Practical Advice for Getting the Most Out of Your ION
So, you’ve got an Alpha. It’s safe to assume that you aren’t feeling any buyer’s remorse at this point. Those that have spent any time behind the helm of an Alpha know exactly how special it is. It’s lightning quick, extremely lightweight, buttery smooth, and downright dependable.
Whether you’re the type that drills hundreds of holes an outing or the type that drills just a few, taking care of your auger is important for its longevity. Here’s some practical advice for keeping your Alpha running in tip top shape for years to come.
Battery Protection
The battery is one of the most important aspects to an auger. It’s the fuel that keeps the whole system running—without it, you’re literally dead in the water. Winter environments are harsh, and while ION batteries were made to withstand the cold, there’s still some important considerations.
Perhaps the best advice is to the keep the battery warm. There’s a number of ways to do this. Some accomplish this by leaving them in vehicles or fish houses, while others use insulated lunch bags, hoodie pockets, tackle boxes, and so forth. Specialized storage solutions, like the ION Battery Bag, were tailormade for protecting batteries. They feature a water-resistant shell and ample space for two batteries. For those ultra cold days, drop a few handwarmers in the interior pockets and you can expect smooth sailing, no matter the weather.
In terms of in-season storage, find a cool, dry area without a lot of temperature swings. Remember to charge your batteries up after each use.
Blade Maintenance
On the business end of the Alpha, are the aggressive Turbo™ Blades. Their specific design is largely to thank for the smooth and quick cut the Alpha is known for—a vitally important piece of the whole auger system.
You wouldn’t want to fillet a fish with a dull knife, so why would you want to drill holes with dull blades? A dull set of blades not only wreaks havoc on a day of fishing, but it causes undue stress on the auger for no reason. The best advice is to swap out your blades for a new set at the beginning of each season, especially if you’re someone that drills a lot. They’re a relatively inexpensive investment to ensuring your season starts off on the right note.
Throughout the season, it’s important to inspect your auger blades regularly. If needed, you can swap out your blades for a new set. Generally speaking, you won’t need to change blades throughout the season, but those that drill a significant number of holes or deal with dirty ice and debris should be prepared.
The best way to protect your blades throughout the season is to utilize the blade cover when not in use. Not only will this save your blades, but it can help prevent an injury on the ice.
On-Ice Care
Anyone that’s spent any amount of time on the ice knows how hard the cold can be on their equipment. Equipment used on the ice is notorious for being put through the wringer and an auger is no exception.
You can’t fully prevent ice and slush buildup from occurring during the winter months, but you can do some things to slow it down. The best recommendation is to be cognizant of where you put your auger when not in use. Avoid setting it down in snow or slush and opt for placement on a machine or in the back of a truck.
If any build-up occurs, remove it as necessary. For those that run the Alpha Plus with composite flites, ice removal is as simple as a quick flex of the fliting. After use, it never hurts to bring the auger somewhere warm to remove an excess ice.
When it comes to drilling, remember to let the auger do the work. The Alpha was designed to cut ice with ease. All that’s necessary is a little downward pressure. There’s no reason to push down with all your might. Remember – if your auger isn’t cutting with ease, refer back to the previous Blade Maintenance section.
Safe Transportation
Whether on or off the ice, transportation is a key area for protecting your auger. As ice fishermen, we know how taxing the elements are on our gear. We protect our rods, our tackle and our electronics, why not our augers?
There are a number of ways to account for safe transportation on the ice. Perhaps the most utilized options are mounted rod racks, which ensure your auger will stay in place no matter where you’re headed.
The ION Auger Carry Bag is the perfect on-the-go storage solution for both on and off the ice. Developed specifically for ION augers, the bag features a durable construction which can help protect your auger and prevent mishaps, scratches, or broken pieces.
Offseason Care
While no real maintenance is technically necessary for the off-season, some tender loving care can pay dividends in the long run. After the season is complete, take a little time to clean everything up and make sure everything is completely dry before storage. When it comes to batteries, store them in a cool, dry place. It doesn’t hurt to give them a charge once or twice throughout the summer months.
The environments that ice fishermen encounter are tough on gear. Heck – tough may even be an understatement. While the gear we utilize was developed to withstand and work with the worst of conditions, it’s important to recognize that some preventative maintenance and care are important. Applying some practical advice will ensure your augers are running smoothly for years to come.
