Big Buddy vs. Buddy

[rharm]

I know there is another thread on this topic, but it won't open for me. I have a Eskimo Quickfish 3 and was wondering if the smaller Buddy version would be enough?

[bobbymalone]

should be. I get by with the smaller buddy in the QF6.

everyone will tell you to get the big buddy or you will regret it though.

I didn't want to deal with the increased cost, weight, size, and the need to lug around D cell batteries to run the fan.

[WalleyesWest]

Buddys work if you pull your sled out by hand or drive out but if your gonna do any long distance pulling by snowmobile or 4-wheeler they just don't hold up and are way to expensive to replace. Trust me I know the big lake up here eats up equipment even when you baby stuff. I would go with the sunflower style heater my self. I love the buddy in the deer stand but just not in my otter bouncing across the lake. As far as heating if its above 10 degrees and not to much wind it will probally work but if its cold and windy good luck.

[Dooley87]

the big buddies are almost indestructable i haved found, they heat awesome, you don't need the batterys for it they are only to run the fan. another cool thing too is that it will hold two one pound canisters instead of just one and on its lowest setting only one element turns on, just like the one element on the original buddy, turn it on medium and the one element gets hotter, turn it on high and both elements turn on.

I have used the original buddy and the big buddy and have found that since owning a big buddy I haven't used the original sence, plus i have busted more sunflowers on the trek across the lake with exposed thermocouples etc that break, heads that snap off etc.. plus your buddy wont melt your house. easiest decision I have ever made in a heater

[bradlewe]

Borrowed a buddy heater last year and froze my butt off. Stopped on the way home and bought a big buddy for the next day. Like walleye said OK until about 10 - 15 above then useless. If you are going with this style go with the big buddy.

[shnelson]

I used the buddy heater last year in my 2 man frabill flipover - it worked ok until the temps got below 10. I just replaced it with the big buddy, this thing is definitely the way to go. I have yet to field test it and make a true comparison, but just feeling the difference in my garage has me sold.

The plus side is that you can pick them up at Northern Tool this week for $100, that's only $20 more than the standard buddy heater and well worth it.

[JigginIsLife]

another vote for the Big buddy, you dont need the batteries, they make a nice cloth case for the big buddy and they heat very well (nice btw rating) and are reall NOT that much MORE heavy than the little buddy. honestly you will probably end up taking it back and trading for a bigger one, becuase there are more uses with the big one. even if you are not a die hard fisherman and not out there when its -20 degress, the extra heat if the wind picks up is very nice

[stifler51]

vote here for the big buddy

i got the reg buddy for christmas, took it out once and it was on high the whole time and there was still a chill in the air with my Yukon. Took it back to Cabelas that night and up'd it for the Big buddy, and sit there in a t-shirt now. IMO u can never have too much heat, even if its on low at least u have the power to turn up if need. The only question is do u want the extra weight

[Dahitman44]

ALWAYS go for overkill. U can never get more heat out of the little buddy, but you can always turn down or off the BIG ones. For the price difference -- one time purchase -- no brainer.

[Dahitman44]

bobby -- I never run my fan -- but maybe i should

[JigginIsLife]

hit-been awhile since i have sseen you on here, heck if you need a fan check the free page on the bottom i hear there is a nice fan to be had there.

[caseymcq]

I have both.

The Buddy is good for taking the chill off on warm days. I have a Otter Small Den (small one man). When it is cold it doesn't do much other than keep your hands from freezing, in my experience.

The Big Buddy heats the Small Den or a Quick Fish II or a Clam 5600 very well even when it is really cold (15 below zero), again in my experience.

[eyeguy 54]

I use the regular buddy in my quickfish III. I melt if I use the sunflower. One thing I have noticed is if fishing a long time I need to let some air in the lowere flaps that are covered wih snow or the pilot will go out. Same thing happended to a friends when we used his. I use a hose and hook it to a 10 pound tank.

[leech~~]

Does anyone one run with out the fuel filter on theirs, do you really need to have it? What has happend to those that did not use it?

[river rat316]

I just bought a qf3 and set it up in the yard, Put my big buddy in there and had her nice and warm in about 10 minutes, I wouldn't go any smaller just doesn't make sense to me spend the extra coin on something that is going to keep you comfortable down to -20! You need the fuel filter, I ran mine for awhile without and had to clean the exchanger after that.

Also WindowPane if your pilot is going out that is the low oxygen setting, open your door a little or make sure your flaps are open, or you will be going to sleep!!

[eyeguy 54]

lol, ya we figured that out. that's why we let some air in from the flaps on the bottom. even with air circulation with the top vents open they still sent out. yer gonna love the qfish3. I recommend ordering a couple extra rods tho to throw in the truck in case one breaks. specailly if on a long rod trip! no worries if it's a qflip.