My biggest hesitation buying a new Ion Alpha was the fact that my Magnum Gas auger worked so well. But the simplicity of not dealing with mixing gas, and opening windows in my skidhouse to auger holes finally got to me and I made the purchase. I thought I would not regret it, but I literally cannot imagine firing up my magnum anymore. I have used friends Ion augers in the past, so I knew what I was getting, so I thought. This model is faster, uses less battery, and cuts like a freak! In fresh or existing holes, it does not care. That's one of the things I thought my old gasser would be better at, I was wrong. I worried about it splashing inside the house, but the variable speed works and combined with a slush bucket, the work we put into clearing holes is minimized. The size of the handles works well in corners, and is compact for riding on my SXS bumper mounts. The blade guard is a simple design, which I hope to get years of use out of. I purchased the package without a spare battery, and for my use, this is just fine. I see no reason in needing more than one battery. Even when chasing schools of crappie all day. I'm of the type of person that has a tough time throwing away products that still function, but there are times like this that moving away from gas was a good move. I'm not the only one that will now hang their 40 year old gasser above the workbench as memorabilia now. Thank you!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is without a doubt the best cutting auger ever…..totally awesome.

My Ion works GREAT! It cuts like a hot knife through butter. Slight delay once the switch is engaged, but other than that I am very pleased. Sure beats 2-stroke maintenence on a gas auger. Highly recommended!

Flipping awesome, recommend to all my tribe members