I have been needing a new auger and have decided to save up and go for the Nils. I haven't heard anything bad about them so if you guys have a bad story, let me know. Or if you think I would be better off investing in a different auger, let me hear it!! How long will it take to get shipped out?

Nils also has that new option of a shorter auger bit. I fish mainly Eastern SD and have never needed an auger extension. Will the short one be better without the extra weight and bulk? I am 6'4 so maybe I should stay with the taller one for ease of drilling?

[From Admin: Nils Master @ Outdoor Pro Store.]

I would stick with the taller one for sure. Especially at your height.

A lot of accolades about the Nils here at HSO, for good reason. They are flat out great!

I thought about your question on what I think might be a bad thing or two, and honestly, the only thing I can come up with is that if you are running the auger into sandy, dirty, or debris filled ice, the blade will dull faster than that of a chipper style blade.

Also another negative is all your buddies will want to use it all the time .

If you decide to go with the Nils, you won't be disappointed and treated with care will last a very very long time.

Good luck!

Hello O2Fish, Welcome to F/M.

I have a Nils and have nothing but great things to say about it. Sorry, no bad stories here. I'd suggest keeping the 48" shaft... it does not add all that much weight/bulk. I am curious to hear how the new 4-stroke Tanaka engine performs.

Do a search on Nils; there has been a lot of folks interested in the Nils lately and a lot of chatter on the subject.

Keep on.

I'll have mine hopefully by weeks end, going to stop and tell the shop its sold tomarrow. Luckily I found 1 local.

I also would say to go with the long shaft. It helps your back because your not bending over as much cutting holes. Im 6"6" and I love the extra length of my Nils.
If I have a draw back with my Nils its the sand issue like any other shaver blade. I always have a extra blade assembly along because the blade asssembly has to be ordered and few stores carry them. Oh and the blade cover could use a little tweaking but thats a very minor issue. Break it in good before drilling holes and you will be loving it.
All the positives like light weight, fast, good on gas and the extra length and the ability to use it as a hand auger wich is included outweighs any of the above mentioned things.
I wont run any other auger now that I have used my Nils for 3 years. Its been a great auger.

Oh and by the way there is no Nils 4 stroke. That was a misprint in the Ice Fishing magazing. That comes straight from the main man at Nils.

The only downfall to owning a Nils is that your auger is going to be the " Go to Auger " which is not the worst thing but now there is no incentive for your friends use theirs. Good thing the motor life is 3 times longer then the Others.

thanks for the clarification.. do you know what the difference is in the new engine???

O2fish I ordered mine last monday from the Outdoor Pro Store and got it Saturday and that was with Thanksgiving in there. So 3 to 5 days

Excellent auger for sure. To get the most out nof your auger the first time on the ice you want to break you new auger in. All you need to do is un your throttle wide open and cycle your choke back and forth while doing this. It lubricates the diaphram in the carb and cuts down your break-in time. That is all you need to do, and don't run it richer than 50:1 or you will glog the jets. This was recommended by the manufacturer if the unit has been sitting in storage or boxed for a while.


Personally I like the 48" shaft as I do fish a lot of lakes where the extra length comes in handy. Also pick up an extra drill bit so if you ever need to send one in to be sharpened you won't miss a beat.

thanks for the clarification.. do you know what the difference is in the new engine??? [/quote]

The motor just has a tad more power and a locking gear case so the shaft wont turn backwards. Could be handy if you get stuck in the ice some how or hit a log like I did last year.

I don't have brand loyalty to any of my ice gear except for my Nils Master. Everything else I would trade for something new and better but not the auger. I am 6'0 and the 48" is fine for me, especially with the center point to get it started.

ok...so i got my nils powerhead running outside right now...i mixed this first gallon at 1.75 oz for the break in minus the extra oil that stayed in my measuring device..so probably 1.5 went in and 1.3 is what they say for a gallon...i wanted to go a little extra for the break in to lube her up good.

anyway...should i just let this bad girl sit and idle for a couple tanks or should i go out there every now n again and give it some gas?

Give it some gas every now and again.

I have been told that when breaking in a 2-stoke motor that it is a good idea to vary the throttle often. So letting it just sit there and idle would probably not be the best break-in.

Run your throttle wide open and cycle your choke back and forth while doing this. It lubricates the diaphram in the carb and cuts down your break-in time. That is all you need to do, and don't run it richer than 50:1 or you will glog the jets. This was recommended by the manufacturer if the unit has been sitting in storage or boxed for a while.

[From Admin: Nils Master @ Outdoor Pro Store.]