canine trap question

[yack]

I was standing in a treestand this morning bored as, whatever.
It seems that the big canine trap of the day is an offset model of whatever. Don't need to get into brand preferance.

Here's my question:
What is the difference between an offset jaw, and a regular jawed trap when it's around the paw of a fox/coyote?

Even with the offset, the bone of the critter is way bigger than the width of the offset. So you are still going to have the pressure of the jaw's on the leg.
I'm still thinking that laminating a trap would relieve more pressure than the offset would.
What do you think?
Jim

[Stef]

Offset rises the levers higher for a better lock up.

Offset + laminated jaws really shine on toes caught fox and coyotes.

[trappnman]

CoonDuke once told me, the only advantage (or at least the main one) in offsets was in toe caught coyotes. In regular jawed traps, you DO get the occasional toe in jaws, whereas in offsets, you have the toes riding IN the offset, causing less damage and a coyote at the set in the morning. Made sense to me, and started noticing, and I find that to be true.

I also feel, rightly or wrongly, that a offset DOES relieve some pressure on smaller incidentals including fox when compression is stopped..

Caught my finger in a leaf spring when a jack fell (stupid, stupid moves on my part) and I was VERY thankful, that the spring could not compress all the way down. While my fingers were black and blue, having the jack keep the spring slightly open, was a good thing.

not quite the same, but.................

[calvin]

I have had K9s pull toes out of offsets (bridger #2 laminated) Happened enough I sold them all off. I don't find that the case with my 650 cast jaws, however (also offset)....so far.

[schweg2]

I've had very good luck holding yotes by the toes with offset 2 coil MB550's, but I also run shock springs, I'm sure that helps.
I normally get a deep catch but do get the occasional toe catch.

The only pull-out I had this year was with a offset #3 bridger.

[trappnman]

let me quailfy my answer-

For me, on 24 hour checks in early to mid fall conditions, on 2 coiled traps- I don't think the offsets do anything to reduce foot damage and the end result, in the morning, is the same as in regular jaws. This was confirmed in a small way (35-40 coyotes) by the lack of immediate (in the trap) and long term (posted coyotes) lack of foot damage, in short chained regular jaw traps.

disclaimer for those on long extended checks, 4 coiled large traps, inclement weather, bnigger coyotes, etc.... your results might differ.

just stating what I have observed in my use of offsets and regular jawed traps.

Having said that- I prefer the offsets for my own reasons.