Auger Preference

[Hammer-Smites]

All right, let's start the great debate. I'm looking at possibly picking up a new auger.<BR>I think I may go with either a Strike Master or a Jiffy.<BR>Who likes what and why? Pros? Cons?

[kupcho]

There are a lot of good augers around. I have an older Eskimo that I bought about 6-7 years ago and have never had to replace a spark plug or anything. It works great and I love it. It is also easy on gas. <BR>Kupcho

[hortundra]

I have a 7 yr old Strikemaster, and its tough to beat. Jiffy makes a **** good product,however; I lean to the Strikemaster for price and weight. They both have the same engines that can last half a lifetime.Last season I invested in a new auger bottom with the double blade. Very nice. I'd buy the 10"Jiffy ( for hauling in pickup with portable, or opening holes in a permanent house.) Buy the 8" Strike (if you like to explore and Panfish.)

[i'majigger]

I used to be strickly a Jiffy man but I had a chance to buy a new Strikemaster cheap and I love it. The only thing I am worried about is that it is not built nearly as tough as a Jiffy so I don't know how long it will last. I have one Jiffy that is about 30 years old, been through a fire, not much paint left, drilled probably ten thousand holes, but it still works great. I don't think the Strikemaster will stand that!!!!

[dogman]

I bought a new Jiffy 10" last year, and was more than impressed. Like a hot knife through butter.

[roadkingclasic56]

I purchased an 8" Strikemaster with a 2 h.p. motor last winter. I was skeptical at first because there was 3 ft. of ice at the time. I was a little concerned that the smaller engine would not cut the ice near as fast as the 3 horse. My son has a 3 horse strikemaster and the last time we fished together there was no difference in cutting speed. In fact the 2 horse cut a little faster. It seems the slower r.p.m. on the auger blades allows them to cut more ice. The hole starts easier with less wobbling around. Depth of ice was not a concern even with the extension on. The smaller auger is great!! Starts easily. Cuts quickly. Weighs less. Totally happy with the product.

[RiverDrew]

Just purchased a new 10" Jiffy 3hp this year after using a friends last year, and I believe it's the best out there. I've used many in the past, and the ease of cutting with the "Stealth" is amazing. Recent technologies (ripper blades, D'icer armor) have resulted in a very fast, and smooth auger. However, it is heavy, and they are the most expensive, but if you ask me, they are well worth it.

[Smeds]

After 20+ years with a Jiffy 30, I've finally upgraded to the Strikemaster 2hp. If you're a mobile fisherman, nothing beats the speed and light weight of the Strikemaster. Some have said the gearing in the Jiffy is much more dependable, but as I age, light weight and speed far outweighs (no pun intended) the old reliable Jiffy. Lets face it, even if the Strikemaster breaks down after 10 years, we would all love an excuse to buy something new anyway!

[Walleye Wacker]

I have the Strikemaster w/2hp. Chose it becuase it is light and several friends have had very good luck. The weight makes a big difference early and late in the year when you are hoofing it out on the ice. I could not be more pleased with the performance.

[Rick]

You really need to take a serious look at the Eskimo line-up. The augers are just as good as the Strikemaster lazer mag and the price is definitely right.<P>We're talking some serious ice cutting machines here. They don't spend advertising money and pass the savings on to you.<P><A HREF="http://ardisam.com/Eskimo/pwrAugerHome.htm" TARGET=_blank>Eskimo Augers</A>

[orngruffee]

How about fishing sand pits? Anybody have any advice on blade choices? I fish some and there is wind blown sand in the ice top to bottom.What blades work best in that? It dulls blades in my hand auger real quick!!

[Guest]

<BR> Last year I bought the Strike Master Lazer Ultra with the light weight 2 horse motor and the 3 blade 9 inch auger. Best of both world's. Too much money though.

[woodman]

I have to agree with Rick's comment on Eskimo's. I purchased one about 7 years ago and it still is working like new. I have never had a tune up or had to replace my blades. Mine is a 3hp and 10 inches. <P>The reason I bought it was the price. Rick made a great point about their prices and their advertising.<P>Woodman

[bapperpimp]

If you are going to be re-opening holes a lot in a permanent house, get a jiffy. If you will be moving a lot with portables, get the strikemaster lazer mag. Nice and light and cuts through ice like a mother.

[iffwalleyes]

gruffee<P>I myself used a Jiffy and with the chipper blades they don't dull very fast. In ND where I fish a lot on a Resevior lot of dirt and sand blow out on top of the ice I have had guess stop and tell me that there Strikemaster dull quickely. Don't know from personal experience because I have alway had jiffys and they have been very good to me. I have a new Stealth this year and it is very nice very satisfied with it. It is heavy but all my fishing is done with a ATV or Pickup so weight isn't a concern but I feel that they are built better to. THe auger itself has heavier metal..<P>------------------<BR>Grip it and Rip it<P>IFFWalleyes<BR>I Fish For Walleyes<BR>[email protected]

[pickerel hunter]

I have had an Eskimo for 4 years and so far Awesome!!! It starts and cuts with no problems. My buddy accidentally dropped the auger busting the throttle control lever. Eskimo not only sent me a new throttle lever but a new handle as well. Great customer service.

[tip-up king]

I've had my Eskimo "Shark" 10" for 4yrs. also and have nothing but good to say about it. Never have had to pull it more than 3 times first time out every year. Shut off toggle quit working, I informed them and they sent me a new one no questions asked. They are the only one on the market with the high rpm chain saw style engine. I'd put it up against any factory produced auger made. I love it and so do the rest of the guys I fish with that paid more and bought another brand.tuk<p>[This message has been edited by tip-up king (edited 12-16-2003).]

[Fishin' Man]

Well we got an Eskimo about 6 years ago and it has been a lemon since the day we got it. You think of it we have had problems with it. Heck a weld inside the auger broke and they wouldn't cover it under warantee and we even had the tip's weld break and come completely out. We were easy on it but it has been a lemon since the day we got it I swear in one year it spent more time in the shop then at our place. I have never had any problems using a jiffy. Neighbor was nice enough to let me use his 8" that hadn't been used in over 3 years. Dumped gas out and added new and pulled over and it worked great. Out did my Eskimo. So be cautious when you purchase one.