They're a few dollars cheaper per trap than Minnesota Brand. It's likely the best product Duke has ever made, since it's a copy of a copy of one of the best traps ever designed. The country of origin is China and it is stamped on the bottom of each trap. Duke used to make their traps in Korea. China manufacturing would be a step down in quality from Korea. And, in my experience, the Korea traps were awful. If I were going after bobcat, I'd choose a 550 and I'd go with Duke if I really didn't have the money to spend. Coyotes are my target predator and it's easier for me to use the best, so my choice for a trap is K.O. K9 Xtreme. Minnesota Brand made the Sterling design more affordable. Now, Duke has made the MB-550 more affordable. They're hard to tell apart, the only way to know would be listen to your conscience on who's company you'd rather support or how much you or your family could use $3 saved per trap.
The last thing I want to be irritated by on my trapline is a Duke trap. I fight them and throw them away when they disappoint me. That being said, Duke has supported youth trapping classes by donating their traps to young trappers to grow our sport. They are funding the future trapping generation in order to continue our American tradition. The decision makers at Duke are great Americans, as are those at Minnesota Brand. Both greatly improve trappers quality of lifestyle. You see them both at conventions and distributors. Their products are relied upon in the field, just one manufacturer's product sometimes requires modifications or a rework when it's put to the test. The 550's are so solid, it could be the beginning of the end of frustration with Duke's traps.
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