portable and eco-friendly, which is nice.
However, whenever technology steps in, it brings along some challenges, which are, in our case, the battery life and the price.
On our list, we compiled the best electric ice augers available now, taking into consideration different budgets and fishing types, trying to avoid most of the problems that come with them.
Comparison Table:
|
Auger |
Weight | Length |
Blades’ Diameter |
|
ION X 29250 |
22 lbs. | 34 in. | 8 in. |
|
Trophy Strike 107387 |
23 lbs. | 35 in. | 8 in. |
|
Landworks Ice Auger |
22 lbs. | 39 in. | 8 in. |
|
ION 19150 |
22 lbs. | 34 in. | 8 in. |
|
SuperHandy Ice Auger |
22 lbs. | 39 in. | 8 in. |
The 5 Best Electric Ice Augers in 2023
1. ION X 29250 – Best Overall
This new generation from ION boasts a load of groundbreaking features and guarantees unmatched performance, reliability and power.
First of all, it uses a 5 amp-hour battery that can drill as many as 30 holes and still have enough battery to keep going. ION has improved its storage capacity by 60% to be able to dig through 1600 inches of ice per charge.
The auger is 34 inches long, which is comfortable to hold and enables you to through the thickest ice in early winter. To add to its ease of use, the company redesigned the handles to be close together to the head, so you’d have enough space to cut a hole beside your shanty’s wall.
It incorporates an aluminum cast-bottom that precisely positions the 8-inch blades to ensure a consistent edge engagement. These blades are fast, smooth and capable of cutting holes wide enough to drag small bluegills as well as bigmouth lake trouts.
Weighing 22 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight so you can hop from a hole to another with it in your hands, and the reverse feature works great for flushing out the hole after cutting. It allows you to drill a hole and reverse the slush right down and have a clear hole ready to fish without even having to grab an ice scoop.
As for the accessories, the auger is equipped with two LED lights to be used in low-light conditions when night fishing or when digging a hole inside a dim shelter.
Overall, the ION X 8 auger won’t disappoint you in the worst. Although the extra bells and whistles add to its cost, it’s worth every penny.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- LED lights
- Two-year warranty
- Close handles
- Lightweight
- Reliable performance
- Reverse feature
Cons:
- Complaints about the battery overheating
- The cutting head can clog up in extremely low temperature
Bottom Line
ION has done an excellent job with this model. We recommend it for anyone looking for a lightweight, quiet and quick drill, as it’s by far the best electric ice auger on the market.
2. Trophy Strike 107387 – Best Battery Life
Trophy strike is a smooth auger that can cut through the ice like a beast. But what makes it stand out from the crowd is its second to none 120V lithium-ion battery that can last for hours and hours of digging without the need to recharge.
This bad boy can drill up to 86 holes in 20-inch thick ice on a single charge. You’ll be surprised that the battery hasn’t died yet even after turning the ice into what looks like a piece of swiss cheese with many holes in it. To add to this awesome feature, it comes with an insulated battery pouch to preserve the battery in icy conditions.
Moreover, it weighs 23 pounds and comes at a length of 35 inches. Given that some people may find this length not suitable for their height or the ice’s thickness, the company offers a 15-inch extension that is easy to assemble and disassemble.
The design of the blades allows for smooth cutting, and their cutting diameter is 8 inches. Using its reverse mechanism, you can flush the slush with a click of a button. Moreover, the bottom-mounted centering ring allows the auger to reopen frozen-over holes.
As a whole, the unit works quietly and 50% faster than other competitors. You can balance and control it easily using its large and padded handles.
Last but not least, the warranty on this item is no joke. Trophy offers a 5-year warranty on the unit and 1-year worth of it on the battery. Hence, you can rest assured that this auger will work like a rocket launcher and the company has your back.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Reasonable price
- 5-year warranty
- Lightweight and easy-to-use
- 5-gear planetary transmission
- Smooth operation
- Reversible drive
- Includes a battery bag
Cons:
- Flimsy handles
- No LED lights
Bottom Line
If you go on long trips and want an ice auger that can dig numerous holes flawlessly without running out on you, this is one’s a smart choice. You’ll love how it works precisely, and the reverse mechanism will make your life much easier.
3. Landworks Ice Auger – Best Bang for The Buck
When we first held this cordless and eco-friendly electric auger from Landworks, we knew we just had a successful bargain. It offers cutting-edge features and supreme technology at a price point of less than $300.
For starters, it’s equipped with an overload protector to protect the essential parts from overheating and irreparable damage. This means that the unit will take less time to recover from a heavy-duty job and would be ready for digging another hole in no time.
Another breathtaking feature is the brushless motor that runs the 8-inch blades. It simply makes the whole digging process smooth as cutting through butter. Also, the 8-inch diameter is what most anglers ask for as it’s suitable to land anything from panfish to big-game perch.
The 3-Planetary Gear Mechanism improves its performance. It’s a technical method that makes the unit capable of transferring the largest torque while maintaining a compact size.
If the weight is super important to you, you won’t have to worry because this auger weighs only 22 pounds while being 39 inches long. It’s also outfitted with wide-spaced handles to improve the balance during operation.
To avoid stirring the fish up and losing your potential catch, the auger is completely noise-free.
As for the battery, the drill comes with a 2 amp-hour lithium-ion one and a charger. If you’re more of a stationary fisherman who only needs 6-10 holes per day, it will be just fine. However, if you want to move around and chase more fish in more holes, the company offers another 4 amp-hour battery, but with a higher price tag.
Pros:
- Brushless motor for smooth drilling
- Noise-free
- 3-planetary gear mechanism
- No overheating
- Lightweight body
- Great customer service
Cons:
- The 2 amp-hour battery doesn’t last for long
- Not very efficient for thick ice
Bottom Line
Landworks puts all kinds of high-end technology in the palms of your hand at a fair price tag. You’ll be surprised how this workhorse of an ice auger is exceptionally noise-free and cuts like a dream.
4. ION 19150 – Best High-end Electric Auger
This is the most expensive product on our list, but allow us to explain why it deserves your investment.
This electric ice auger runs on a 3 amp-hour lithium-ion battery that’s capable of drilling more than 60 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge. The battery performance is great, and unless you’re running around drilling hundreds of holes across the lake, it should cover a full day of fishing.
At only 22 pounds, the auger is super light. You can either carry it should you like snowshoeing out to your fishing spot or slide it easily all over the lake. It comes with a 46-inch extension that you can add to its 34-inch length to be able to bite into thick ice and reopen frozen holes.
The blades reach their full cutting speed quickly, and their cutting diameter is 8 inches. This should be suitable for all kinds of fishing.
Thanks to its smooth operation, the freshly-cut holes are uniform with soft edges so that they won’t fray or snap your line while dragging out a big catch. Furthermore, with its reverse feature, you won’t need a skimmer to keep the slush out of the way.
The bicycle-style handlebars are also an interesting feature. They allow you to position the drill correctly and reduce your fatigue throughout the process.
Unfortunately, unlike the ION X series, this one doesn’t come with LED surface lights, so it’ll be hard to cut a hole at night without an additional torch. Also, it lacks a spike on the bottom, which led few users to complain about it bumping around in their hands when used on a rough surface.
Pros:
- Travel-friendly weight
- Excellent performance
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Precise cuts
- Reverse feature
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- Tends to jump around if the surface isn’t flat
- Requires thorough drying after use
Bottom Line
This ION model provides everything an ice angler asks for in a premium product. If you can spare the expenses, then, by all means, go for this ice auger. You’ll love how quick and reliable it is, and the reverse feature makes cleaning holes a snap.
5- SuperHandy Ice Auger – Budget Choice
Do you want to obtain a product that incorporates the revolutionary features of other high-end models without selling a kidney? Then Superhandy is the answer.
Costing no more than 270 bucks, this unit resembles Landworks ice auger in having a powerful brushless motor and 3-Planetary Gear mechanism for higher transmission efficiency. It also incorporates LED lights like ION X ice auger, which is way pricier than the product in our hands.
So let’s jump into more detail about Superhandy. The unit is 39 inches long and has an overall weight of 22 pounds. This gives anglers more relief when pulling a sled behind them, drilling holes, or carrying their augers across a lake. The silicon grip handles are fantastic! They have a wide and comfortable design that makes controlling them as easy as riding a bike.
For more versatility, the blades are made of high-quality materials and can cut holes 8-inch diameter holes. Using a 2 amp-hour rechargeable battery, they bore through 15 inches of ice without hesitation and could dig more than 20 holes on a single charge.
However, the battery received some complaints from users saying that if you’re going to use the auger all day, you might want to get two batteries.
Other than that, we like everything about this auger. The LED lights are a bonus for fishermen who like to venture out on the ice at night, and the Quick Safety Release mechanism guarantees a quick stop during operation.
Pros:
- Powerful operation
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic handles
- LED lights
- 3-Planetary Gear mechanism
- Overload protector
- Quick Safety Release mechanism
- Great customer service
Cons:
- Short battery life
- The battery needs to be kept warm in order to work efficiently
Bottom Line
This feature-loaded electric auger provides an excellent value for the price. It’s equipped with up-to-date technology that makes it work like a dream and last for a lifetime. If you have many holes to dig, this affordable yet efficient unit will make it just fun.
How to Pick an Electric Ice Auger
An electric ice auger isn’t a cheap piece of equipment that you can try and throw away if it doesn’t suit you. However, it’s more like an investment. Before you make up your mind, take a look at these crucial factors to know how to choose your next long-time ice buddy.
Weight
This is the most important aspect you should think about, especially if you travel a distance to reach your fishing spot or you’re planning on hopping from a hole to another.
Usually, you’ll find different products weighing between 20 and 35 pounds. Surly, heavier augers have the benefit of drilling with much force, but you still have to consider if you’re going to carry it on your own or drag it on an ice sled. If the former is your case, then opt for an auger lighter than 25 pounds.
Battery
This is the biggest downside of electric ice augers. Trust us; you don’t want to end up with a drill that ran out of life in the middle of your trip. Hence, aim for the best battery you can get on an average auger, which is a 40V lithium-ion one.
It’s the most reliable type of battery, and if you treat it well, it can last over 500 drills before it needs a replacement. Just make sure to store it in warm conditions and recharge it before every use.
To get an idea about the power, if you purchase a 3 amp-hour battery, it’s going to get you through approximately 1000 inches of ice per charge. A 5 amp-hour battery can dig 1600 inches per charge, and a 6 amp-hour cell is going to get you through 2000 inches of ice and so on.
Blade Size
The blade’s size determines the diameter of the hole you’re going to cut, which in turn, depends on the type of species you’re targeting.
You’ll come across various sizes, but the 6, 8, and 10 inches are the most common. A blade’s size of 6 inches should be sufficient for panfish like crappies and yellow perch. Nevertheless, anglers planning on reeling in monsters like muskies and lake trouts, shouldn’t go for a size less than 10 inches.
Finally, an auger with 8-inch blades is the most versatile, so if you’re the type who likes to leave his options open, this size will serve you with almost every type of fish.
Blade Type
As the core-piece of an auger, the blades come in one of two main types. The first and most common are the shaving blades. These are shaped like smooth, yet extremely sharp knives and are preferred by anglers who like to cut through thinner ice.
The other type is chipper blades. They’re outfitted with serrated teeth to break up thicker ice. Although they’re slower and less uniform, they’re the most durable out of the two.
However, whether it’s serrated or shaved, the best electric ice auger should be equipped with high-quality blades that can resist corrosion and abrasion over time.
Length
According to the thickness of the ice you want to chew through, you should decide on the length of the auger you’re purchasing. The thicker the ice, the longer the auger should be. Yet, ice layers aren’t always the same thickness throughout the season, and some augers are too long to be held and used comfortably.
For this reason, look for an electric auger that comes with an adjustable height knot or an extension to be able to change its length as per the length you’re comfortable with and the thickness of the ice.
Accessories
Look for an ice auger that comes with accessories that increases its functionality. For example, some come with blade guards to protect you from their sharp edges, and others offer extensions for length adjustments.
The most important accessory would be integrated lights. These can make your life easier if you’re digging a hole at night or from the shadows of a dim shelter.
Noise
What’s the use of spending a good amount of time drilling a hole, then surprise! There are no fish. The best electric ice auger should chew through the ice smoothly with minimal noise so that it doesn’t spook the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Many Holes Can an Electric Auger Drill Before the Battery Runs Out?
That depends on many factors, including the type of the battery, the thickness of the ice and the temperature. An average electric ice auger can drill 30-60 holes through 2 feet of ice on a single charge.
Can You Sharpen an Ice Auger’s Blades?
Yes. Sharpening them is important from time to time to ensure that they cut through the ice with the same strength and speed. However, it’s not an easy job to do by yourself if you’re a beginner because you can injure yourself or wear the blades in the process. Hence, always ask a professional for help.
Why Go with Electric Ice Augers Instead of Manual or Gas-powered Ones?
Because electric augers are exhaust-free and won’t require you to mix gas and oil prior to using them. Plus, they’re quieter, more convenient, and require less maintenance than manual and gas-powered augers.
Final Verdict
As we’ve come to an end, we hope that we’ve been of help to you. If you still haven’t made up your mind, here is a quick recap that may help.
From what we’ve seen on the market, we genuinely think that ION X 29250 is the best electric ice auger currently available. The auger is fast, light, and drills enough holes on a single charge to keep even a busy ice angler happy.
Trophy Strikeis a must-have for an angler who spends more time on the ice. Like its name, it’ll make you stuff your cooler with trophy fish because digging several holes won’t be a problem anymore. Also, no other competitors get remotely close to the power of its battery.
Finally, if you want to take a cheaper route, choose Landworks ice auger. Although its battery isn’t the best, it incorporates high-end technology that increases the auger’s lifespan. It can work for years and still cuts as clean and fast as the first hole.