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StrikeMaster Lithium 40V vs ION G2: Which Electric Auger?

Short answer: The ION G2 8-inch is lighter (17 lb claimed) and comes with two batteries, so it suits anglers who walk out. The StrikeMaster Lithium 40V (24 lb, steel Lazer blades, 10-inch option) suits thick ice and bigger holes.

Gas augers still have a place on 30 inches of late-season ice, but for most of us electric has taken over. They're quiet, you don't mix fuel, and they start at 20 below. These two are the most common 40-volt augers on the ice in the U.P.

Spec comparison (8-inch models)

	StrikeMaster Lithium 40V (LFVL-8)	ION G2 8" (49350)
Weight	24 lb (10-in LFVL-10: 27 lb)	17 lb (maker's claim)
Battery	40 V, 5 Ah lithium-ion (one included)	Two 40 V MAX 4 Ah Gen 2 batteries included
Rated per charge	100 holes (8 in) / 70 holes (10 in), tested in 16 in of ice	Up to 1,200 inches of ice per battery (2,400 total)
Motor / drive	Brushless DC, planetary gear, 15.9:1	High-torque G2 powerhead
Blades / bottom	Stainless Lazer blades	Composite bottom, polymer flite
Reverse	Forward/reverse (per StrikeMaster)	Yes
Lights	Built-in LEDs	LED drilling lights
Charging	2-amp charging station	Check listing
Warranty	Limited 2-year (motor, battery, charger)	Check listing

Sources: rapala.com StrikeMaster Lithium 40V page; ION G2 retailer listings quoting the manufacturer (Oct 2026). Some third-party reviews say the StrikeMaster has no reverse, but StrikeMaster's own page lists forward/reverse. Check the current model before you buy.

Reading the "per charge" numbers

The two companies rate capacity in different units. 100 holes through 16 inches of ice works out to 1,600 inches of drilling. ION's 1,200 inches per battery is about 75 holes at 16 inches, and you get two batteries in the box. Real-world numbers fall with colder temperatures, dull blades and thicker ice. Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket.

Which one?

• Walking or snowshoeing out: ION G2. Seven fewer pounds matters on a long walk, and the second battery is in the box.
• Bigger holes, thick ice, steel blades: StrikeMaster 40V, especially the 10-inch for lake trout and walleye country.
• Already own a high-torque drill? A drill-adapter auger may be the cheapest route. That guide is coming soon.

Where to buy

StrikeMaster Lithium 40V: Buy at StrikeMaster →
ION G2: Buy at North 40 →

Quick questions

How many holes per charge?

StrikeMaster rates the Lithium 40V 8-inch at 100 holes in 16 inches of ice. ION rates the G2 at up to 1,200 inches of ice per battery, roughly 75 holes at 16 inches. Cold, dull blades and thick ice cut both.

Gear in this guide

• Where to buy the StrikeMaster Lithium 40V Auger · more on StrikeMaster
• Where to buy the ION G2 8" Electric Auger (49350) · more on ION

Related guides

• Gas vs Electric vs Drill Augers: Which Is Right for You?

Written by Cory Arnold, Iron County, Michigan. Specs checked October 2026.

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