It seems like they're a hit or miss with some folks, mine was a big disappointment. Took about 30 minutes of huffing and puffing to get that thing started. I don't think StrikeMaster test their units from the factory. Mine leaked gas and spewed excess oil out the exhaust. Did the usual break-in before testing it out on the ice. First two holes no problem, third hole started to bog down and in the middle of the 4th hole the clutched locked up or something. Exchanged the StrikeMaster for a Nils, didn't want to play the StrikeMaster lottery. The Nils is lighter, faster, quieter, more fuel efficient, easier starting etc... and just a hundred bucks more.