Which Jiffy is the right Jiffy?

[Bigassbassman]

So I'm in the market for my first power auger, and I'm leaning towards Jiffy, because I know a few guys who love them.  Now, which model to choose?

I searched the forum for info on pro vs. gas, found info on both.  Seems like that's a toss-up, depending on personal preference.  Anyone find big disadvantages to pro-powered, because clean and easy maintenance seems good in my opinion.

For gas, anyone see big differences between 4 stroke vs. 2?

I'm looking to use it on ~30" Colorado ice this winter, and just want to make sure I'm getting what I need.

Thanks!

[OldSailor]

Just going to ante in my $.02 worth and say that when it comes to gas, go for a four stroke and run non-ethanol fuel with a good additive! That way you don't have to mix gas and oil! But why put up with gas smell on your hands and the smell in your vehicle?? Go propane and be done with it!! They have worked the bugs out of them and you can get quite a few holes out of one cylinder. You need to carry propane for your Buddy heater or lantern anyway most likely and they won't fog up a shack when drilling holes Weight would be an issue for you?? Then go with the Honda powered four stroke and put up with the gas issues. In the end, it's your money!! Spend it wisely because taken care of properly, you'll have it for many years to come!!

[Bigassbassman]

Thanks, Oldsailor!  Good advice - yeah, the cleanliness and ease of propane is sounding good.  The only thing I've heard is that it can freeze up on really cold days.  But I guess I'm not fishing in Northern Canada, so I should be ok most days.  Propane might be the way to go...

[ice dawg]

I would like to try the Jiffy Pro 4 Lite. It weighs around 26 lbs and the powerhead can be laid down in several positions instead of just one. Liquid Propane freezes at minus 305.6 F and boils at  minus 44 F. 

[Bigassbassman]

I would like to try the Jiffy Pro 4 Lite. It weighs around 26 lbs and the powerhead can be laid down in several positions instead of just one. Liquid Propane freezes at minus 305.6 F and boils at  minus 44 F. 

I saw the Pro 4 Lite on the Jiffy site -- anyone check one out in person?

[Dog-duster]

 Mn, I'd go with one of the propane augers too. I bought my pro 4  the end of the season before last and fished all last year with it.  The extra weight is the only downside I've noticed very much but even still it's worth the weight.  If you keep the power head in the vehicle on your way to the lake it'll start right up with out hesitation and all starts after that will also be plenty easy. I took it to Blue Mesa in Feb and it cooked thru 30" of ice all day long. Make sure to keep the center chipper blades free from ice buildup though, I wouldn't have thought it would make as much difference but my buddy found out on one hole. Until Eskimo or Strikemaster builds a propane  auger stick with this one and even then I won't switch until this one is spent.

[ice dawg]

I saw the Pro 4 Lite on the Jiffy site -- anyone check one out in person?

I haven't seen one in person yet either but it has my interest. I would rather not get gas on my hands when fishing and I think propane is the way to go. I also like the idea of no priming or choking.

[Bigassbassman]

Thanks guys -- good info.  Sounds like propane has a lot of advantages.  And Dog-duster, good to hear another CO dude has used it on 30" Colorado ice! 

[hamms]

I never have ran a non Tecumseh jiffy auger but my stealth is a great dependable ice eating machine! I am going away from it because of weight... Jiffys are heavy. I went with Tanaka. Whatever you get look at what is out there, you may find that cause your buddy has it doesn't mean you will like it as much. If you like to run and gun I feel the Jiffy isn't the right choice. The propanes have been proven reliable as well. Quiet and powerful! Tanaka for me. good luck and enjoy your season.

[milehighfishing]

another Colorado guy... The question is it depends on where you are going to be fishing mostly? Metro ice or Mountains? also remember, most lakes you'll be walking so weight is a huge factor.

I have a 10" jiffy stealth STX (BEAST) and it has definitely been an asset when drilling through 30"+ ice on 11 mile. Last year though, the ice and walleye fishing was great in the metro area so I didn't even get up to the mountains Jan - March. For down in the Denver area or really any ice under a foot you can't beat a 6" nils convertible, it is so light weight and fast my jiffy stayed in the garage.

[ice dawg]

I just talked to a friend who sells Jiffy about the new Pro 4 Lite and he said he would recommend the Pro 4 which is heavier but has the Stealth type blades which the Pro 4 Lite doesn't. I have a 2 hp Stealth that runs great now.

[Bigassbassman]

another Colorado guy... The question is it depends on where you are going to be fishing mostly? Metro ice or Mountains? also remember, most lakes you'll be walking so weight is a huge factor.

I have a 10" jiffy stealth STX (BEAST) and it has definitely been an asset when drilling through 30"+ ice on 11 mile. Last year though, the ice and walleye fishing was great in the metro area so I didn't even get up to the mountains Jan - March. For down in the Denver area or really any ice under a foot you can't beat a 6" nils convertible, it is so light weight and fast my jiffy stayed in the garage.

Thanks, Milehighfishing - yeah, I'll be using it up at 11 mile and Granby, so I want something to take care of 30" ice.  Hopefully the Pro will do the trick!

[LarryClutch]

I have the  Pro 4.  it is heavy but be a man.  And also you are not carrying a gas can so technically you are hauling less weight.  No smell and starts on the first or second pull every time.

[dcso3009]

Just get the Pro4 and be done.   This will be my 3rd year on mine (a 10"), no issues, and never looking back either.  I have even converted a few over to the Pro4 that where die hard 2 stroke guys.  You have read all the benefits about quiet, easy starting, smell, lack of smoke... ect, they are all true.

As for 30" of Colorado ice.... That is just getting started here in MN... Just kidding guys   The only thing I need to do to my Pro4 is change the oil at the end of each season, and this year I'll be adding an extension since lase year I was within inches of bottoming out.