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Post by stickbowhntr on Jul 5, 2007 10:35:29 GMT -6
I am thinking of purchasing some coils for coons and these two are at the top of my list. I don't care that there is a price difference between the two, just which do you like better( for those of you who have used them)I am looking for experence not theory on them.The Bridgers look to be built stronger but not sure that is needed on my coon line(coon/mink).What are the dislikes(you can PM me those so not to be politically incorrect on a forum...lol..).....
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Post by trappnman on Jul 5, 2007 10:55:40 GMT -6
well- you aren't going to find much experience on the new bridger 1.5 since they just came out.
But- as a Duke user of many years, I've give my opinion.
THe Duke is a perfect coon trap in my opinion. Strong, hold their strength very well, most importantly hold coon.
at the price, they cannot be beat.
THe bridger is a nice trap- I sold out of the ones I had on hand (will get more) very quickly. Its a little stouter than the Duke, with a PIT type trigger pan release.
Its really a 6 of one 1/2 doz of the other.
very comparable traps.
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Post by trappinwi on Jul 5, 2007 10:56:48 GMT -6
Go with the Bridgers! No doubt. I have nothing against Duke. They were all I had for 1 1/2 coils. Someone on another forum talked me into trying the Bridgers. The Bridgers come with a new trigger system that blows away the Dukes. I got a doz for $68.00 from F&T Trading Post.
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Post by stickbowhntr on Jul 5, 2007 11:00:36 GMT -6
I thought th bridgers were out last year. So, ok then how about opinions....thanks Steve.lol...
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Post by Kyle on Jul 5, 2007 11:32:10 GMT -6
I have experience with the Bridger 1.5 let me find the picture. (minor experience) Here it is...this is the only experience I've had with the Bridger 1.5's. I got a half dozen for myself, for my birthday in early January and I really wanted to try them out. I knew of a place that I could find some muskrats and possibly coons or mink. I just made a few pockets along the crick. And about the third day I caught my first muskrat in the Bridger 1.5. They are a very strong, and heavy built trap. The rat drowned in very shallow water on a high leg catch. So I'm confident in these traps. But I also like my Dukes.
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Post by thebeav2 on Jul 5, 2007 11:53:27 GMT -6
I personally would own all Dukes I'm not a big fan of the PIT pan system. I like to be able put that dog In the notch and move It where I want It.
And I can flat out guarantee that the coon Mink or rat won't know weather It's caught In a Duke or a Bridger. One other thing I have found Is the Bridger springs lose a lot of strength very quickly. And the Bridger Is about $10.00 more a doz then the Duke.
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Post by trptyler on Jul 5, 2007 12:12:40 GMT -6
FWIW, IMO, My experience w/bridger is usually after 2 years, the springs start to sack out and loose strength. Maybe I just got bad batches, but my 1.65 and 2 Bridgers needed springs after 2 years. Maybe not both springs on the same trap, but avg. 1 spring every 2 or 3 traps.
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Post by SteveW on Jul 5, 2007 12:32:57 GMT -6
Bridger 1.65 to me is the best coon trap out there. I do use dukes also but prefer the Bridger 1.65. I replace the springs with #2 music wire springs and bubble weld the jaw tips as I catch a lot of coyotes in my coon sets and want to hold all of them I can. The bridgers have a beefier base plate and I like the rounded edges on the jaws. That's my 2c worth.
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Post by stickbowhntr on Jul 5, 2007 15:16:14 GMT -6
the bridger 1.65 is deffinately more money than I want to spend, the 1 1/2 is more in line with the duke.and they 1.65 iare not the ones I was thinking of.
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Post by garman on Jul 5, 2007 16:33:48 GMT -6
the 1 1/2 duke is definetly a more affordable trap in my mind especially if you want to laminate to make it a better trap like Schmitt or O'Hearn recommend. BUt Dukes have always held coon for me the older duke had sharper jaws than I liked but laminated are nice. I [prefer the trigger of the duke rather than the PIT system but I feel like most just either trap is a dandy.
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Post by stickbowhntr on Jul 5, 2007 16:51:53 GMT -6
I can get ~ 3 dz more dukes for the same price and will probably go that route as if I want a heavier trap I can always use my old #2 montgomeries I found in the top of the loft last year(6dz brand new still in boxes from the 80's, what a great find).....I do want to see first hand though before I commit, the Bridgers....I am not into laminating, I can not weld worth a crap and can't afford to pay somebody.
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Post by garman on Jul 5, 2007 16:56:42 GMT -6
I believe even without the lamination I was satisfied with the Duke.
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Post by fishadict on Jul 5, 2007 17:00:09 GMT -6
I really like the Duke 1.5's for mink, rats, and coon.
The Bridger is a very nice trap. I just have not used mine yet.
fa
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Post by trappnman on Jul 5, 2007 19:27:59 GMT -6
I wouldn't call the jaws rounded by any means. I think its a pretty sharp jaw actually.
btw= no need to get em from "stangers"- I too have the intro price of $68 plus shipping
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Post by billcat on Jul 5, 2007 20:48:35 GMT -6
The folded pan is what gives the appearance of a PIT type pan, but it's the pan pivot location that makes a true PIT pan what it is. All in all, a good little trap, I've held coyotes, cats, grey fox and one lion in them. After the first season the springs aren't what they started out, so I'll soup them up this summer. Hate the folded pan setup, only negative I've found. Can't do much with it.
If I remember right, Terry told me they are coming out with an offset jaw model.
Bill
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Post by jimdrummond on Jul 5, 2007 21:03:43 GMT -6
If you plan to go with dukes 1 1/2 coils, try the double jaw traps. They are much better than the regular jaw traps. They have been my biggest seller for the last couple years. Coon trappers love them.
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Post by Kyle on Jul 5, 2007 21:17:40 GMT -6
Like I said before, I do like my dukes as well. Cause I just ordered another dozen today. hehe
Get whatever you feel comfortable with, get a dozen of each. If you don't like the Bridger 1.5, I'm sure you could resell them fairly quickly.
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Post by trappnman on Jul 6, 2007 6:30:35 GMT -6
the Duke double jaws are a joke- they certainly do not reduce any chewing, and are a pain on land.
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Post by shagnasty on Jul 6, 2007 6:45:35 GMT -6
in the water, would the duke double jaw and laminated be superior to just the duke laminated? serious question.
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Post by CoonDuke on Jul 6, 2007 7:01:56 GMT -6
Steve, The new Duke double jaws are stamped deeper. They might not eliminate chewing, but they would move the point of chewing below the point where the main jaws grasp the paw. Everybody knows what happens when a coon chews it's foot off flush with jaws...
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