Whether at a sport show or in a retail store aisle, I hear the lament especially from older anglers, “It’s all so complicated now.” One step removed from “what’ll they think of next,” it’s a comment of frustration in all the options out there now, in this instance, just to drill a hole in the ice. Yet, we really do live in a golden age of technological advancement of the sport. When I first started to hit the ice as a kid, gas-powered ice augers were just starting to hit the scene full force. Within a few years, they were lighter than previous models, but still entirely made of steel and quite heavy compared to today’s options.
Lithium Advantage
Today, gas augers are the rare ones, with lightweight lithium ion options being the best choice for so many anglers across the ice belt. There’s a lot to love here, with batteries that last for many dozens of holes, even in mid-late winter scenarios. Add one more battery to the mix, and you’ve got an auger that will drill as many holes in the ice as you could fish in any one day. Not to mention, they’re extremely lightweight compared to their gas-powered brethren. Hole-hopping is easier now than it ever was before due almost entirely to the lithium revolution.
Of course, lithium extends to the cordless-drill powered pistol bits or light-weight flighting attached to them. There’s a growing cadre of anglers that like the thought of being able to build a deck one weekend, and drill a hole in the ice with that same tool the following one. As lithium has revolutionized the power tool trade, it has made its way into our flashers, making them extremely lightweight, long-lasting, and durable. The same could be said for ice augers, whether settling on a lithium ion powerhead, or relying on the existing lithium-powered cordless drill you may already own.
To Pistol
I must admit, my first experience with a cordless-drill powered ice auger was, less than stellar. I experienced the negatives of a product that wasn’t quite in full-swing with the technology pushing it. My drill batteries didn’t last that long, and the flighting was steel, offering only a nominal decrease in weight overall. Yet the maneuverability of the entire setup, along with the value brought by not having to purchase a separate power-source revealed some promise.
Now, most of those downsides have gone out the window. The lithium battery technology works better in cold weather, and overall gets you more holes per charge. Updated cutting systems give anglers options, as do the polycarbonate flighting systems that are a durable plastic-like material which stand up to all the abuse I can give them. What’s more is that they’re literally half the weight or less than the lightest full powerhead options out there. Shrink the diameter size of the flighting for say, panfish, and you’ve got something that’s even lighter still, not to mention extremely fast. I can’t think of a better way to prowl for perch or bluegills in shallow water, or for roaming across open ice in warm weather.
Of course, there are a few downsides, especially when trying to power through thick ice using bigger diameters (8” and above). Cordless drills can fail over time, especially when they see hard use both on and off the ice. Because of the torque generated, I’ve even see people break or sprain wrists by being unprepared for the sheer snap that can happen when blades bind or they bite some serious ice. Still, for my money, and the value these options provide, they’re a cheap add-on to my gear that always hits the ice with me when chasing panfish.
To Powerhead
There’s just something to be said for the substantial feel and control you get when drilling a hole in the ice with a dedicated powerhead and flighting system. I feel that I can drill more precisely, when the situation calls for it. A prime example would be inside of a wheelhouse shelter, when you’re attempting to center the hole in the sleeve or catch-cover ring. Variable speed drilling, new this year to certain manufacturer drills, really take that precision drilling step up a notch. Feather the switch to start slow and get good bite into the ice, then press down fully to accelerate and push through.
Especially when I’m roaming the open ice for predator species, there’s no other auger I’d rather carry than a lithium-powered, dedicated ice drill. Walleyes, lakers, or pike, it matters not. 8” or 10” diameter holes and their associated flighting are simply harder to turn around in a circle with drills that can be underpowered for their use. A dedicated powerhead gives you optimum opportunity to grip the drill properly, control the drilling portion of the process, and really get through thick ice.
I’ll admit that this opinion is educated both by experience and preference, and to each their own. Though lightweight flighting and drill combinations are cheaper and lighter overall, it’s amazing how lightweight flighting on dedicated lithium drill units have made their weight shrink as well. For a few more lbs., I’ll carry the real thing when hitting bigger fish and drilling more holes.
What to Look For
I’m of the thought that unless you’re looking for a drill unit that can withstand lots of abuse in the bed of a bouncing truck, you’re going to enjoy the weight-savings of poly, lightweight flighting systems, whether powered by a drill or powerhead. The next think to consider is cutting system, and I’m a fan of the newer hybrid style cut. Shaver blades can be fast, especially when compared to chipper blades that crush the ice vs. cutting it. Yet, I like the versatility of angled blades that don’t curve, as they’re harder to knock out of tune, and when paired with an appropriate powerhead, cut even faster than the shaver blade sytems of old.
If your aim is to find the best dedicated powerhead and drill, pay careful attention to the design. You’re looking for something that grips easily and comfortably, without having too wide a stance such that it fits in tight places. A variable speed trigger is a truly premium option that makes everything easier when cutting inside a hard-house or portable. You want a powerhead that’s sold with the option of one or two batteries, as there’s typically a price discount if you know you need two, when buying them all at once.
If looking for the best flighting for a cordless drill system, you’ll want something with a hexagonal main shaft. That allows strength to the structure that the poly flighting attaches to, including the ice-cutting portion of the head that does the dirty work. Strive for something that’s as light as possible, and consider a 6” hole for most of your panfish needs. It’s amazing how even trophy panfish have very little problem fitting their way topside in 6” diameter ice holes.
In the end, there’s only a small additional cost of ownership for having both, so you may consider choosing the dedicated powerhead system if you know you’re attached to those older ways of drilling. Add the pistol later if you feel like you want something light and more portable. Conversely, it can be nice to save some cash at the outset and see if the cordless drill option works well for you, but I caution against it if you’re drilling lots of holes for predators across the open ice. Truth be told, it’s hard to make a bad choice out there, and you’ll be happy to have either once it’s time to hit the ice.