buddy heater

[SUICK]

I know this topic has been beaten with a stick but i have a 2-man guide and am heading up to LOTW tommorow is it worth buying one or will it simply not do the job.

[TeddyBoy]

I have the Big Buddy and it will definetly heat a Guide. From what I've been reading the regular Buddy will keep the shack warm but not overly toasty...That's just my interpretation of what I've been reading. I love the Big Buddy heater that I bought.

[maj330]

To me, they still haven't made this heater robust enough to be dependable for ice fishing. Either that or the made in China QC team is not working with due diligence. I bought one last week and returned it on Sunday because of its spotty performance in the very controlled environment of my garage. I tested as many variables in the process as possible, 2 different tanks to make sure the OPD valves were working, 2 different heaters, inside and outside of the garage to test wind (you can blow the pilot light out just by waving your hand in front of the buddy heater), two different length hoses, and fuel filter and no fuel filter. The heater/cooker was by for the most robust unit. The ceramic radiators would be nice but I want the heater to work when I need it to work. That is probably more than 2 cents but I'll be happy to return your change.

[SUICK]

Thats the information i was looking for. thanks alot guys

[booshy]

This is my experience...

I just got back from LOW and the trip was great --good fishing on 4 mile. I gave my new Big Buddy a test run and it was just fine. In 30mph winds using a Frabill XLT the Buddy was able to keep 2 guys cozy all day 7am to dark. I use a 20lb and 6ft hose. Now the Buddy doesn't like to be moved once lit and the flame does go out if bumped around. Also be very carful when transporting in a open sled like a trap or Frabill. I had mine packed with snow kicked up from the ATV and that was not a good thing. The Buddy wouldn't start at all. The solution for me (in a pinch) was to put the Buddy btw the chairs of my Frabill (elevated while we sat on the chairs) and put my latern on the floor. The lantern heated the Buddy up nicely - use that to melt all the ice and snow. Worked like a charm but sure was glad I had the latern with me during the daytime. So, once that was taken care of the Buddy worked like a champ and never had another problem. By the way, loved the fan option too.

[Wables]

I use a small buddy to heat my deer blind and Fishtrap Pro. It runs fine on the disposable tanks, but has a hard time with bulk tanks. What I found is that sometimes you need to detatch the hose, and reattach it pushing hard into the heater while wiggling it a bit. There is a little plunger in the hose end that doesn't get pushed in all the way, and doesn't give you 100% gas flow. Once attached and working, it keeps working until you unhook it. I also found that I need to purge the hose before I use it. I hook the hose up to the tank, and take a small screw driver and push the little plunger down until I smell gas. OUTSIDE, of course. With those two fixes, I have no problems. In fact, I was fishing on saturday in 20+ winds in my portable with a 10# tank. When I would go out to check the tipup, flipping the shack open, half the time the heater didn't blow out.

It is not as warm or reliable as my sunflower, but I still like the buddy better.

[caseymcq]

SUICK - Save yourself some money and buy the Mr. Heater Cooker. It can run off of 1lber's or with the hose kit you can run it off of a bigger tank. There has been some other discussions maybe on the Eqip & Expert Advice Forum. If there is a chance that you will be fishing when it is really cold out the Cooker is a better heater for less money(close to 1/3 the price of a Buddy). I have both a Buddy and a Cooker. When it is really cold the Buddy just doesn't cut it. It is great for the mild days to take the chill off.

[schweady]

Love my Cooker for the Ottter Med Cabin.