Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk AL Squirrel, Alligator, Trapping, and Varmits MB550

I was at Gander Mountain yesterday and they had one MB550 on the rack and I have been wanting to try one out so I bought it.

How much better than my Duke traps are they? I have had some misses and some traps sprung with hair on the jaws in the past. This trap looks to be made a LOT better than the dukes. How much better do you think their catch rate is?

It is a much better trap with no mods needed ready to go. I don't know that you will get less clean misses but I know once they are caught they aren't going anywhere. You also won't have any or not nearly as much damage to the trap after the catch. Some bent dogs that need to be straightened is about all. I use a lot of mb450 and they will hold anything around here too. I have had racoon even beat up some duke traps where the jaws were twisted and I had to put it in a vice to fix it. Never had any flexing or twisting with the mb. You will be happy with them.

MB traps vs Duke traps! The difference is daylight and dark!

I'm using 550's and I ain't had a coyote mess up any part of it. Other than the wax and dye wearing off you can't even tell the difference in new and used. I'm gonna get a few 450's and give them a try.

I haven't been fooling with traps long. When starting out I thought I could get more steel in the ground with the cheaper dukes but in hindsight I think I would be better off with 1/2 as many traps of better quality.

So why got with the 450's instead of the 550's. I'm kindof tired of catching foxes and coons and would like to start getting better at targeting just the coyotes. So which trap would be best? Also should add that I have to turn loose a dog every once in a while so which one will do the least damage to a dog foot should probably play into the decision as well.

I like cast offset jaws because of dogs. North 40 put up a good post a few months ago where he reviewed a bunch of traps he bought. Look it up it had some good info with pictures and recommendations. Biggest jawspread you can get will probably be best if.you want to target coyotes.

Here's a link. Looks like the pics are gone but lots of info. http://www.aldeer.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1038086#Post1038086

Coffee I've still got pics of most of the traps I reviewed if you want to see them.

My suggestion is the largest legal jawspread in the best made trap you can afford.

With traps you really do get what you pay for! The MB traps are built like tanks. The 650 with inside laminations is a beast and the inside lams keep it legal in Bama.

I agree with all you said north 40 which isn't surprising since it is obvious you have a lot more experience than I do.

The dukes were fun to start out with, get more traps in the ground, and learn something about getting an animal to put his foot where you want it, but I am ready to move on from them now.

Is the larger jaw spread safer for a dog or not as safe?

Jaw spread isn't gonna make any difference. The offset and width of the jaws is what keeps it from cutting their feet. That's why I add laminations to increase the contact surface. Shock springs in your chain will also reduce stress on your catch and helps cushion them pulling against the trap.