Electric ice auger options

[SkunkedAgain]

I had just verily bought a new 10" gas auger, which I totally loved the year before the electrics came out, it actually starts easy and I've never had an issue with it, except it's a gasser.... (noisy, have to mix fuel and make sure it doesn't spill, heavy and etc, etc...) Well, the next year I seen an electric and it didn't take me long to do the switch, since then I haven't used the gasser once, even though I love the 10" hole, but the electrics are so much more convenient and easy, I won't go back to gas... I actually need a drill the rest of the year so for me the drill made a lot of sense, I know the Ion's are incredible, but it more depends on if you can afford to have a $600 tool just sit there between ice seasons... I also think it's better for the batteries to be frequently recharged so using the drill all summer I think is better than leaving a unit sitting unless your better than me at keeping up on a trickle charger... Anyway I would recommend making sure you have the high torque model drill... I started with a DeWalt 20V drill, which was great around the house, but I sort of smoked that first drill because it didn't have the power it needed to turn the augers... So I went to the Milwaukee M18's and totally love that drill... I did change from an 8" auger back to my Nils 6" auger just to be easier on my drill... It did fine with the 8", but I'd just converted a hand auger to be used on the drill and it worked, but not as slick as the Nils, so now when I fish Bear Lake or somewhere with the possibility of big fish, I just drill two holes close together and spud out the points between and it works great... If you want more torque I have a friend that uses the Milwaukee mud mixer on his ice auger and it works great if you want the tank mode... You don't really need it, but it will turn things without worry of smoking the motor... It's all up to your wallet and what makes the most sense and value to you.. I'd love an Ion if I had money I didn't need to do more than one thing, but I have to dual use my dollars where I can.. Helps me justify the purchase a little easier anyway... I don't think you need the Clam plate gear reduction, they work fine without and I hardly ever use the side handle, but once in a while I probably should, it can kick back pretty hard at times when it catches... Anyway hard to make a bad choice unless you go gasser... They were great in their day, but that has passed and I'm not a green nut, it's just better technology and doesn't scare the fish... Good luck on your decision.. Later J