Lower price range
Eskimo 8-inch E40 Steel
Best for: Anglers who want a current, balanced 8 inch electric auger with full 40V output and durable steel flighting.
$300-600
ION · Ice Augers
ION Alpha Plus
Composite bit cuts total weight to 15.9 pounds for the 8 inch model. The main tradeoff is most expensive configuration in the ION lineup.
Good fitHole-hopping anglers who want ION's fastest cutting with the lowest swing weight.
Think twiceMost expensive configuration in the ION lineup
$600-1000 · check the retailer for current price and availability
1 supporting source · record reviewed July 26, 2026Decision notes
What it does well and what to watch for.
Start with how you plan to use it, then weigh these strengths and tradeoffs against your own setup.
Why it works
- Composite bit cuts total weight to 15.9 pounds for the 8 inch model
- Same claimed cutting performance as the steel-bit Alpha
- Variable speed trigger and reverse for flushing slush
Watch for
- Most expensive configuration in the ION lineup
- Composite flighting is lighter but less proven than steel for abusive re-drilling of jagged old holes
Key details
Specifications at a glance.
- Price band
- $600-1000
- Power
- 40 volt lithium electric
- Cutting diameters
- 8 and 10 inch
- Bit
- Composite Turbo auger bit
- Weight
- 15.9 pounds in the 8 inch configuration
- Claimed speed
- Up to 3.5 inches of ice per second
Sources and checks
Sources for ION Alpha Plus.
Record reviewed . Retailers confirm the exact seller, configuration, price, and availability.
These sources support the model identity and buying notes on this page. Shopping links are never treated as evidence.
Other budgets
Spend less, stay close, or step up.
Closest price range
StrikeMaster Lithium 40v Lite
Best for: Serious run-and-gun anglers who drill dozens of holes a day and want the lightest full-powerhead electric StrikeMaster makes.
$600-1000
Closest price range
ION Alpha 10 in
Best for: Anglers who need a full 10 inch hole and want ION's newest powerhead at the lower price of the steel-bit configuration.
$600-1000
Complete the setup
Build the rest of the setup.
Mobile hardwater. Start with the pieces your day actually requires. These picks sit near the middle of each category's researched price range.
Flashers & Sonar
Vexilar FL-8SE Genz Pack
Why it belongs: Shows depth, bottom, lure, and fish response while moving from hole to hole.
Best for: Beginners and value-focused anglers who want the time-tested standard that started modern ice sonar.
$300-600
Ice Rods & Combos
13 Fishing Wicked Maverick Ice Combo, 30 in Medium
Why it belongs: Matches rod length, tip, power, and reel behavior to the presentation and shelter space.
Best for: Walleye and larger-panfish anglers who want a matched 30-inch medium spinning setup above the basic combo tier.
$50-150
Ice Fishing Line
Seaguar IceX Fluorocarbon
Why it belongs: Keeps cold handling, visibility, stretch, and lure movement in the intended range.
Best for: The angler who wants maximum sensitivity and invisibility on light line.
Under $50
Before you order
A few final checks.
Make sure the model fits your setup. Then use the retailer listing to confirm what is included, who is selling it, and how returns work.
Ready to check the listing?
$600-1000Check price at AmazonOpens Amazon in a new tab. Price and availability can change.Does the ION Alpha Plus fit a first-time buyer or a specialist?
The intended ION Alpha Plus fit is clear: Hole-hopping anglers who want ION's fastest cutting with the lowest swing weight. Check its measurements and category-specific specifications against your own equipment and conditions before ordering.
What is the main tradeoff with the ION Alpha Plus?
The standout case for the ION Alpha Plus: Composite bit cuts total weight to 15.9 pounds for the 8 inch model. Its compromise: Most expensive configuration in the ION lineup. Compare those points before treating a higher score or price as automatically better.
Which ION Alpha Plus details should I verify before ordering?
Verify power (40 volt lithium electric), cutting diameters (8 and 10 inch), and bit (Composite Turbo auger bit) against your setup. On the retailer page, confirm the exact ION Alpha Plus model, size or configuration, and everything included in the box.
Can I buy the ION Alpha Plus from this page?
Use the retailer button on this page for the current ION Alpha Plus listing. Verify the seller, exact configuration, price, availability, shipping, and return terms before checkout.