Gas Ice Auger Dilemma: Jiffy vs. Eskimo

[AsianSensation89]

Hey Guys,

So I'm stuck in a little dilemma for how to set myself up for this upcoming season of ice fishing. I've set my mind on either an Eskimo or a Jiffy so please disregard any other brands/models. It'll be my first time buying a gas auger and I'd like to try to invest in something that will last me for many years to come.

Between these 2 models, which one would you pick? Pros and Cons?

(I have also marked down the cheapest prices I have been able to find each auger sold for) Which auger will give me the biggest bang for the buck?

>>>>Eskimo Shark z51 ($400 - $460)

-I used my buddy's last year and I liked it. A few problems we had with it was that sometimes it would choke and shut off when starting/leaving the motor on. However, it does cut pretty fast. I question it's durability considering I've read some reviews with other Eskimo augers stating problems with gas tank leaking and recoil issues. Seems like this auger requires more maintenance.

>>>>Jiffy Model 30 (the yellow one) ($300)

-I've used a few Jiffys before and I like them. They're a bit on the heavier side, but I don't think the model I'm looking at differs too much from the weight of the Eskimo Shark z51. I have heard great feedback on the durability of a Jiffy and when I am on the ice I have seen other fishermen start their Jiffy's easily with just the first pull. Seems like Jiffys require less maintenance than sharks.

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Considering regular tune-ups/maintenance, and replacement of auger blades... which one would put less of a dent in the pocket?

Thanks for your time. Any feedback would help. Can't wait for the ice!

[Norm1980]

I own an Eskimo Stingray which i bought new last year for around $250 and it worked great for me last winter & started right up both times i tried this summer/fall. It might take you an extra couple seconds to get through the ice compared to the z51 but if price something you are considering in your decision I think the Stingray should be included. If mine got stolen tomorrow I would not hesitate to go buy another one.

[fisherman-andy]

I havent used any of the new Jiffies yet but have seen them in action. The few ive seen on the ice have some difficulty starting. Could just been the user. The older model are built like tanks. Heavy, does the job and may just run forever? But I wont likely ever buy one even if I do like it. Way too heavy for me or my style of fishing. Your gonna come to learn to appreciate the light weight when you drill 20-60 holes a day. I also dont care for single chipper blades.

As for the the Eskimo they have been downplayed on quality, dont let people fool you it isnt a good brand auger. The ones ive owned or used over the years have all been rock. The Z51 a solid auger, impressive power and decent speed. My buddy has one 5yrs going strong. Starts up on 1-3 pulls typically and cuts well on the quantum blades which I think is the best combo easy cuting blades on the market and you can re-open holes with ease. Starts up even on the coldest windchill days weve been on -15 to -20 below.

The leaky gas tanks actually is more of an issue I seen from the Stingrays due to the metal brackets that hold the tank.

You can find the Eskimo Z51 8" auger for $300-$400 new, again with better deals towards the end of the season. Plus Ardisams customer service is top notch and local WI.

Oh and by the way I own a Strikemaster Solo Lazer Pro. Fast, light @ 26lbs and one of the noisiest augers on the market.

[low277]

I have a Jiffy model 30 that is just over 30 years old. Still works like a champ. The only thing I have done to it over the years in add gas, change spark plug, check oil in gearcase.

I did replace the auger portion as mine originally came without a replaceable blade.

[NCLaker]

No experience with either model. But how well they they start and run can have a lot to do with how you take care of the gas. For me I use non-oxy with Amsoil mix, proper summerizing.

If all things equal, go with the lighter one

[PurpleFloyd]

I bought the z51 last year and it worked great in the limited use of the short season last year. I think you are going to find that cost cutting measures like having them produced overseas is going to make them less likely to last decades like the older domestically produced models did. This is specifically Eskimo as I am not sure if the other one is still domestic or imported.

[Northlander]

If I were to chose from the 2 brands I would go Jiffy for sure. Get the teflon chipper blades (I believe thats what they are) and they will saw through anything and will last a very long time.

Eskimo augers are better than ever but I dont believe the quality is up to Jiffy standards yet.

[BlackLabGuy]

I've got an Eskimo that I got in the mid 80's that is still working great. Just put new blades on now and then...

[fish_eat_sleep]

Why would one ever pretend the best brand is not an option!? don't break your back with a brick! Anyways i would go with a jiffy. they don't seem as popular as they used to be because they are heavy. but they do what they are supposed to do.

[fisherman-andy]

I dont really think you could go wrong with any of the augers brands out there. Get one that best represents how you are going to be using it.

[DLD24]

Look on glens army navy site I got my shark a couple months ago for 260 out the door very cheap

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I have a Jiffy 60i, it is a little smaller than the 30, but just as good. This will be my 3rd season and no troubles. Starts first pull on the ice every time. I just follow the starting instructions that came with it. I would go Jiffy hands down to Eskimo or StrikeMaster.

[grasshopper]

My friend has a jiffy he got in 1985. Still runs great. I got a jiffy in 2004 and still works great.

[SP180]

If you have never had an auger, what ruled out strikemaster?

[whitebassman]

Don't limit yourself to just one brand. Get the best of both worlds!

I myself have a Strikemaster 2.0hp gearhead adapted to a Nils bit. IMHO, the best bit on the market. Lightweight and fast. Weighs in at 22 pounds.

Only Nils will give you the ability to switch between hand and power auger mode. I love that for early/late ice.

But b/w Jiffy and Eskimo. I'd go Eskimo. Stingray was my very first auger. Starts good. Eskimo is lighter which your back will thank you for.

And more than likely, within 5 years you'll be looking to upgrade to an auger that fits your style of fishing. Don't count out the king of the auger market here, Strikemaster. That 4cycle Honda is looking sweet. Tempted to switch my SM Solo powerhead for the Honda...if someone would like a slightly used SM Solo with Nils bit, I could let it go for a fair price...

[magnum mike]

I have had the yellow Jiffy Legend 30 since it first came out. Before that I had a 1980 white Jiffy 30. They are heavy but heavy duty. Mine have been bounced around hundreds of miles and cut thousands of holes. Fresh gas and Amsoil Sabre oil, bump the primer a few times and she starts on the first pull.

[AsianSensation89]

Hey Guys. Thanks for all the replies. I've been busy so this forum totally slipped my mind.

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot about what auger to get now. And now I'm possibly considering Strikemaster too. The reason why I didn't before was because I've seen Eskimo, Jiffy, and Strikemaster all on ice... and Strikemaster IMO cut the slowest.

But now has led me to conclude... is it the brand of the auger or the set of blades that affects how quick an auger drills (considering if they all are 8" diameter)?

[Iambjm]

The condition of the blades can make a huge difference, last year I was having trouble cutting with my Strikemaster Mag 2000, put new blades on and it cut like butter

[dan z]

Give me a fresh set of blades and it pretty tough to beat me, as I have 224 strikemaster. I have been beat by a strike lite with a 224 bit

[AsianSensation89]

So, if I can save the money by buying a nice used auger under $300 and just put on a new set of blades, I should be good to go? Performance wise, it shouldn't vary too greatly from a new auger?

And what's a good minimum horsepower to recommend having in an auger? Considering I'm someone who likes to drill a lot of holes when ice fishing and hole hopping around a lot, would 2.5 hp cut sufficiently enough?

[whitebassman]

So, if I can save the money by buying a nice used auger under $300 and just put on a new set of blades, I should be good to go? Performance wise, it shouldn't vary too greatly from a new auger?

And what's a good minimum horsepower to recommend having in an auger? Considering I'm someone who likes to drill a lot of holes when ice fishing and hole hopping around a lot, would 2.5 hp cut sufficiently enough?

HP isn't everything.

Also have to consider quality of the blade and torque and rpm.

I have a 2hp SM Magnum and it cuts like a hot knife thru butter with a nils bit on. Best of both worlds IMHO