i have heard mixed reviews on 4 stroke augers. the thing that you have stated are a plus but i have heard some guys say that thier 2 strokes cut better than 4 strokes because the moter raps out harder and faster.zman said:Fishingfoo...when I was at the Bass Pro Ice Seminars they had a brief discussion of augers...the top of the line was the new 4 stroke Strikemaster...no oil gas mixing...vented gas cap (no gas on your hands)...super light auger shaft assembly...if price wasnt an object this might be it for you...it was considerably lighter than the others...it is pricey...$499...but if it is a lifetime investment...