power augers

[Arnie]

I would like any info on which of the following is better than the other. Eskimo,jiffy,or strikemaster models. Also any recommendations on auger size.
Thanks!

[salmonslammer]

Welcome to the site Arnie!!!


You might want to run a search on this topic....Quite a bit of information on that subject. Should be able to find some good deals this time of year!!!

[Sib]

This has the potential to turn into a Ford-Chevy type of debate and could be very subjective. Of the three you mention all are good and tend to share the Tecumseh engines as the power. Some also share very similar blade designs. Jiffy is a name that's been around a long time and has a good reputation over the years. Strikemaster seems to be the most popular auger over the past few years and has a good reputation. Eskimo is a newer brand, but it's made by Ardisam, a company that has a good reputation in the earth auger business and the owners of their ice augers seem to be equally pleased.

I have an 8" auger and it seems to fit my needs nicely. I went with Eskimo because I get a real good deal by buying at this time of the year. I ended up paying $160. Shop around, there should be some deals around as the sporting goods store get ready for the soft water season.

[catfishtom210]

I have an Eskimo 8" and have been happy with it. If I were buying today though I would really look hard at the electric models. I hate having to worry about the gas smell, oil, etc. and I believe the electrics are lighter too....not to mention how quiet they are! I would recommend 8" for hole size though as 6 seems kinda small....unless you're drilling by hand!

BTW Sib, I don't think Eskimo is a newer brand.....my auger is at least 10 years old and probably closer to 15!


Tom

[Arnie]

Thanks for the info. Other things i'm curious about; are multiple cutting edges better than single ones, and are straight blades better than the curved ones?