I have a Strikemaster Magnum with the 8-1/4″ chipper blade. Awesome auger and much lighter than the Jiffys. I went with the chipper blade because I open old holes often and that blade does it better than the lazer blades.
Wade, that old 30 has plenty of torque an would work awsome with one of the Jiffy STX augers. I am still running the old Lightning from 00′ 8″ and my buddy purchased the 8″ stx 2 years ago with the smaller power head. The stx really bites and takes torque to turn it. i would say the smaller power head and the stx is not the best combo as you actually have to hold the auger back or it will dog too much.
But your 30 with a 8″ STX should rock the world. I do believe shaft spindle sizes are the same but make sure first.
If your in money saving mode switch auger to 8″ or if your looking for an all together different set-up… Go Strikemaster for lightness and power!!
A auger is an auger…it drills holes thru the ice. however each model has different specs that is better for some but not others. I like strikemaster simply because it drills very well, its reliable, and its light for my style of fishing. This winter I plan on moving up even lighter to the Strike Lite 4 stroke. It sounds like weight is an issue, then the solo or strike lite is a very powerful auger that doesn’t carry a heavy weight.
Plus my bigger concern is customer service, if something does go wrong or I break something SM is located in Big Lake, so I can run to the plant to get it fixed or part replaced right away. 
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A auger is an auger…it drills holes thru the ice. however each model has different specs that is better for some but not others. I like strikemaster simply because it drills very well, its reliable, and its light for my style of fishing. This winter I plan on moving up even lighter to the Strike Lite 4 stroke. It sounds like weight is an issue, then the solo or strike lite is a very powerful auger that doesn’t carry a heavy weight.
Plus my bigger concern is customer service, if something does go wrong or I break something SM is located in Big Lake, so I can run to the plant to get it fixed or part replaced right away.
I’m with Cal, and also want to point out the fact that they’re the most widely distributed shaver-style auger out there. Not only are they more lightweight than the competition, those shaver-style blades allow you to drill more holes faster, with less downward pressure (work) being applied.
Joel
I’ve got to go against the grain a bit on this one. I had an OLD Jiffy that I sold and replaced with a Strikemaster Laser 224. There wasn’t anything wrong with the old Jiffy; I just wanted to upgrage for some reason. The new Strikemaster is much lighter, there is no doubt about that, but the lighter weight comes at a price, and I believe that’s quality of construction. My first Strikemaster broke the transmission on the second hole. I brought it back and they gave me a new one. The second one broke the transmission on the 11th hole. I brought it back, and they gave me a new one. The third one has been fine as far as the transmission goes, but I’ve broke the plastic handles once, and the plastic throttle once. Even though I’m running Amsoil, I’m having problems keeping it running good. I’d take that old Jiffy back in a heartbeat if someone would refund my $ for the Strikemaster. I’ll take durability and longevity over weight any day. NOTE: This is just my experience. I know many others have not had any problems with Strikemaster Augers, but I think it’s important for you to hear all experiences both good and bad.
X3!! The Strikemaster Augers have literally made swiss cheese out of “Borderland” fisheries for our guide service for many years. Now you simply need to pick out an auger out of their line up that best fits your needs. I’m with Cal with his thinking on that 4 stroke and may very well look to add that GEM to our service. I’ve utilized the 3hp SOLO for the last 2 years and have simply devoured the ice. Still with that being said I might throw my 2 cents at the 2.5 HP being more than enough. Getting the 3 HP……Just showing off!! Heck with it…..Just get yourself a couple 
2 questions
1) Does the strikemaster solo have a shaver blade style bit and if so does stat sharp a long time? I got rid of my last shaver style auger last spring because it dulled so fast and I had send the dang bit of to get sharpened. Dont want to get into that situation again.
2)Is there a place I can buy a new Strikemaster Solo in the next couple of weeks?
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