i have heard the power seems to be about the same, no noticeable difference. the guy i know who has one says he has drilled dozens of holes and the propane tank seems to still be over half full...but i myself have not yet given it a try..
Howdy Rick, I am interested in the Jiffy Pro-4 propane auger myself. I was all set to get the Strike Master Laser Mag auger, but the propane convenience / alternative is very interesting. Reed's in Onamia offers both of them. Let me know if you get any other information on the propane model as the Strike Master is known outstanding performer.
I like the concept and would eliminate carb problems with bad gas.But Jiffy is still a heavier and bulkier auger to tote around. If you want to get away from the smoke a 4 stroke or electric Strikemaster is still a better choice IMO.
I think the propane is designed for big house use.... in other words, when you get to your shack friday night, you can drill your holes and not have a headache for a couple days. Yeah an electric would do the same, but then again, if your4 out and about, you have a limited # of holes you can drill on a chrage and mobility is something to consider too. I like the idea of propane for the main shack !!!
Thanks gentlemen, I was not sure about the weight and design of the Jiffy Pro-4 propane unit. I will stick with my preference and choice of the Strike Master Laser Mag auger. It is a proven auger and frankly it costs quite a bit less than the propane model. Good luck fishing and drilling. WOW rain on Mille Lacs. Goofy weather. It does NOT have rain forecast on the HP calendar? ha,ha. Malmo Mike was here.
I currently have a Strikemaster electric I bought for my ice-house. I works great drilling 10 to 15 holes, but due to the slower rotation of the auger, it gets a little grabby when re-drilling the holes in 24-30" depths. I also hada 2002 Strikemaster gas 2hp but had a lot of carb problems. I hope the SOB that stole it has nothing but trouble keeping it running! I understand the new Strikemaster German motor is quite a bit better. My son-in-law has a Jiffy and it seem to be bullet-proof but it is heavy. Anyway, When I'm fishihg in my portable the electric just doesn't drill enough holes. the propane seems like a good all around solution if it is reliable.
Thanks Rick, That is good information for me to have in makling a final choice down at Reed's for my new auger. Good luck drilling and setting the hook on 'em. Malmo Mike
I picked one up a week ago, probably have 45 holes so far on 1 tank, I'll run it till its gone and let you know how many holes I get, so far would'nt trade it for nottin.
Scott, Thanks for the excellent report on the Jiffy Pro-4 auger. Cool. 45 holes drilled would seem to cover my needs pretty well. And the weight seems fine for you? I like the propane solution from your update: No smoke, no fuel mixture, and no smoke in the house. Malmo Mike was here...
My best choice is a Jiffy product. I've had mine for 15 years and never had to rebuild a carbeurator, a recoil or anything. and it's drilled ALOT of holes over the years. If I ever get rid of it, I'll probably check out the propane run or maybe they'll have something better by then. My idea was a big laser beam........
Mike, some guys have said they notice the weight a little but I dont, I had a Strikemaster which supposedly is lighter but really haven't noticed the difference, some of the guides on LOW really sold me on it and there using it day in & day out, propane you'll be happy.
Thanks Jon, Way to go Tat2Jonnie! My new auger will probably be the Jiffy Pro-4 Propane model. But by the time I get to Reed's in Onamia, they may have a new auger model to check out. The Jiffy propane auger is just a little more than the Strike Master auger but the propane engine is way cool for all the good reasons.
I REALLY like your Big Laser beam idea... Boy you could retire real quick if we can get that working EH?
Remember the SLEEP part of:
EAT...SLEEP...FISH...DRINK (a cold one) motto.
Take care Malmo Mike -- with Walleye Fever bad. No luck right now in Colorado -- only lake trout on hard water fishing.
Thanks Scott, After talking about it with you and Jon (Tat2Jonnie) I will go with the Jiffy Propane for my new auger. It is a better option all the way around. Thanks for the good advice and information. The Jiffy propane auger seems like a very durable product and has several advantages. Cool. Better is better. Come Walleyes. Catch a nice one dude. I just got a new St Croix ultra-light ice fishing rod/reel combo and I am a happy camper. I will hit them on the head with my Macho minnow. Ha Ha.
