Rating of the best ice screws for 2024

For many, winter fishing is not just a hobby, but the meaning of life. And the point here is not only the value of fish as a food product, but also the fascinating process of fishing. The key to productive fishing is the availability of quality tackle, including an ice screw. Before choosing a tool for winter fishing, you must carefully read the characteristics of this tool. This will help the ranking of the best ice screws for 2024.

Origin

Initially, ice drills were used by climbers to attach equipment to the ice sheet of mountains. Only in the 30s and 40s of the last century, the tool began to be used for drilling holes in water bodies. Initially, the device was called a brace (the name appeared as a result of the principle of its operation).

Equipment value

An ice screw is recognized as one of the indispensable tools for winter fishing. It is intended for easy drilling of holes in ice decking. Without it, winter fishing, instead of pleasure, can bring a lot of unpleasant moments associated with the difficulty of punching a hole in hard winter ice.

Some fishermen still use an ice pick for punching holes. But, taking into account the thick ice formed in the harsh winter, this procedure becomes difficult and practically impossible. This, accordingly, negates the pleasure of winter fishing. If in the equipment of a winter fishing enthusiast there is an ice auger, which makes it possible to quickly make holes, regardless of the thickness of the ice, fishing will become effective.

The main advantages of this ice fishing tool are:

• Drilling holes regardless of ice thickness;
• Correct cylindrical shape of the wells;
• Saving valuable time;
• Silent operation of the tool that does not scare away fish.

Variety selection

The functionality of the tools is of great importance. One of the main ones is the direct psychological attitude to the fishing process. If the device itself turns out to be of poor quality, it can fail at the most crucial moment. This will not only lead to a lack of catch, but completely discourage the very desire to fish.

Both domestic and foreign models from leading companies - manufacturers of fishing tackle are presented on the modern market. Most fishermen enjoy even the simplest models. It's no secret that they can greatly facilitate the process.As for the professionals, they prefer to use only gear with high quality performance characteristics.

Among the many models that differ in structural and technical characteristics, it is customary to distinguish three main groups:

• Manual;
• Motorized;
• Equipped with an electric drive.

Hand models

There are various models of handicrafts of domestic and foreign production. Imported equipment is distinguished by better sharpening of knives and an almost perfect fit of corners. Nevertheless, the popularity of such seemingly optimal modifications for the use of modifications is somewhat reduced due to the rather high cost of equipment and the direction of screwing movement clockwise. Thus, the tackles produced by the companies of St. Petersburg and Barnaul are considered serious competitors of the Scandinavian equipment.

Motorized gear

In conditions of significant ice thickness, it is best to use motorized products. This is especially important when fishermen need to make several holes at once for successful fishing.

Motorized equipment, which is fueled with regular gasoline, reduces the level of physical activity on the fisherman. The force is applied exclusively at the moment of starting the mechanism, then it remains only to press the gas.

Equipped with an electric drive

Recently, electric ice augers have become more and more popular. In such designs, it is envisaged to mount a cordless screwdriver directly to the auger. A special adapter (adapter) is used for fastening. The main rule for using such gear is to keep the battery warm. Otherwise, it may show a significant decrease in power.

Which product to choose is the personal preference of each fisherman. Often, the main selection criterion is the expected intensity of its use.

The advantages of modern products

Basically, winter fishing was widespread in countries where climatic conditions contribute to the rapid freezing of water bodies and the formation of a thick ice crust. Thus, getting fish out of the water becomes a very difficult task. As a result, manufacturers began to supply the market with improved models of ice augers that meet all the requirements of the most fastidious professional fishermen. The leading countries in the production of this equipment are rightfully considered Sweden, Russia and the Netherlands. Products manufactured in these countries are distinguished by quality characteristics and quite acceptable cost.

All modern modifications are made of high quality steel that does not lend itself to corrosion processes. As a result, the equipment is lightweight. At the same time, high, maximum possible strength indicators are maintained.

Some of the lightest models include modifications made of titanium or aluminum alloy used by modern aircraft designers. Prices for such products are much higher, but this is fully justified by the productivity and reliability of the equipment.

Differences among models

The main differences between the different models are the shape of the handles and the principles of drilling. Almost all domestically produced ice screws involve drilling holes in a counterclockwise direction.

As for the Finnish and Swedish equipment, their operating principle is based on clockwise movement. Thus, the choice of an ice screw in the direction of travel depends on the personal preferences of the fishermen.

All modifications of ice fishing drills have a cutting edge sharpened in the shape of knives. The configuration and location differs depending on the structural features of the device, ice and its thickness. Also, companies producing ice screws offer an innovative solution consisting in a replaceable "head" of the tool. This innovative solution is most often used by Finnish manufacturers.

The main characteristics of ice screws

The main quality characteristics of the equipment include:

• Manufacturing material;
• Knives;
• Handle shape.

Materials

The cost of a good quality ice screw cannot be low. Especially when you consider the fact that every fisherman wants to use the equipment as long as possible. Few people like the regular change of gear, it makes you get used to changing equipment again and, as they say, fill your hand. Titanium alloys or simple metal are mainly used as material for production.

Compared to conventional metal, titanium is lightweight. At the same time, products made from it are an order of magnitude more expensive than ice augers made of conventional metal alloys. Titanium ice screws are significantly lighter in weight. This, accordingly, reduces the costs of effort and energy for screwing in the equipment and significantly reduces the time for drilling the hole. But, if you are going to purchase a high-quality and super light titanium ice screw, do not forget that you will have to pay a considerable amount of money for it. Its cost ranges from 5 to 6 thousand rubles.

Knives

Knives are the most important part of every ice screw. Quality steel makes them sharp and therefore reliable. Ice screw blades are installed at the end of the auger. Its diameter differs depending on the design features of the movement. The auger directly affects the respective diameter of the drilled hole.

On average, holes are drilled with an ice drill, the diameter of which will fluctuate within the range of 90-200 mm. The diameter is chosen directly by the fisherman, depending on the size of the fish that he is going to catch in a particular body of water. If large mining is expected, a 200 mm hole is selected.

A pen

A variety of handle designs are used in various tackle modifications. Older models use one handle. In modern versions, holes are drilled using two handles at once. Of course, using two handles and hands, respectively, is much more convenient. However, to perform such work, you need to learn a little bit, since it is not easy to perform actions synchronously with both hands at the same time. But, nevertheless, ice screws of this modification are able to cope even with a meter layer of ice. If the ice is thick, manufacturers provide specialized extension cords.

In order to make it easier for fishermen to choose the modification suitable for them, it is worth considering the popular models from three categories of equipment.

Best hand models

Today, the most popular hand screw tools are:

• Titanium TLR-130D;
• Nero-110-1.

Titanium TLR-130D

A titanium modification of an ice screw equipped with three knives is produced in Barnaul. Differs in low weight, which is achieved by using a titanium alloy. The manufacturer provides for the extension of the auger. JSC "Tonar" offers consumers durable, strong and corrosion-resistant products. The handle of the ice screw and the auger are located on the same axis. This is extremely convenient for domestic anglers. Confused by the cost. An ice screw will cost 10,000 rubles.

This type of ice auger is used for making holes with a diameter of 130 mm. The equipment drills through ice 1.4 m thick.

• Low weight;
• Long service life;
• Extendable auger.

• Available backlashes;
• High price.

Nero-110-1

An inexpensive (about one and a half thousand rubles) tool optimally combines a sharp cutting head and knife sharpening angles. Differs in performance in both loose and hard ice flooring.

The torques are lightened by the polypropylene sleeves on the tool handle.The auger length is 62 mm, drilling is performed in a diameter of 110 mm. Low weight of the model (only 2.2 kg). In working condition, the tool has a length of 160 cm, in assembled condition - 88 cm. During transportation, the handle and auger of the product are located in the same plane.

• Low cost;
• Compactness;
• Performance.

• Knives cannot penetrate deeply into ice;
• The presence of a cover for knives (convenient for transportation).

The best all-round ice screws

Models can be safely attributed to universal ice screws:

• Mora Ice Expert-Pro 200 mm;
• Mora Ice Arctic 130 mm.
• Mora Ice Expert-Pro 200 mm

Mora Ice Expert-Pro 200 mm

Among the imported modifications of ice augers, the Swedish Mora Ice Expert-Pro is deservedly considered the best-selling. The line from Scandinavia represents fishing tools with diameters from 110 to 200 mm. The ice auger is resistant to corrosive processes, equipped with sharp knives and a wide auger.

The small weight of the tool makes it convenient to use and transport. A well thought-out design allows for auger lengthening (when drilling holes in thick ice). In difficult cases, a screwdriver is attached to the screw. Spherical knives with straight blades are available.

• Low weight;
• Hole drilling speed;
• Modernization.

• The model is expensive (the average cost is 10,500 rubles).

Mora Ice Arctic 130 mm

The model is equipped with a number of properties useful for ice screws. The hole diameter of 130 mm is suitable for hunting roach, perch and pike. The tool is ideal for use on any ice floor:

• Wet;
• Solid;
• Loose;
• Dry.

If necessary, the tool can be connected to a screwdriver. All it takes is an 18mm adapter.

The presence of an extension allows holes to be drilled even in very thick ice sheets. The length of the tool in working (assembled) condition is from 1740 to 2130 mm. The tool weighs 3.7 kg.

• Versatile to use;
• Sharp knives;
• High-quality assembly

• Not detected.

Motorized ice screws

Considering ice drills operating on gasoline, one cannot help but stop at such a model of a motor drill as the Ada Grounddrill-2 + Drill 150.

Motor-drill Ada Grounddrill-2 + Drill 150

Despite the high cost of the tool (about 15,000 rubles), it is very popular among anglers. The 2.45 horsepower gasoline engine is reliable on thick ice. The capacity of the tank is 1.2 liters, the volume of the engine is 52 cubic meters. see this model weighs about 11 kg.

The augers are suitable for drilling holes with a diameter of 110 - 200 mm. The set comes with a meter auger with a diameter of 150 mm. If it is necessary to drill holes in a particularly hard ice sheet, special extension rods are provided. The package also includes a canister for connecting oil and gasoline, a funnel for refueling and a set of tools. Convenient use is ensured by rubberized handles.

• High strength frame;
• Rubberized handles;
• Compactness;
• Profitability.

• Skills in handling gasoline-powered equipment are required.

Summing up

When choosing a suitable model, first of all, take into account the expected intensity of use and the climatic conditions of the region. For beginners, budget models are suitable.

Older anglers are better off buying sharpened tools. This saves energy. Indispensable and the presence of a screwdriver or the use of models on gasoline.

If it is necessary to drill a large number of holes, they stop at electric tools or gasoline-powered units. Working at temperatures of - 10 ° C, choose a tool with batteries. Lower temperatures require gasoline powered tools.

Sport fishing involves augers with a diameter of 90 to 110 mm. For those who like to fish with a jig and zerlichnik, an auger with a diameter of 110 to 150 mm is suitable. If the main goal of the fisherman is to catch a trophy, an auger with a diameter of 180 to 250 mm is needed.

Only a clear understanding of the conditions for future fishing will allow you to choose a suitable ice screw.