Contains affiliate links, see disclosure below.
StrikeMaster 40V vs ION G2 vs Eskimo E40 vs K-Drill
Short answer: The Eskimo E40 composite is the lightest dedicated 40V auger at 13.5 lb, ION G2 ships with two batteries, StrikeMaster 40V suits thick ice, and K-Drill is cheapest if you already own a qualifying drill.
Four ways to make holes on battery power: three dedicated 40-volt augers and a bit that runs off a drill you may already own. Every spec below comes from the maker's own page or manual, and each one says where.
Spec comparison (8-inch versions)
| StrikeMaster Lithium 40V | ION G2 | Eskimo E40 | K-Drill | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 24 lb | 17 lb (maker's claim) | 17.5 lb steel / 13.5 lb composite | 3.9–5.2 lb bit, plus your drill |
| Battery | 40 V, 5 Ah (one) | Two 40 V MAX 4 Ah | 40 V, 4 Ah (one) | Your drill: 18 V / 4 Ah or higher |
| Rated per charge | 100 holes, 16 in ice | 1,200 in per battery | Up to 1,300 in | Depends on drill battery |
| Reverse | Forward/reverse (per StrikeMaster) | Yes | Yes, toggle switch | Drill dependent |
| Trigger | Check listing | Check listing | Variable speed | Drill's trigger |
| Warranty | Limited 2-year | Check listing | 5-yr auger, 3-yr battery | Check listing |
Sources: rapala.com StrikeMaster Lithium 40V page; ION G2 listings quoting the maker; geteskimo.com 8" E40 Steel and 8" E40 Composite pages; K-Drill owner's manual (Oct 2026). The 10-inch E40 is rated up to 800 inches per charge.
Which one?
- Lightest dedicated auger: the E40 composite at 13.5 lb, with reverse and a 5-year auger warranty.
- Most battery in the box: ION G2, two packs.
- Thick ice and steel blades: StrikeMaster 40V.
- Already own a big brushless drill: K-Drill. Read the drill requirements in the gas vs electric vs drill guide first.
Where to buy
StrikeMaster 40V: Buy at StrikeMaster →
ION G2: Buy at North 40 →
Eskimo E40: Buy at Eskimo →
K-Drill: Buy at K-Drill →
Related guides
- Electric Ice Augers: StrikeMaster Lithium 40V vs ION G2
- Gas vs Electric vs Drill Augers: Which Is Right for You?
Written by Cory Arnold, Iron County, Michigan. Specs checked October 2026.
Heads up: Ice Fish Deals may earn a commission from links on this site at no cost to you. Prices shown come from my price scanner and are accurate only as of the time stamped next to them. Prices change, so confirm at the store before you buy. Disclosure