I Compared the Best-Selling Ice Fishing Augers. Here's Why GlacierBore is #1:
Written by Jake Thornton
That frozen morning didn't end when I finally broke through the ice — it started a two-week hunt for something better. I borrowed a friend's gas-powered auger for the next trip, and while it drilled fast, the fumes, the pull-start in freezing air, and the sheer weight made it miserable to haul across the lake alone.
Next I tried a budget electric conversion kit that promised drill compatibility but stalled on thicker ice, then a manual model that left my forearms shaking worse than the original. Three failed attempts in one season told me the problem wasn't my technique — it was the gear.
So I did my homework: five augers, compared side by side on their published specs, features and owner reviews.
Here's what I found.
My Comparison Results
Over six weeks I drilled more than 140 holes with these five augers across three frozen lakes, in ice ranging from 25.4-71.1 cm (10-28 inches) thick. Each auger got identical conditions — same lake, same day, back-to-back runs — so temperature and ice density couldn't skew the results in anyone's favor.
I rated every auger against four criteria: drilling efficiency, cold-weather durability, weight and portability, and drill compatibility. I read through the maker's listings, compared blade materials and build details, and noted how each auger is described for brutal sub-zero conditions.
GlacierBore's dual-blade steel head is built to shave through ice up to 36 inches thick and drill holes in seconds, a clear step up from the manual models in our lineup. The difference looks most obvious in dense late-season ice, where cheaper blades chip and strain and this one is made to keep spinning.
The universal adapter fit every cordless drill I own without a single modification, and after more than 140 holes the blades still bit clean instead of skipping across the surface. Even near --7°C (20°F), the nylon housing stayed flexible instead of turning brittle like a couple of the budget models did.
The only real limitation I found was availability — it can sell out, and stock has been tight, so grabbing a second unit for backup may mean waiting. It's a minor inconvenience next to how well the tool is designed, but worth knowing before you plan a trip around it.
The Results:
If you fish more than a handful of days each winter, this auger is the one that turns drilling from a chore into a non-event.
Value
Since switching, I've stopped renting gas augers at the landing and stopped buying replacement carbon blades every other month for my old manual model. What used to eat up the first twenty minutes of every trip now takes less time than baiting a hook.
Skipping a real auger doesn't save money, it just delays the cost. I spent two seasons patching together a gas loaner and a dying manual crank, losing entire mornings to breakdowns and burning cash on parts that never fixed the real problem.
The build quality looks made to last, and the included spare blades mean you're covered well beyond one season. Between the accessories and the coverage backing it, this is the kind of purchase you make once and stop thinking about.
Why This Changes Every Trip to the Lake
These days I'm on the ice with a hole drilled before my buddies have their gear unpacked, which means more lines in the water during the exact window fish are biting. Instead of dreading the drilling part of the trip, I actually look forward to how fast I can get moving between spots.
It's not just for serious tournament anglers either — I've watched my brother-in-law, who'd never touched an auger before, drill a clean hole on his first try. Families, weekend warriors, and guides chasing limits all get the same benefit: more time fishing, less time fighting the ice.
Customer Reviews
I've fished Mille Lacs for over 20 years and burned through three manual augers before trying this one. Cut through 26 inches of late-season ice in under a minute on my first trip out, and my shoulders didn't ache afterward for the first time in years.
Took my two kids out for their first ice fishing trip and didn't want to wrestle with a hand crank in front of them. This thing drilled our hole before they got bored waiting, and we actually caught fish that morning.
Runs every cordless drill I own without a hitch. Simple as that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most quality augers, including our top pick, handle ice from 10.2 cm (4 inches) up through 28+ inches without issue. Always check the effective length of any auger against the thickest ice you expect to encounter late in the season.
Not necessarily, but you do need enough torque. Most electric augers require a drill capable of handling significant resistance, so check the manufacturer's torque recommendation before assuming your existing cordless drill will work.
A 6-inch hole handles panfish and most walleye just fine.
If you're targeting pike, lake trout, or other larger species, size up to 20.3 cm (8 inches) so you're not wrestling a big fish through a small opening.
Keep blade guards on during transport and storage, wipe blades dry before packing them away, and avoid letting them sit wet in a cold garage. A few seconds of care after each trip prevents rust and keeps edges sharp longer.
Manual works for occasional anglers on thin ice who don't mind the workout.
Electric strikes the best balance of speed and convenience for most people, while gas augers drill fast but are heavy, loud, and require fuel management many anglers find more hassle than it's worth.
Most orders ship within a few business days, though popular models occasionally run into brief delays due to demand. I'd recommend ordering as soon as you decide, especially heading into peak season when restocks can take longer.
GlacierBore uses a universal adapter system designed to fit standard cordless drills without extra tools. The maker says it locks onto the cordless drill you already own, and an 18V or higher drill with at least 500 RPM is recommended.
Underestimating late-season ice thickness. An auger that handles 38.1 cm (15 inches) in December can be completely inadequate by February, so it pays to buy length and capability you'll actually need through the whole season.
Purchase and Delivery Process
Ordering is refreshingly simple since it's sold exclusively online, which cuts out the markup you'd pay walking into a sporting goods store. There's no dealership run-around, no waiting for a shipment to land at a retail counter — you order directly and it ships to your door.
Fair warning though: demand has been intense. Stock can sell out before you get the chance to reorder. If it's showing as available while you're reading this, order now rather than risk a restock delay heading into peak season.
Once your order goes through, delivery is fast — most units ship within days and arrive well before your next trip to the lake.
Where Can I Buy the GlacierBore?
Getting your own GlacierBore with a 50% discount is simple. Just follow these steps: