My dad, family, and I have owned both Jiffy and Strikemaster. We've owned a couple of different Jiffy models (including the model 30 of course) but we gave up on Jiffy's about 7 years ago. It could have just been our experience but we could never seem to get them to run consistently. They always seemed to require a lot of babying on the ice.
We've used the Strikemaster models including the Strikemaster XL-3000, the Electra Lazer and are now myt dad and I each have a Lazer Mag Express.
The Strikemaster XL-3000, which I don't think they make anymore, was the fastest auger I've ever used. If you can find one used, make sure it doesn't show signs of abuse, then, have it tuned (with carb kit). If you can get one new, and they aren't cheap, you won't be sorry. If it runs rough, have it tuned and that puppy will cut through more ice than any auger you will ever own. There are some peculiarities about that auger so if you have one and have questions, give me a shout and I'll see what I can come up with. Those things make cutting holes effortless once you have them running right. They are a bit on the heavy side but outperform Jiffy's 3HP offerings (in my experience). If mine hadn't been stolen from my garage, I would still be using it (best auger I've ever used). It is also is the coolest looking auger out there if that means anything to you. Just look at this thing (this is my first attempt at attaching a photo so I hope this works). If my photo doesn't show up, you can see it at this link. Second auger down. They don't build them like this anymore. It's beautiful.
I like the fact that Strikemaster is located up the road and they are very responsive if you have questions or issues. My dad brought my most recent auger (the Express) up to Big Lake for me because it just wasn't running right. Also, the drill unit just wouldn't cut the way it should. Turns out the drill was bent, the blades were mounted with the wrong screws and the power head was way out of whack. They were very apologetic and replaced the drill, blades, and gave me an extra set of blades for the trouble. The initial problems were a pain but we've never had problems with Strikemaster before so I'll chalk it up to a fluke or, the retailer dumping a bad unit on me rather than sending it back to the factory.
The lazer blades don't handle ice with a lot of suspended sediment very well but Strikemaster does make a sharpener (I've not tried it yet), and, you can get blades cheaper through their blade exchange. I haven't used the 4 stroke but have heard from some that have that it is good for opening frozen holes in a house but not great for roaming the ice (the Express is great since it is so light). If running right, it should start within a few pulls. I've learned better than to expect one or even two pull starts on any auger.
Regarding plastic, I don't care for the new designs. They just don't have that "hand it down to your kid look" like the XL-3000 that my dad gave me. The power switch on the Express will break in cold weather if it bangs around in the truck. But, they do have replacement parts available.
Regarding blade design... It is probably a matter of preference but I think the Lazer is faster than the chipper blade on the Mag 2000. I would stay away from the 4 blade design. While it may be faster (don't know, haven't tried it), they are expensive and the reports I've heard are only positive when the blades are absolutely new.
All in all, if you want light and fast, I would go with the Mag Express. For power and bullet proof design, I would find an XL-3000. Hope this wasn't too long and rambling...
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Topic: Power Auger recommendations? (Read 10116 times)
