BK,
Your response/review has nothing to do with the auger. It is the motor of the auger. You could say the same about a Snapper lawn mower and compare it to a Jiffy, because both are “Tecumseh” OR “Briggs/Stratton” engines.
IF I READ CORRECTLY, BOTH STRIKEMASTER AND JIFFY ENGINES COME OUT OF GERMANY
Right now, between the two companies, you have two primary options:
light weight: go with Strikemaster
Clean, simple burning: Go with Propane Jiffy.
Other than that, they are mirror image motors.
This is a chevy/ford debate in which truck do you need to haul an 8′ 2×4 piece of lumber.
Both are great auger companies, both have 4 strokes.
I have PERSONALLY used the Propane auger on Mille Lacs. Cut several holes with it. It is clean burning and there is AS MUCH ODOR AS YOUR MR BUDDY HEATER!!!!!!!!!!
So no stink or smoke as a gas auger.
LOTS of torque. I’d say almost too much torque and power. The auger cut through the 14″ of clean ice so fast and hard it was intimidating, even for a 6’7″, 300lb guy like me!
As for the 1-lb “wrecking ball” in your sled. I already have 2 of them for my heater and my lantern when I travel light. And the propane wrecking ball will cut an “average” of 150 holes. That is a lot of holes on a tank. I’d rather have the propane wrecking ball than a gas can leaking.
I’ve never had a propane bottle freeze on me with any type of use (lantern or heater) and I’ve ice fished 2 days in -5f high temps on Waubay. The bottle isn’t going to freeze up.
Would I buy one over gas? I can’t answer that.
But if I had a permanent house or a pull behind shack and I needed a new auger. Yes, I’d buy this one if I didn’t have an auger.
If I only fished from an Otter, I’d buy a light auger for the hole hopping.
So, from someone who has used this auger as his friend has one, I’d say they are NICE, clean, no dripping carbs, no gas cans, no stink.
HOWEVER, any auger better work like it should when it is new. Proof is the ability of an auger to hold up over time. A fishing partner has a Jiffy 30 that he purchased in the mid-80s. It is tired, but she still cuts holes.
I have a 5 yr old Jiffy 30 and it starts on the first pull every time. I’ve never touched the carbs and on the 2nd spark plug. It better run perfect, it is a “Tecumseh” engine!!!!!
Why does it always come down to my dog is bigger than your dog, i do respect your views, and agree, what you gain in some areas you lose in others