The best ice screws

Every fisherman's winter equipment must include an ice screw. Despite the simplicity of the mechanism, the device has different shapes, sizes and functionality, which may come as a surprise to a novice angler. Therefore, a 2024 ranking was compiled, which considers seven different models. The TOP includes only the best ice augers for winter fishing, the most popular in Russian stores.

Which company is better to choose an ice screw

There are not so many brands that produce ice augers; companies from Russia, Sweden, Finland stand out among the manufacturers. At the same time, users give preference to both foreign and domestic brands. For review, brief characteristics for each brand are presented:

• Tonar - a company from Russia, founded in 1988. It produces metal and plastic products, giving priority to products for hunting and fishing. It is considered one of the best producers in Siberia.
• Helios Is a trade mark of the Tonar company, under whose sign fishing equipment is produced. The brand has repeatedly become the winner of international competitions, has awards and prizes for quality.
• Rextor Is a company from Ukraine, founded relatively recently. Despite this, the brand immediately won the favor of users, thanks to the reliability and quality of the products.
• Mikado Is a large corporation from Poland, registered in 1989. It produces exclusively products for fishing, successfully distributing its products in more than 40 countries around the world.
• Dde - a large holding company from the USA, established in 1990. It produces electrical equipment in various directions and confidently holds a good position in the market.
• Vista Is another major American power tool brand. The products of this corporation are well known in the USA, Canada, Russia and dozens of other countries, they are widespread due to their quality.
• Mora Ice - a well-known brand from Sweden, founded in 1912. It makes professional knives and ice screws, as well as manufactures other cutting tools.

Ice screw rating

The rating is based on the opinions of experts who protested each instrument. Feedback from professional fishermen was also taken into account, they helped to identify the disadvantages and advantages of the devices. When selecting applicants, the following parameters were taken into account:

• Convenience of construction;
• Stem length;
• Attack angle;
• Drilling noise level;
• The weight;
• Material;
• Accessibility of components;
• Price.

The individual properties of the presented models are also considered to compile a complete review. The best ice screws are sorted into categories for the convenience of the readers.

The best wobblers

The best hand-held ice screws

Such models are quite easy to use, they rotate mechanically and are relatively inexpensive. As a rule, there are one- and two-handed tools that differ in the location of the handle. You can buy a manual ice screw both in fishing shops and in large hardware supermarkets. In this nomination, four ice screws are presented, which were selected by users.

Helios HS150D tonar

A simple and fairly light ice screw Tonar has positive reviews. Customers praise the excellent factory sharpening of the tool, it will last more than one season. The upper handle is offset from the axis by 1300 mm, the lower one by 1500. This allows you to comfortably hold the device and develop speed when rotating.The drilling depth is 100 cm, and the diameter of the circle is 15 cm. The set includes a plastic overlay for the knives, which protects when carrying. A thick layer of paint on an ice drill does not peel off for a long time and does not crack in the cold, which is positively noted by fishermen.

Advantages

• High quality metal;
• Well-welded joints;
• The structure folds easily;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• No carry strap when folded;
• Weak plastic handles.

The plastic pads on the ice auger handles are made of thin plastic and are therefore considered unreliable.

Buyers recommend separately purchasing universal overlays made of denser material.

Helios HS-130D

This nominee is similar to the previous one, it does not take up much space and is quite easy to use. Helios is covered with bright green paint, has sharp enough knives, for which covers are provided in the kit. Buyers note that it is quite easy to make holes with it, thanks to conveniently located handles, you do not have to make much effort. The HS-130D is suitable for drilling on wet and dry ice, and the reliable way of fixing the mechanism will keep it from folding at the wrong moment.

Advantages

• Inexpensive components;
• Simple attachment of knives;
• Light weight;
• Doesn't take up much space.

disadvantages

• Small hole diameter;
• Knives are difficult to sharpen.

Due to the fact that the knives of this model are difficult to sharpen, buyers recommend simply buying new accessories that are inexpensive. Their replacement will also not cause difficulties, they are mounted on steel bolts.

Rextor Blast 130

This right-hand auger is lightweight and therefore does not require significant work effort. Penetrates under the ice to a depth of one meter, folded size is 80 cm, which facilitates transportation. The solid-drawn auger increases the reliability of the design, and the comfortable, rubberized handles provide a tenacious grip. The ice screw is made of strong steel, it is resistant to mechanical damage, corrosion. Users note the easy sharpening of forged knives and a high-quality anti-corrosion coating.

Advantages

• Enlarged wing nut;
• Rubberized soft pads;
• Good angle of attack;
• Durable fabric cover.

disadvantages

• Components are hard to find;
• High price.

Experts point out that the manufacturer overprices the price for this simple, little-functional tool. However, buyers are positive about the Rextor Blast, which speaks of the popularity of the ice screw despite the price.

Mikado APM01-A5

This nominee is universal, it can be used both on dry and on wet ice, the factory sharpening of knives lasts a long time, and thanks to its simple design, the tool can be easily folded in half. Mikado is made of thick stainless steel, it can withstand heavy loads on ice of any structure. It has two spherical blades with a straight edge, they are attached with bolts that hold the elements stably, preventing loosening. The tool mounts are equipped with red protective caps, and the handles are supplemented with rubberized pads for a tenacious grip.

Advantages

• Adjustable handle;
• Long insert;
• Large drilling diameter;
• The ability to mount the adapter;
• Great guarantee.

disadvantages

• Somewhat heavy.

The weight of the tool is considered considerable relative to similar models. However, professional fishermen recognize Mikado as the best, and a large manufacturer's guarantee gives confidence that the ice screw will last a long time.

Best spinning rods

The best gasoline ice screws

Gasoline ice drills have versatile reviews, they work even at the lowest temperatures, they do their job quickly and efficiently. Another advantage is the ability to make large holes. In this nomination, two applicants were considered, who became the best thanks to expert estimates.

Dde IceD-52-200

This motor drill without auger, it has a fairly simple design and is equipped with comfortable handles.The engine power is 2.5 l / s. This is enough for fast and accurate drilling, with a permissible diameter of 20 cm. The advantages of this model are the fishermen's fuel pump, which ensures easy engine operation. Facilitates starting and recoil starter, it provides quick tool return when jammed in the hole. Gasoline consumption is low, the tank will last for the whole day, and its volume is 1.2 liters.

Advantages

• Small size;
• Convenient management;
• Engine resistance to very low temperatures;
• Availability of consumables.

disadvantages

• Heavy;
• No heated handles.

The last drawback can only be considered a nagging of some users, but given the price of the model, this is justified. Dde is designated as a semi-professional fishing ice screw designed for different climates.

Vista Solo SGPH-01

This model is powerful enough, the engine has 2.7 l / s. A built-in fuel priming pump ensures quick start-up even at extreme temperatures. The decompression button guarantees easy cranking of the starter, and the air cooling of the engine prevents it from overheating. Fishermen note the good build quality of the ice ax, all the parts are securely fastened, the bolts do not stagger and the paint on the augers does not peel off for a long time. Also, the advantages include a moderate noise level, and the muffler has a tight protective casing that protects it from freezing.

Advantages

• Compatible with universal augers;
• Easy to operate;
• Heavy duty hardened steel serrated knives;
• Sturdy case;
• Two-stroke engine.

disadvantages

• Small tank volume;

Experienced users recommend taking fuel with you for long fishing trips, since the volume of the fuel tank is small. This is the only noticed flaw in this model, in general the Vista Solo is rated as a reliable tool.

Best electric ice screw

In electric models, the auger is rotated by a motor that runs on a battery. Also, with the help of special adapters, you can use a drill or screwdriver as a driving force. The advantages of such ice drills include low noise, smooth operation and a relatively low price. Among a dozen applicants, only one nominee was selected, distinguished by its reliability.

Mora ice expert pro

This powerful unit is capable of breaking through 1350 mm thick ice. It has a large drilling diameter, and thanks to a comfortable handle, it is able to increase the rotating force up to nine times. The model is compactly folded, and thanks to the telescopic shape, the handle simply extends to four positions and adapts to the user's height. Fasteners made of high-strength material hold every piece securely, and carbon steel ensures a long service life. With a universal adapter, you can connect any power tool with a power of 18V - 3Am 40/80.

Advantages

• The knife blades are laser-sharpened;
• Spherical knives are made of stainless steel;
• Non-slip handles with integral bearings;
• Complete with an extension cord;
• Low weight.

disadvantages

• High price of components.

It is noteworthy that Ice Expert Pro is suitable for drilling on dry and wet ice, while the speed will be equally high.

This is a professional tool that will suit almost any winter fishing conditions.

Which ice screw is better to buy

So which is the best ice screw for you? For this, it is recommended to pay attention to the thickness of the ice, the weight of the device, especially when fishing at long distances. Noise level and auger length are also important parameters. Avid fishermen advise buying ice augers made of hardened or cold rolled steel.

TOP 2024 experts have identified the best models in the following categories:

• Mikado APM01-A5 excels in the category of hand tools. It features a large drilling diameter, adjustable stick and a long manufacturer's warranty. Plus Mikado is versatile, suitable for dry and wet ice.
• Vista Solo SGPH-01 became the best in the category of gasoline drills. Its two-stroke engine delivers good power, and its factory-sharpened serrated blades ensure fast work on any ice.
• Mora ice expert pro considered as the best electric drill. It has sharp, spherical blades, non-slip grips with integral bearings and is suitable for almost any power tool.

Experts also recommend paying attention to other models presented in the rating. Considering all the factors of choice, you can make the right purchase.