Not a bad price for that drill Crappie but, mentioning the Stihl just gave me a project, to use my mig welder.
 
I'm gonna weld the rear sprocket from a bicycle to the shaft of the auger, replace the cutting chain on the saw with a bicycle chain and, attach the saw.  Genius! 
 
 
Okkkkkk......  Ok......!  So I'm getting delusional from cabin fever, for crying out loud!!!!!

Hard to find right now. Most shops are sold out for the season. Some 6" models floating around.  Amazon had a couple 8" models for $600. 

I might buy a propane now...

There are a lot of complaints on the propane augers. . Ugh

I emailed strikemaster to see if there is an update on the recall hopefully get a response soon

No problems,starting it EVER First or second pull running,never stalls,powerful,eats through ice just started my 5th 1lb tank propane today.  I seriously cut over 500 ! 600 holes this year,cut 40 today. Fished yesterday on the record cold morning and the throttle cable would not let off and idle,I moved the throttle lever with my finger back and forth,still stuck,so I cut a cut holes on full throttle and it broke free. I sprayed with silicone lube and had no issues today. Mine is generation 2 there up to 4's now. I'm 62 and wish they made this year's ago. Cons the weight 38 lbs
Pros powerful,cuts a hole in 5 seconds no gas mix to stink up things,quite.  I'll put it up against any electric out there. As for the price of propane up against a replacement battery at 160.00 now,5x 3.00 = 15.00 buck for the year.  I'm almost positive the cost of the battery will go up. My buddies refills his own for under a buck a tank. So how many years do the electrics batteries last? When I'm fishing I don't want to cut 10,15, holes and run out of juice. I carry 2 extra tanks and cut all the holes I want for my son and I or all my buddies,which is growing with the thick ice the last two seasons.lol I'm not a sales rep and am fussy about my toys that cost 5 bills but this one's a keeper.3 seasons 1500 or more holes great,product.
 
 
 
 

Appreciate the info Tuna, I'm looking at different avenues including the conversion kits for using electric drills.  Will be doing some hard shopping in the coming months.  Do like the idea of not messing with mixed gas etc.  As for batteries and the cost of OEM replacement, definitely pricey but, a little solder and some tabs can go a long way building your own power paks.  My problem is I have too much time on my hands which usually gets me in trouble.  But, what the heck I have fun(lol).  That having been said, I do carry a propane lantern and heater so another propane device is certainly a option.  Did some reading on the 'fill your own propane bottles' but, I'm shying away from that for now.   Thanks again for your input.  BTDT 
 
 

JRSR
Amazon has a few 8" Ion electric augers in stock. $505 plus tax. About $30 bucks more.

Thank you..............

I gotta drop back 10 and punt.......

Just bought some other toys. Valentines Day and Easter are used up so, I gotta make the better half think the ice auger is her Mothers Day gift.(lol).

Telling yinz it works...............

'cept............ I don't think I'm gonna look real good wearing the ring, necklace and, bracelet she got for me.


Pretty diamonds though.........


Thanks again, I'll check it out.

I'm a certified Milwaukee dealer too I get all tools cheap