I have the bigger size pump that takes 2 D batteries. I swear that thing lasts forever.
I bought the baby bubbler thinking the size was easier but I find the 2 AA batteries don't even make the days fishing before they are dead.

One thing I do find annoying is hearing the air pumps running, especially the bigger of the two.  Tends to have a bit of a affect on the peaceful bliss of being on the ice but then again, so does a fishing party of ten, firing up a power auger 10 yds from your shanty.

Well the area I fished on lake George yesterday had at least 200 people. Everything from trucks, atv , side by side and snowmobile were running around. Amazingly, there was PLENTY of room to fish . I always bring my tunes and tune out to the surroundings.

I tried rechargeable batteries in my air pump today. With all due respect, the batteries were fully charged in Nov. 17 so I can't say what the charge might of been today. The batteries are Eveready AA NiCd and rated at 600-
mAh.

The first set lasted about 4.5 hours and the second set was still going 2 hrs. later when I arrived home. Both sets of batteries were placed in a charger where they shall remain until I can run them again sometime mid-week.

One dislike I did learn during this run period using the "Baby Bubbles" is the second (bottom) AA battery is a bear trying to remove it without the assistance of a tool. I used the nail file on my nail/line clippers.

A second review is with the Eagle Claw (Frabill) Jet sled. Yesterday I was towing over a couple inches of wet snow and there was some noticible drag as I moved across the ice. Today, the snow was replaced with a coating of water and like every other sled, the Jet 1 pulled as if it weren't there. The sides are 10" high which is a big improvement over my toboggan. Plus the Jet is 54" long and 25" wide, again a big improvement over my previous sled. Weight wise, I believe the Jet1 comes in at 13 pounds. Cost was $54.99 and shipping was free cause I bought it locally.

Speaking of shipping, watch some them internet sights listing the Jet1 for what seems like a really, really good price. Give em your address and CC number then hit purchase and your paying big shipping and handling charges. Do check them shipping charges closely.

Hope my review (rant) has been useful.

Good times, tight lines and, God Bless the Ice Ferry.

The eagle claw is a product of shappell, not frabill.
Shappell sold out to eagle claw like 2 years ago. I was a fan of shappell because their products were made in the USA, not so sure now that they have eagle claw attached.

A tip on the sled,
Throw some wax on the bottom.
Second tip is if your doing a lot of asphalt dragging, put some wear bars on the bottom. Honestly I haven't . Mine is about 20 years old and I beat the crap outta it , even used it to haul firewood with an atv.

Tuna thanks so much for the correction on the Shappell......... stupid spell check!!! 
 
Appreciate the heads-up on the waxing too.
 
I've seen the 'runner kits' that a guy can purchase and wonder if they are worth the cost or make that much of a difference in snow.  The entire surface area on the bottom of the sled is still dragging on the surface of snow.  Still, better pulling over the snow then through the snow.  Unless the sled is setting on a high set of narrow skis.  
 
 
Not a bad idea with hauling fire wood also, especially from the wood pile to the wood-burner in  the mancave.  I'm gonna recommend that to the better half 'cept she'll have to wait til after or get the wood before I go fishing. 
 
Gonna be windy as heck around these parts today, would be a great time to test the anchors and tethers on the ice shanty but I think, I'm going to leave that up to someone else today.
 
Good times and tight lines. 
 
 

I wouldn't bother with the wear bars on a sled but would recommend on a flip over as it's usually the tub(sled) that wears out before the fabric.
My son picked up 3 sets for $5.00 each when gander mt was closing so it was a cheap investment .
 
you may have put the jinx on us with getting your gear. All this RAIN we been getting the last 2 days my local waters look real UGLY !!! I hate to see grey ice and shot shorelines ..
 

I hear ya on the short shorelines. Walked a few planks over the years just to satisfy the ice fish itch. So far so good here, temps drop quick enough for a refreeze but there is a few inches of Grey ice over the clear.

Thanks for the info on the covers, appreciate it.

As for the runners, I'm thinkin of sperimenting with some 3/4 PVC pipe and fittings. Little sand and the right amount of heat in the right place, I can bend the pipe into curved runners. A couple elevator bolts each, should hold em place. Maybe try blind rivets instead of bolts.

I wouldn't do the pvc route. It's not durable and putting holes in the sled for short term not recommend. The sleds are tough enough as is. Just add wax
I have the same material at work that the runners are made from. We call it duro slide, not sure of it's material name. I know a 4'x10' x1 inch thick costs $2,374.00. It's not cheap.

Sure will give the wax a try. Thanks again.

Had no idea the material the runners are made from was so danged expensive.