Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 10/30/2009 8:49:01 PM     Points: 162    

I have a Jiffy Legend 10" 3 hp and I love it. It started right out of the box and has started every time I've tried it. I've only had it one season but am very glad I got it over a strikemaster or eskimo. I know guys with those brands and they seem to have more trouble than me. Only thing I had to do was take the pull cord off and rotate it 180 degrees so the cord was on the same side as the throttle. When they were on opposite sides it was hard for one person to start because you couldn't pull the cord and hold the trottle at the same time.

Pros:
Easy starting even in the cold
Lots of power
Blades are easy to sharpen
Has the quick disconnect auger, makes it easier to fit in a sled.
All the handles and levers are large and easy to use with gloves on.

Cons:
It's a little heavy, that goes with the bigger motor. But pulling it in a sled makes it not big deal.
The pull cord being on the wrong side but is easy to remedy.

I would definitely spend the extra money and get a bigger aurger. Makes a big fish a little easier and if you like to watch your jig, that's a little easier too.

 Reply by: Walleyeone      Posted: 10/31/2009 1:02:27 PM     Points: 396    

I have a strikemaster and my buddy has a jiffy. They both work fine. I think the jiffy is a little heavier and maybe a little stronger.(it has a bigger motor)
I think both are fine if you take care of them. I drain the fuel and fog the cylinder at the end of each season. I've had mine for 10+ years and it still works fine.
I would be sure to get the 10".
JD

 Reply by: Harleyrider05      Posted: 11/2/2009 5:29:52 AM     Points: 157    

Ok Thank you I think the Jiffy because of the metal handles, and I have changed from a 8" to the 10"
Thanks again

 Reply by: oscar      Posted: 11/2/2009 3:02:48 PM     Points: 134    

I too am looking for a first power auger this year. After much on line research I have gone with a strikmaster strike lite. It only weighs 20#s and will not smell up my truck or gloves, so I hope. Will let you all know how it doesd as soon as we have some good ice.

 Reply by: Bullyhunter      Posted: 11/2/2009 3:22:18 PM     Points: 1449    

I own a jiffy and I must say I have used other augers and nothing compares to my Jiffy. It cuts thru ice like butter and starts on the first pull every time.I have seen brand new augers fail to start if its to cold out or if drilled 1/2 way in and left standing.I always lay my auger down on its side and have never had a problem. I would say Jiffy all the way.My only regret is buying an 8" as opposed to the 10" but I got it dirt cheap on craigslist so I cant complain.

 Reply by: Good Sam      Posted: 11/2/2009 6:09:20 PM     Points: 458    

I have a 10" Strikemaster. Mechanically it starts and runs great everytime. The only thing I want to put out there is that if you step into a 10" hole, you will be wet up to your knee. If you step in an 8" hole, you have a better chance of catching on one side or the other and staying dry. I am making an adapter for my old 8" hand auger blade to be able to use it with the Strikemaster power head.


Steve

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:24:40 AM     Points: 162    

Yes that is a downside to a 10 inch hole. I suppose 8 inch would be better if you have little ones that will be going with you. Kids have an knack for locating holes, and comparing a child to a 10 hole makes for an extremely scary thought.

 Reply by: Ankrum      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:38:10 AM     Points: 313    

I have a strikemaster lazer 8" and absolutely love it. Cuts awesome and have never had a problem getting the tecumseh motor going even on -20 days. It is light and easily breaks down if you need to. I prefer 8" cutting head because it cuts faster, lighter, and I believe the blades last a bit longer. We pulled a 35", 22 lb mack out last year and 8" was easily enough space to get the fish out.

 Reply by: fish      Posted: 11/3/2009 4:04:11 AM     Points: 1961    

Ankrum. i had a eight inch strike master lazier also. they are great. for speed and potability.

 Reply by: ducati      Posted: 11/3/2009 7:01:50 AM     Points: 112    

I have an eskimo auger and I used a buddies Mag 2000 with the single chipper blade I could not believe how light it was and how well it cut through the ice, I cant imagine how nice the Lazer Mag would cut. If Jiffy's are better WOW sign me up.