[Cardo111]

I also wasn't impressed with the Sno Tek 24, and ended up with the Cub Cadet 524 SWE, which Home Depot also sells. It had a few more features for not much more money than the Sno Tek. I've been happy with my Cub!

That is a good choice, Costco also had it but sold out quickly but the price was no better than Home Depot. Best of luck with it. Here in the NY Metro area we are still in the 60's will cool down this weekend but go back in the 60's next week just in time for the Winter, hard to believe.

 

[Cardo111]

So last night I was poking around Home Depot and because the wife wasn't with me, I actually had a chance to poke around the departments that interest me!
I don't need a new blower, my 2010 Ariens 921012 is running just fine, but I thought I'd check them out. I was surprised at the similarities between the Ariens Compact 24 and the (Ariens) Sno tek 24. Same 208cc engine, the gauge of the steel seemed similar with the exception of the chute. While made of steel on both, the Tek seemed a bit flimsier than the Compact 24. also the deflector on the top of the chute was plastic on the Tek, while it's steel on the Compact.
The gearcase is aluminum an the Tek, vs cast iron on the Compact. There is no light on the Tek. I'm a big Ariens fan and I must say they did a nice job with the Sno Tek at $649 vs $899 for the Compact. If I was is the market for this type of machine, the Sno Tek 24 is a pretty good deal @ $250 cheaper than the Compact 24.

As an Ariens fan through and through, I do not believe the Ariens Compact is worth the money. If you are going to spend that money you might as well spend the extra $100. And get the Deluxe 24 which is a considerable upgrade.

If you don't want to spend a $1000. I would recommend the Sno Tek 24 and if you wanted more bells and whistles you may want to look at the Cub Cadet 524 from Tractor Supply if convenient for you.

Best of luck with whichever machine you choose!