Jiffy propane vs. Strikemaster Honda

[Colemanvdh123]

Seems to me that these two are the two big dogs this year for ice auger. Which one is better. Give your opinion or experience thanks.

[Brad B]

Seems to me that these two are the two big dogs this year for ice auger. Which one is better. Give your opinion or experience thanks.

it depends on how you plan to use it.

pros and cons of each :

Jiffy Propane :

pros :

cheaper purchase price

can re open holes

hardly any fumes

cons :

heavy unit (28lbs)

heard it has been known to be hard to start in really cold weather. (this is based on reports from some people that have this auger)

Strikemaster with the Honda

Pros :

light weight (23lbs)

sealed crank case (no oil leaking from muffler)

cons :

high price tag

not good at re opening holes (comes with a lazer drill unit)

reports from people that bought it say the throttle cable is routed in such a tight way that the cable binds and one report even notes the cable disconnected from the lever because of this.

If it was me I would look at the new electric Ion Auger that came out this year and skip these other two, but if I had to choose between the two I would lean towards the Jiffy even thou it is heavier and could be harder to start in the extreme cold.

[Jim Uran]

Agree with Brad, get the proven one. what is your fishing style?

[anderson_dc]

Brad: The Jiffy Pro4 is closer to 35-36 pounds. That kind of weight difference makes it a "no brainer" for me.

[Gus]

I returned my pro4 last year after my second outing left me stranded with no holes. No start. No spark.

If you are used to a strkemaster, even an older model like I was. The pro4 is H E A V Y. I exchanged mine for a strikelite (robin) version and couldn't be happier.

If I recall correctly the Pro4 motor is an unnamed Chinese manufacture. Not that all foreign things are bad, but my opinion on the pro 4 motor is it's cheap junk. Yeah, I'll take flack from guys who love theirs. Sorry, mine left me stranded after 2 outings. POS IMHO!

I've also never had an issue re-drilling holes with my laser bit. Had one since 1996.

[FirstIce]

What about the new Jiffy 4G? Personally I am a Jiffy man. Made the switch 3 years ago. I had a lazer and had to many problems with it. The drill had to get sent in twice because they said the pitch was off and I also hated it when trying to re drill holes in the wheel house. I then bought a 9" stx pro and absolutely love it! Sure it does weight a bit more. Maybe 8 or so more pounds when compared to models of the same year. I will take that reliability and 8 extra pounds any day. I still have no problem scouting with my jiffy.

After all most of us do have wheelers and vehicles where we drive to our spots or pull a sled with our gear in it to get there. Then we typically drill all over around that area with in 100yds and when we find nothing we go back to our means of transportation and keep moving on... Most people will NOT carry an auger on a 1/2 mile trek or to far away from there transportation. Makes no sense

[brian6715]

After all most of us do have wheelers and vehicles where we drive to our spots or pull a sled with our gear in it to get there. Then we typically drill all over around that area with in 100yds and when we find nothing we go back to our means of transportation and keep moving on... Most people will NOT carry an auger on a 1/2 mile trek or to far away from there transportation. Makes no sense

What about when I fish "first ice" and a wheeler or car is not an option? That is the best fishing! I can throw my SM over my shoulder and walk way more than a 1/2 mile and not get tired at all! Also, what about the people who can't afford a wheeler or don't want to have to rely on bringing a wheeler to the lake every time? I bet I walk an average of 1-1.5 miles each outing until I can drive, and I am drilling holes almost the entire way... always in search of that elusive new spot.

You saying it makes no sense basically is like saying it's not possible to be mobile with a power auger, so I'm buying this huge heavy auger and limiting myself to having a vehicle to transport it for me.

[Ballyhoo]

If the ice is too thin to drive an ATV on then a chisel works just fine. If you want to scout a bunch of holes then get a cordless drill. I personally have used both SM and Jiffy and will never buy anything but a Jiffy. If you aren't sure look at what the resorts use, Most use Jiffy.

[bassNspear]

I have a strikemaster my whole life and have no problems with them.

my boss has the propane and loves it, but man it throws way to much ice. the shavings go everywhere and i hate that

[brian6715]

I guess I just don't see the point in limiting yourself, when the lighter and faster technology exists. I am not sure if it's a good argument for any brand of auger when you back it up by "you can always use a chisel!"

[FirstIce]

What about when I fish "first ice" and a wheeler or car is not an option? That is the best fishing! I can throw my SM over my shoulder and walk way more than a 1/2 mile and not get tired at all! Also, what about the people who can't afford a wheeler or don't want to have to rely on bringing a wheeler to the lake every time? I bet I walk an average of 1-1.5 miles each outing until I can drive, and I am drilling holes almost the entire way... always in search of that elusive new spot.

You saying it makes no sense basically is like saying it's not possible to be mobile with a power auger, so I'm buying this huge heavy auger and limiting myself to having a vehicle to transport it for me.

That's why I mentioned a plastic sled for those "first ice" occasions. I don't plan on carrying an auger over my shoulder, carrying my bucket, my flasher and my rods, etc. all at one time across the lake. Why not invest in a cheap sled to put it in instead $20-$30 bucks and it saves on your body and the potential for dropping stuff all the time.

[brian6715]

I have a plastic sled and do exactly as you say, it works great! But when you get to an area and find some active fish, I like to make a loop and drill 10-15 more holes... that is where you don't want to have to pack your auger in a sled every time, that would just be annoying. Throwing the SM over my shoulder works great in this instance.

[FirstIce]

I have a plastic sled and do exactly as you say, it works great! But when you get to an area and find some active fish, I like to make a loop and drill 10-15 more holes... that is where you don't want to have to pack your auger in a sled every time, that would just be annoying. Throwing the SM over my shoulder works great in this instance.

Agreed. I like your style

[Hawg]

I didn't like the idea of the heavy Pro 4 either but my SM razor blades let me down too many times. The Jiffy spins faster than a SM but you don't need to go full speed in a house, just let off a bit. I still own both a Pro 4 and a SM(with a chipper blade) so I'm covered.

[DTro]

I would think that most people have their own way of transporting an auger across the ice. Whether it be on a vehicle or a sled. That is the norm I think. Weight shouldn’t really be an issue as far as transporting. Drilling a ton of holes? That’s where I think weight is an issue.

However for the person asking which auger is better? You should ask yourself how you intend to use it. Don’t buy into what others think is best, buy what suits you best.

Reopening holes? Consider a chipper blade. Permanent house? Consider propane or electric.

Drilling tons of holes looking for active fish? Consider a shaver type blade and a lightweight unit.

Don’t want to mix oil and gas? Consider a 4 stroke, electric, or propane.

Don’t want worry about maintaining carbs or worrying if your auger might not start and maybe don’t want to deal with pull starting something at all? Consider electric.

There is no perfect answer for everyone.

Personally, I prefer a light quick auger. Dealing smoke, sound, and mixing gas isn’t a big factor for me. For others it most certainly IS.

[brian6715]

I would think that most people have their own way of transporting an auger across the ice. Whether it be on a vehicle or a sled. That is the norm I think. Weight shouldn’t really be an issue as far as transporting. Drilling a ton of holes? That’s where I think weight is an issue.

However for the person asking which auger is better? You should ask yourself how you intend to use it. Don’t buy into what others think is best, buy what suits you best.

Reopening holes? Consider a chipper blade. Permanent house? Consider propane or electric.

Drilling tons of holes looking for active fish? Consider a shaver type blade and a lightweight unit.

Don’t want to mix oil and gas? Consider a 4 stroke, electric, or propane.

Don’t want worry about maintaining carbs or worrying if your auger might not start and maybe don’t want to deal with pull starting something at all? Consider electric.

There is no perfect answer for everyone.

Personally, I prefer a light quick auger. Dealing smoke, sound, and mixing gas isn’t a big factor for me. For others it most certainly IS.

+1

This post should be saved and brought up every time we get into a Jiffy vs. Strikemaster convo! Now can someone write one for the Vex vs. Marcum conversation?

[Fishin4fun_MN]

Jiffy Pro4. Biggest problem with them is you have to keep the propane bottle WARM. If it gets cold, no go. Jiffy has a bottle warmer. Was at the Dakota Angler Ice Institute this past weekend and while the SM is quieter, the Jiffy had more torque and power when the guys hit the throttle. If I were to purchase a new one, I would buy the PRO4. I love my current Jiffy. I chose it because of others tournaments having Jiffy's and seeing how well they work, but also seeing first hand the down falls of several SM on local lakes.

[fisherman-andy]

Jiffy Pro4. Biggest problem with them is you have to keep the propane bottle WARM. If it gets cold, no go. Jiffy has a bottle warmer. Was at the Dakota Angler Ice Institute this past weekend and while the SM is quieter, the Jiffy had more torque and power when the guys hit the throttle. If I were to purchase a new one, I would buy the PRO4. I love my current Jiffy. I chose it because of others tournaments having Jiffy's and seeing how well they work, but also seeing first hand the down falls of several SM on local lakes.

More power and torque does not necessarily equal a better or faster auger as its been proven many times. Efficiency in the auger design and blades as well as rpms can help dictate the drill.

Here's a youtube of the Jiffy Propane vs Strikemaster strike lite II:

http://youtu.be/6z9-JhO8aQY

Now considering the Honda is more efficient and faster the then older Subaru robin strike lite II im not hesitant to say it will out drill the Jiffy propane. I like to see the Jiffy on dual non-chipper blades though.

[creepworm]

More power and torque does not necessarily equal a better or faster auger as its been proven many times. Efficiency in the auger design and blades as well as rpms can help dictate the drill.

Here's a youtube of the Jiffy Propane vs Strikemaster strike lite II:

http://youtu.be/6z9-JhO8aQY

Now considering the Honda is more efficient and faster the then older Subaru robin strike lite II im not hesitant to say it will out drill the Jiffy propane. I like to see the Jiffy on dual non-chipper blades though.

According to the Strikemaster rep I talked to, the Honda will drill a hole at the same speed as the old Subaru Robin powered strikemaster. The Honda has the same drill, spinning at the same RPM, with the same gear ratio, and the same horsepower. According to him, what you gain with the Honda is the enclosed crankcase, the Honda name, and the ability to take it to any Honda repair place to have it worked on.

[fisherman-andy]

According to the Strikemaster rep I talked to, the Honda will drill a hole at the same speed as the old Subaru Robin powered strikemaster. The Honda has the same drill, spinning at the same RPM, with the same gear ratio, and the same horsepower. According to him, what you gain with the Honda is the enclosed crankcase, the Honda name, and the ability to take it to any Honda repair place to have it worked on.

From what I seen for feedback on the forums of the few who have field tested it have made claims that it is quicker then the Subaru robin engine, drilled side by side. However there's been very litte info or videos shown of the auger in real world condition action.

Here's the Honda Strikemaster:

http://youtu.be/NNeS0cLnN4E

[Random guy]

My family has run Jiffy ice augers since sometime in the 80's and they have always been good to us but this year I am going with the Strikemaster. Lighter, cleaner and a Honda motor. There is a reason our remote propane pumps use Honda motors, 90% of the working generators you see on the lake are Hondas. The Honda name in general just screams dependable. I made the switch to Strikemaster this year as I believe they hit the nail on the head with this one.

[Gus]

Jiffy Pro4. Biggest problem with them is you have to keep the propane bottle WARM. If it gets cold, no go. Jiffy has a bottle warmer. Was at the Dakota Angler Ice Institute this past weekend and while the SM is quieter, the Jiffy had more torque and power when the guys hit the throttle. If I were to purchase a new one, I would buy the PRO4. I love my current Jiffy. I chose it because of others tournaments having Jiffy's and seeing how well they work, but also seeing first hand the down falls of several SM on local lakes.

The power of the jiffy motor was limited by it's transmission/clutch. It slips (as designed) when load gets too high. The short time I had mine, with fresh blades still, I had to pick up on it to keep it from slipping off and on throughout a hole drill. It sure did seem to tear into the ice initially. Chips fly EVERYWHERE! One other reason I just thought returning mine was the best option. What a mess in the permmie. For porty fisherman, probably not an issue.

[cold one sd]

I believe the Jiffy Pro 4 engines are manufactured in California which is kinda foreign to me.

[RiverChuckNorris]