#3 bridger vs #4 duke for YOTES

[RiverRat]

I have ran the dukes for a few yrs now mostly for beaver. I love em for that purpose. I am planning on buying a large number of either Bridger or more dukes, How do they handle the abuse from coyotes ? I dont have much experience with them on yotes. Thanks

[trappincoyotes39]

a 4 duke is not bigger than a #3 bridger in jaw spread and the bridger is a beffier trap IMO. Both will need dog work for sure or plan on replacing them often.

[RiverRat]

a 4 duke is not bigger than a #3 bridger in jaw spread

IMO they are a complete copy EXCEPT the quality of metal and the factory chain set ups in which I prefer the duke and the 4 coil from the factory. I own plenty of both but never ran the dukes for yotes, have snagged a few but not enough to form a good opinion of them for dogs

[trappincoyotes39]

the 3 bridger is probably the most sold coyote trap made today. Modified up they make a good coyote trap 3rd on my list behind sterlings and jakes.

[Bigfoot]

I like the dukes better both need the same mods both need a bigger pan bolt both are made in korea . the duke is cheeper and made of harder metal with a 4 coil . At first I didn't care for the swaged offset on the dukes but after I rounded the sharp edges I've had very little damage. i'm liking them more now after using them for 2 seasons I consider them "TRAPS THAT CATCH "

[trappincoyotes39]

I use PIT pan systems so no biggger bolts in fact no bolts at all. Dukes made of harder metal? I guess I find the bridger steel to be very good and very stout. Each to his own but I'll stick with the bridgers and mod them up. I have caught enough coyotes in them to know they work well for me.

[17HMR]

Yup, belive it or not they both work, and work good.......

[ryanf73]

I use Duke #4 offset and my buddy uses Bridgers that he has modified.
They both catch Cototes and I have never had a duke bend or brake on me.
We have been using the duke for over 4 seasons, I also like the price of the Dukes.

[redeagle]

Yes, the price, and FREE SHIPPING. You can't beat that free shipping deal anywhere.

[td]

Does the chain on the duke #4 hold coyotes?

[David Kuhlmann]

ya, the dukes will work.. As stated, both should have mod's done. Had both tore up, but for sure much better traps than either out there.

[ksboy2]

i purchased a dozen 4's from RK.... they will be going in the ground next week for coyotes and then later this winter for cats.. i have never run b 3's but from what everyone has told me when i was shopping they are basically the same trap...i like the center swivels on the dukes but the extra spring may be overkill IMO

[motrapperjohn]

I did here that Cavens are moving the factory or maybe the manufacturing of the bridger back to the the US.
Do this, have someone blindfold you and set a trap of each brand down on the table and handle each one. Then ask yourself which you would want to handle all day long. There is a difference, I'll stick with the original.

[robertw]

The Duke is the better trap, it has better jaws, their stronger and have a better designed offset.

I do recommend welding the center locator on the Duke if your in mtn lion & bear country.

[sRc]

Seems like at one time the spring pin was a bit small in diameter on the 4's. Is that still the case? I've been steering cleart of the square jaws-have bridgers 4coiled with JC's kits and still get lots of foot sliding and cutting

[RiverRat]

You run the bottom set up that comes stock on the Duke Robert ? I dont care at all for the center locator, the center locator binds up too much for my liking. I like a good baseplate and D ring.

[trappincoyotes39]

src are you laminating those bridgers? I get very little foot movement in mine laminated.

[sRc]

tc39--yes, my bridgers are laminated

[trappincoyotes39]

I see, laminated and 4 coiled I get very little foot movement even on 18"+ of chain.

[Aaron.F]

F & T has a pretty good deal on the Duke #4's right now. At the price they are selling for I think I am going to give them a try this next year.