Going out for ice fishing and searching for the best battery powered ice auger? We are here to help you choose the best battery powered ice auger out there!
Quick Overview – Best Battery Powered Ice Auger
- Best All Around Ice Auger: KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
- Best Value Ice Auger: Jiffy E-6 Lightning Electric Ice Auger
- Best Performance Ice Auger: Landworks Battery Powered Ice Auger
Quick Comparison – Best Battery Powered Ice Augers
Buying Guide
When it comes to fishing tools, if you choose the equipment as per your needs and requirements, keeping the fishing conditions in mind, you will get the optimum results.
Before you go out to buy the product you think works perfectly for you, you need to keep an eye out for various factors that make one product stand out from the other. We have put together a list of a few factors that you should keep an eye out for while you are buying the best battery-powered ice auger.
Let’s take a look!
Types of Ice Augers
There are three main types of ice augers:
- Manual
- Gas/Propane
- Electric Battery Powered
Manual Ice Augers
Manual Augers are cheap, and they are lighter than other augers as well. As long as the blade of the manual ice auger is sharp, you don’t have to worry about anything else.
However, you have to put in a lot of effort into using the ice auger, especially if you are going to cut multiple holes. It will be pretty hard to cut through thick ice as well.
The low price of manual augers attracts customers, but it will take a lot of effort on your end when it comes to using the product.
Gas/Propane Ice Augers
When it comes to gas ice augers, they have bits that are longer than those present on manual or electric ice augers. This is a handy feature if you are going fishing in areas that have very thick ice.
Moreover, if you fish from an elevated platform, you would like a longer bit.
Since they don’t have any delicate electric parts, they are usually more durable. Additionally, their motors can run for several years without any major issue. However, a major downside of gas ice augers is that you have to keep liquid fuel handy all the time.
Moreover, the fuel is harmful to the environment as a whole and can be hazardous if it accidentally catches fire. Another thing that you should know is that gas augers are pretty loud and thus are not suitable if you are fishing for fish that are skittish.
Battery Powered Ice Augers
Even though battery-powered ice augers produce less torque as compared to propane or gas ice augers, they are cost-effective and are eco-friendly as well. Moreover, electric ice augers can reach their peak speed pretty easily and in no time.
They don’t produce any harmful fumes and can be used even if you are ice fishing from inside your tents. Since they don’t require any additional fuel, you don’t have to worry about carrying additional baggage while going fishing.
Battery-powered augers don’t rely on oil, gas, or power cords. You can drill easily anytime, anywhere, without having to worry about finding a power source or battle with fumes.
Several people, usual beginners, tend to start out with manual ice augers because they are a bit cheaper than battery-powered augers. However, you need to keep in mind that electric augers are a great investment since you will be able to use them over and over again.
Moreover, you will be cut through the ice very easily, precisely, quickly, and with very little effort.
Blade Size
When it comes to deciding the blade size, there are various factors that play a role. Usually, blades are 6, 8, or 10 inches in diameter. Generally, larger blades are expensive, while smaller blades tend to be cheaper.
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- Target
The fish species that you are targeting determines the size of your blade. If you are looking for large fish like northern pike, then you should look for 8-inch blades or even 10-inch blades. If you are looking to get perch and small fish species, you can get a 6-inch blade as well.
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- Type of Auger
If you are using a manual auger, you should not buy one with a 10-inch blade since it will take a lot of effort to drill a hole of this size manually. However, with a battery-powered electric blade, you can cut large holes pretty easily so you can get one with a large diameter.
Weight
It is recommended that you choose a lightweight ice auger that is easy to carry around when you go out fishing. However, you have to keep in mind that you shouldn’t compromise on performance.
If you don’t move around a lot while fishing, or if you don’t have to travel a long distance, then you can compromise on the weight and even buy a heavier model.
Find a perfect balance between the efficiency of the ice auger and the weight to ensure that you get the best out of your fishing adventure.
Noise
Fish get spooked easily with the slightest of sounds. You would not want your catch to get scared and run away, now do you? Therefore, you have to ensure that the ice augers don’t make a lot of sounds, and you can drill in relative peace.
Lights
If you are going to fish at night, it would be an added bonus if your battery-powered ice auger came with a night light to help you see where you are drilling. This, however, may put a strain on the batteries and drain them quickly, so you have to keep an eye out for that.
Length
Another important factor to keep an eye out for is the length of your battery-powered ice auger. Similarly, it will be a burden to carry a very long auger when you know that the ice will be only a few inches thick.
Keep the fishing conditions that you will be likely facing in mind, and then choose the ice auger that fulfills those needs perfectly.
Location and Power
The depth to which you will be drilling depends on the place and location where you will be fishing along with the fishing habits of the fish that reside there. If you are going to fish in early winter, you will probably not have to drill further than 1 ft. of ice. If such is the case, then you don’t need a very powerful ice auger.
However, if you are going to fish on a frozen lake in Alaska in the middle of a harsh winter, it is probable that you will have to drill through 5 ft. of ice. In such cases, you will need an ice auger that has enough power to do quickly and efficiently.
Blade Type
When it comes to ice augers, there are two types of blades:
- Shaving Blades
- Chipping Blades
There are minor differences between the two, but since you can’t swap out the blades, you need to know what these are.
Shaving blades usually have a smooth cutting edge. This edge is razor-sharp, and even though they remove just a fine layer of ice with each stroke, the sharp edge allows the ice auger to go through the ice very quickly.
They are perfect for cutting through fresh holes in clean ice. They don’t work well in dirt ice and for reopening old holes since this causes the blade to become dull, and once the blade dulls, the auger will be of no use to you.
Chipper blades are very sharp and usually come with wide-set teeth. This helps them in getting through the ice very easily and quickly. However, they are not as precise as the shaving blades and are not as fast as well.
They can be used to cut ice that has dirt and sand and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Most of the ice augers come with two shaver blades while some come with chipper blades as well. Keep your requirements in mind while choosing one for yourself.
The Best Battery Powered Ice Auger Review – Our Top Picks
The Best All Around Battery Powered Ice Auger
ION X 29250 Battery Powered Ice Auger
Pros
- Reverse technology feature
- Powerful lithium-ion battery
- Smooth holes
- Lightweight
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
The ION X 2950 comes with an innovative cast bottom that is designed in a way that allows us to drill smoother holes easily. Moreover, the auger is very precise, and you can drill accurate holes. Apart from its performance, the ice auger looks exceptionally good as well due to its aesthetic design.
The handlebars and the powerhead make the ice auger look pretty impressive. What makes the ice auger stand out is the 2 LED lights present under the powerhead. You can easily carry on with your fishing activities, even in the dark, with the help of this amazing feature!
The ice auger comes with a powerful 40V 5 AH battery that produces ample power to drill up to 1600 inches in one charge. If you are looking to buy a top-quality lithium-ion powered ice auger that performs exceptionally well, then you should give ION X 29250 a look.
Amazon
The Best Value Battery Powered Ice Auger
Jiffy E-6 Lightning Electric Ice Auger
Pros
- Long battery life
- Well-balance handles
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Takes time to drill
If you are looking for an affordable battery-powered ice auger, then you should give Jiffy E-6 a look. While there is no such thing as a cheap battery powered ice auger, the Jiffy is safe to operate, and you can use it from within the safety of your shelter.
Moreover, the ice auger comes with a reverse technology feature as well that makes sure that you don’t need an ice skimmer, which saves you additional money.
It comes with wide handles that provide a highly comfortable grip. Moreover, it has a serrated blade that helps you drill through the ice in a short time. The product weighs around 25 lbs and is thus very lightweight and portable.
The 6 AH battery of the ice auger is its best feature, and it ensures that your auger lasts for a long time!
Amazon
The Best Performance Battery Powered Ice Auger
Landworks Battery Powered Ice Auger
Pros
- Lightweight
- Safe to operate
- LED spotlight
- A powerful battery that digs up to 2340 inches in one charge
- Well-balanced handles
Cons
- The instructions manual is a bit vague
Landmarks is a well-known brand when it comes to ice augers in the market. This product lives up to its name and kills out there in the ice. This battery-powered ice auger drill holes pretty easily and in no time.
When it comes to ice fishing, you need to ensure that the ice auger is quiet so that it doesn’t scare the fish away. This ice auger has a very quiet brushless motor that helps you drill noiselessly and catch skittish fish very easily.
The product is eco-friendly and follows all the safety guidelines as well. The overload protector ensures that the powerhead stays safe from overheating. The wide-spaced handles ensure that you maintain your balance and are comfortable while using the ice auger.
It has a 3-planetary gear mechanism that helps with efficient and smooth transmissions. It comes with a 2 AH battery, and you can also use the auger with a 4AH battery as well.
Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the direction of spin important?
Yes, you have to keep an eye out for the direction of spin. It is not a major consideration, but it helps if you have a few old augers lying around and want to swap out parts. The cutting performance isn’t affected by the direction of the spin, though.
What role does the quality of the blade play?
Another thing that you have to keep in mind is the quality of the blade. The sharpness of an ice auger’s blade determines the level of ease you experience while cutting through the ice.
You need to keep an eye out for a blade that is strong enough to drill through the ice and will also be able to withstand the wear and tear that comes with drilling through the ice for long hours.
How do I drill ice fishing holes?
For a great tutorial, check out overtons blog!
What else should I take on a successful ice fishing trip to the lake?
Aside from a rod & reel, lines and lures? Think about getting an ice fishing flasher to scout where to drill.
And most importantly, stay safe and warm! At least bring some warm boots and socks, and a decent jacket/bibs and gloves!
Happy Ice Fishing!
When you are out ice fishing, you will have to drill through thick ice to reach down to the depths of the lake and fish for amazing species hiding down there. With the help of the perfect battery-powered ice auger, you will be able to do this very easily and then position your tip-ups!
We have reviewed the top 3 best battery powered ice augers for you so that it will be easier for you to choose the one you deem perfect. The buying guide will help you learn more about ice augers.