1 1/2 duke coils vs 1 1/2 bridgers

[trappnman]

I haven't used the news ones. The ones I used, had a pressed out dj that realy did no good.

Chewing isn't really a problem for me- or more to the point- chewing to allow escapes isn't a problem.

A big wide double jaw, following the coon bmps insofar as staking, entanglement, etc- would give you more coons.

In water, its never a problem, and on land- as I stated before- methods trump traps IMHO and chewing o nland for me is also almost non existant.

[shagnasty]

serious chewing here in the water, on a drowning slide or not, alot dont want to go in the cold water and nearly chew out before finally going down the slide and drowning. perhaps the double jaw would eliminate the need for laminating and also prevent chew outs.

[trappnman]

If you are getting that much chewing in water then you need to adjust your methods. I get zero % chewing in water- and my water is as cold as any coon water anywhere. Its not the temp of the water that makes them tough to go down slides they just go down slides hard.

I place the trap as far away from land as possible, and always have the drowner started the maximum amount it can be down the slide. Allow no land access.

And if shallow water- if you hold them 100% in the water on short chains, they will not chew.

Only when a coon in water has access to land- will he chew enough to matter. A trap set on a lside that allows te coon to first beo n land, wil lindeed get chewing.

[shagnasty]

already do everything you mentioned, not losing them but many with chewed toes or stumps at the end of the slide cable. when using pockets one has to start at the bank, water levels vary, sign dictates where traps go, shallow or deep. some dont chew at all while others chew alot in water sets, almost all chew short staked in fox sets.

[trappnman]

Yes, you have to start at the bank, but I always have the trap 6-8 inches out into the water from the pipe or hole (I don't care about mink in my coon sets)- and with the chain down as far on the drowner as it can go- and initial positionng of stake, trap, etc makes a big difference- and when caught the coon cannot get to land, and at least for me, no chewing. Its so rare to get chewing for me on slides- that I can't even think of the last time its occurred.

[shagnasty]

t-man, the set i use has the trap even with or actually inside the bank on a horizontal line.

[trappnman]

I understand- thats the favorite way combo trappers do it here also. But for just coon, I find that setting the trap further out- makes a big difference in both how hard they fight the slide (moving weights, pulling stakes) and in chewing.

[markymark]

The bridger has better chain and swivels to start with. There alot heavier also compared to the Duke. Stay tuned you'll see about 10 dozen Dukes come up forsale Laminated. I just have to wait for the Bridgers to arrive.

[trappnman]

I use lots of dukes on coon- and seldom lose a coon in them with stock chain, etc.

yes, the bridger does have a nice chain- but Im trapping coons, not wolves.

the bridger is a nice trap- for sure- but I don't like the pan system- but could live with it- but bottom line- they aren't going to outproduce a Duke in anyway- that I know.

Sorry marky- I can't see any advantage in in changing over 100+ traps- you'll never catch enough more coon or mink in them to ever make it worth the time or money.

[lumberjack]

I cant help but wonder why they didnt stamp the double jaw deeper the 1st time around. I found out the hard way (mail order- they sure didnt look like the one in the ad).
How did that abortion get past the assembly line?

[markymark]

Sorry marky- I can't see any advantage in in changing over 100+ traps- you'll never catch enough more coon or mink in them to ever make it worth the time or money.

You know steve sometimes in life we just like things. Sorta like a a Harley some like Belt driven and others like the old skool chain drive. That pan is just like the Pinch Pan. I was under the impression many old skool minkers liked that trap.

carpe diem

[bobwendt]

anyone "dooking " it out yet? lol, never read the thread, it just struck me I bet here is anothwer ford vs chevy deal.

[coyotewhisperer]

I don't know about you guys but every 1 1/2 duke trap ive ever got new in the mail was jacked up. wouldn't set properly unless you spent 20 minutes on each one. As far as 1 1/2's go I won't touch another duke. On the other hand I like duke #3's with new chain and the #4's I like also.

Jeff

[trappnman]

jeff- I use all mine out of the box.

marky- ah, I see- you want American made..... LOl

if you want them to want them- thats different than wanting them because they will perform better.

[bobwendt]

duke duke duke , duke of earl..... duke duke.

[CoyoteMan50]

That Bobby Went is crazier then a Bed Bug,

[bobwendt]

who you calling a bed bug??

[thebeav2]

Bridger's aren't American made Either.
My problem with Bridger 1.65s Is that they have a very high jaw height bad medicine for coon. They also have the dog post so close to the power jaw that you can't add lamination. That problem may have been corrected. Had about 6 doz that were spot welded together so that the cross frame was so far off It was very difficult to even set them. Now the #2s are a great trap.

I just sold about 20 doz new Duke 1 1/2s I was very Impressed with the quality and they could have been used straight out of the box.
I think we get to carried away with chain types and trap thickness. I don't know of a coon alive that can break a production type chain on any trap or for that matter bend a trap frame.

[trappnman]

Bridger's aren't American made Either.

[CoyoteMan50]

I'm calling you a Bed Bug you old possum skinning, skunk juice squeezen, Bobcat Booten, coyote Kick en, Badger Busten, Goat Roper, you, Mr Bobby wendt. I hope your back is doing better for ya. uncle Bobbert.