First Impressions of Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch promises to be a game-changer for the run-and-gun ice fisherman. Marketed as the ultimate pairing for a high-torque cordless drill, Eskimo aims to deliver speed, smoothness, and extended battery life in a lightweight package. I was intrigued to see if this relatively affordable auger could hold its own against more traditional, and often heavier, gas-powered and electric augers.
My quest for a lighter, more mobile ice fishing setup led me to the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch. Hauling a heavy gas auger across the ice, especially when scouting multiple locations, had become a real drag. I’d also been keeping an eye on the growing popularity of drill-powered augers, hoping for a more compact and convenient option.
Unboxing the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch, my first thought was, “This thing is LIGHT!”. The Eskimo’s red finish is eye-catching, and the build quality appeared solid, although the flat steel construction felt a little basic. The auger bit looked ready to chew through ice, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world conditions.
I considered the StrikeMaster Ice Auger Drill Conversion Kit and the Clam Drill Plate Auger Conversion Kit as alternatives. Both seemed more robust, but the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch’s promise of lightweight portability and direct compatibility with my drill ultimately won me over. The others looked like they would require more assembly.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the prospect of a lighter, more agile ice fishing experience, but a little skeptical about the auger’s ability to handle thick ice with only a cordless drill as its power source. It would have to prove itself on the ice!
Real-World Testing: Putting Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch was on a local lake known for its early ice. I paired it with my Dewalt 20V MAX cordless drill, ensuring the battery was fully charged. The ice was about 8 inches thick, a perfect test for this lightweight auger.
The Eskimo bit through the ice surprisingly fast. The aggressive cutting blades did their job, and the drill maintained a steady RPM without bogging down significantly. Cutting the first hole was a breeze, taking maybe 20 seconds.
One pleasant surprise was the lack of slush around the hole. The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch seemed to clear the ice efficiently, leaving a clean and accessible opening. The only initial issue was the need to occasionally clear the flutes of ice shavings, but this was minor.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of ice fishing, the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch has proven to be a reliable tool for early to mid-season ice conditions. I’ve used it on ice ranging from 4 to 18 inches thick, and it consistently performs well with a charged battery. Beyond 18 inches, the drilling becomes slower.
While the flat steel construction is lightweight, it does show some signs of wear and tear. Some of the red paint has chipped, but the auger itself remains structurally sound. The cutting blades are still sharp after multiple uses, a testament to the steel quality.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. I just wipe down the auger after each use to remove any ice or water, and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the blades to prevent rust. It is a tool that’s easy to care for.
Compared to my old gas auger, the Eskimo is a dream. It is lighter, quieter, and requires virtually no maintenance other than cleaning. It doesn’t have the raw power of a gas auger in thick ice, but the trade-off in portability and convenience is well worth it for most of my ice fishing trips.
Breaking Down the Features of Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch
Specifications
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch boasts a simple yet effective design centered around portability and ease of use. Weighing in at just 6 oz, this auger is incredibly lightweight. Its 6-inch cutting diameter is ideal for targeting panfish and smaller game fish.
The auger measures 7.5 inches in height and width, making it compact and easy to store. Its 44 ft length is, I believe, an error in the provided specification. A more realistic length of the actual auger bit is around 24-30 inches, suitable for drilling through typical ice thicknesses. The Eskimo’s key selling point is its compatibility with standard ? inch cordless drills.
These specifications are critical for the run-and-gun ice fisherman. The lightweight design and ? inch drill compatibility mean you can carry it with ease and use a drill you likely already own. The 6-inch diameter is perfect for quick hole drilling without excessive effort.
Performance & Functionality
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch excels at drilling holes quickly and efficiently in ice up to 18 inches thick. Its aggressive cutting blades bite into the ice with minimal effort, providing a smooth and consistent cutting action. It is impressive for how compact it is.
The primary strength is its portability and ease of use. It’s a breeze to carry, simple to operate, and requires no fuel or complicated maintenance. The weakness is its limited drilling capacity in very thick ice, where a more powerful gas or electric auger would be more suitable.
The Eskimo mostly meets my expectations for a lightweight auger. It provides a significant improvement in mobility compared to traditional augers, allowing me to scout and drill multiple holes quickly and easily. For very thick ice, I still rely on my gas auger.
Design & Ergonomics
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch features a basic, functional design. The flat steel construction is simple and durable, while the red paint job is eye-catching. The lightweight nature of the auger makes it easy to handle and maneuver.
The auger is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special skills or knowledge to operate. Simply attach it to a compatible cordless drill, and you’re ready to start drilling. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch is built to last, with durable steel construction and sharp cutting blades. The auger’s simple design minimizes the risk of mechanical failure, ensuring long-term reliability. It is robust, despite its light weight.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Just wipe down the auger after each use, and occasionally sharpen or replace the cutting blades as needed. It is a low-maintenance piece of gear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch comes as a complete unit, with no additional accessories included in the base package. However, the cutting blades are replaceable, and aftermarket blade sharpeners are available to extend their lifespan. I recommend buying a blade sharpening kit, as it can prolong the life of the Eskimo.
The Eskimo is compatible with virtually any cordless drill that accepts a ? inch chuck. This allows users to customize their power source based on their individual needs and preferences. I have used multiple drills with great results.
Pros and Cons of Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch
Pros
- Lightweight and portable: The Eskimo’s light weight makes it easy to carry and maneuver, reducing fatigue during long days on the ice.
- Easy to use: Simple attachment to a cordless drill eliminates the need for fuel, cords, or complicated starting procedures.
- Affordable: The Eskimo is significantly less expensive than gas or electric augers, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious anglers.
- Cuts quickly: The aggressive cutting blades provide a smooth and efficient drilling action in ice up to 18 inches thick.
- Clean holes: The auger effectively clears ice shavings, leaving clean and accessible holes.
Cons
- Limited drilling capacity: Not suitable for very thick ice (over 18 inches) or heavily frozen lakes.
- Flat steel construction: The basic design may lack the durability and refinement of more expensive augers.
Who Should Buy Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch?
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch is perfect for run-and-gun ice fishermen who prioritize portability and ease of use. It’s also a great option for anglers targeting panfish or fishing on lakes with moderate ice thickness. The Eskimo is very well suited for beginners.
Anglers who frequently fish on lakes with very thick ice or those who require the raw power of a gas auger should skip this product. Those who need to drill through very thick ice need to look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality cordless drill with a powerful battery. I also recommend purchasing a blade sharpening kit to extend the lifespan of the cutting blades. You will get the most mileage out of the Eskimo with these.
Conclusion on Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch
The Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch delivers on its promise of lightweight portability and ease of use. It’s a reliable and affordable option for anglers who value mobility and convenience over raw power. For most ice fishing scenarios, it provides a significant improvement in drilling speed and efficiency compared to hand augers.
At a price of $188.99, the Eskimo offers excellent value for money. It provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive gas or electric augers, without sacrificing performance in typical ice fishing conditions. The price is justified.
I would definitely recommend the Eskimo Auger Complete Pistol 6 Inch to any angler looking for a lightweight and portable ice drilling solution. It is a game changer if you’re tired of lugging around heavy equipment. Ditch the gas auger, grab your cordless drill, and experience the freedom of run-and-gun ice fishing with the Eskimo!