12-31-2014, 05:17 PM
I've been just fine with the little buddy (9,000 btu) in a Quickfish 3, even in really cold temps, but I also remain fairly active (stepping out, drilling holes, moving periodically, etc), and dress appropriately for cold. But, for others, or if I'm sedentary for an extended period, it can get a little chilly. Nothing a good coat can't address.
This year I purchased a big buddy (18,000 btu) when taking out a newbie from NC and a fairweather family member, and it was plenty to make a Quickfish 6 toasty inside, even with one of the doors remaining open. Way too warm for me to think of ice fishing unless in a t-shirt (I stayed outside rather than go in the sauna). I used the big buddy in my Quickfish 3 as well. It's a bit big and heavy with two bottles attached (esp climbing that damn dam at Birch Creek!!!), but is certainly does the job adequately, even in really cold temps.
One advantage of the big buddy is the inclusion of a battery operated (4 D batteries) fan to help circulate the heat.
If you ware wanting to "keep a 4 man ice tent warm", then I'd vote for the Big Buddy.
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This year I purchased a big buddy (18,000 btu) when taking out a newbie from NC and a fairweather family member, and it was plenty to make a Quickfish 6 toasty inside, even with one of the doors remaining open. Way too warm for me to think of ice fishing unless in a t-shirt (I stayed outside rather than go in the sauna). I used the big buddy in my Quickfish 3 as well. It's a bit big and heavy with two bottles attached (esp climbing that damn dam at Birch Creek!!!), but is certainly does the job adequately, even in really cold temps.
One advantage of the big buddy is the inclusion of a battery operated (4 D batteries) fan to help circulate the heat.
If you ware wanting to "keep a 4 man ice tent warm", then I'd vote for the Big Buddy.
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