Lazer or Mora?

[henckel]

I've had a seven-inch StrikeMaster Mora ice auger for 25 years or so and despite my teenage son's violent objections ("You really need a 10-inch power auger, Dad!!!!!!), I'm looking at buying a new eight-inch hand auger. What are the differences between StrikeMaster's Mora and Lazer augers? Is it worth twice-the-price for Lazer's stainless steel blades? Do they perform any better than a Mora? -- mark

E-mail: henckel@billingsgazette.com

[Rapaleye]

I am sure you will get quite a few opinions on this one. I wondered the same thing so I went out and bought them both (in six inch dia). I cut holes side by side through the same ice and I have to admit I did not see any noticeable difference. I know they claim the Lazer cuts "faster" but I have never seen any one claim they cut easier (with less effort). My guess is physics is physics, it takes the same amount of energy to cut, just one may cut faster. Don't know what I would do with the extra few seconds I saved cutting the hole, so I kept the Blue Mora and returned the Lazer.
One thing to think about, going from a 7inch to 8 your will be cutting 25% more ice. That can add up after several holes. Good luck.

[Jiffyboy]

Mr. Henckel--

if I were you I would go with a Jiffy gas powered 10 inch auger. Alot easier to plug holes in the ice. Much more convienient. Hope this helps you.

Jiffyboy

[Lund_Dude]

I have to disagree. I have a 4" & 7" Lazer. I have a buddy with a 6" Jiffy. THere is no comparison in cutting ease between my larger Lazer and his Jiffy. The Lazer cuts so sweetly that I don't even own a gas auger. As for hole size, I strongly believe that you need to keep the hole as small as possible. My catch rates on perch and panfish goes up with the 4" hole over the 7". Just food for thought! Good Luck!

[henckel]

You catch more fish with the smaller hole? Any guess why that might be? -- mark

[MarbleEye's]

I would go with the lazer, hands down.
My friends 7 inch lazer will cut as well, if not a little better than my 5 inch mora. On the lazers the handles are much nicer and don't seem to crack like i've had a few mora knobs break on me. The only disadvantage to a lazer is that it is a bit tougher to cut that last inch or so of ice with, but it is well made up with the rest of the hole.
With good blades, these are both a good option, but I would opt to have a lazer even with the slight difference in cost.
MarbleEye's

[Lund_Dude]

My guess would be lower light penetration with a smaller hole. May be no difference when fishing in a dark shack, but I always fish outside.

[Lund_Dude]

When the Lazer "binds" as it cuts the last bit of the hole, try this. Turn it back about 1/2 turn and continue to drill (as you would use a tap in metal). I am guessing the blades start to get jammed and need to be "cleaned" out. Good Luck!

[scumfrog]

I do, light penetration often spooks fish especially if combined with fishing pressure and shallow water. One way to offset this is by leaving a layer of ice chips in the hole. Also, remember that if you can see the fish it can see you! Good fishin!

[Champ]

I have one of each, buy the LAZER.

[Spinnerman]

I have the same set up as Lund Dude and I will have to agree with him on catching more fish through the smaller hole than the larger one; panfish that is. I think it is because once you get them in the hole you have got them because they can't get turned around on you. I have had the hook pop out many times while the fish is in the hole, and still get them, because the only way they can swim is up. Just my thought's.

Spinnerman

[sib]

light penetration is a factor as others have suggested. i use an 8", then use as white 5 gal pail top as an aperture to cut down light.

1) cut a 2" hole in the middle of the top.

2) cut the top in half.

3) use a strip of leather and rivet the edge of the top halves together on one side.

now you have a hole cover that can open like pacman and easily pull out of the way when you hook up. when closed you have a 2" hole to jig through, that prevents snow from blowing in and keeps from freezing sooner.

"go outside and play"
sib

[NewIceGuy]

I have been borrowing an ice auger from a friend and need to buy my own. Which brand is better? Any thoughts out there?