I'm sure its been asked before but here I go.

Next fall I plan on traveling to a different part of Iowa to try and catch some grey fox. We don't have them where I live.

As usual when trapping fox theirs always a chance on hooking up with a yote instead.

I have a few 450 reg. jaws, but would the OS ones work better for both critters or the the reg. jaws.

Brad

We have to use offset, but I don’t think it makes a difference for grey fox. Don’t think it makes a difference for any species. The 450 off set is all my buddy will use for coyotes.

I would use what you have.They should work well.

If you don't have to use Offsets don't.

Beav, don't have to.

In my opinion an offset jawed trap Is going to cause more foot damage on those small footed greys.
But then your not trapping for the live market are you.

Reg jaws and offsets work very well for Greys and reds. The wide jaw face on the 450 is tailor made for greys.

But there Is no need to go out and buy offsets because your trapping grey fox.

I only have 2 450 reg. jaws. I thought I'd get 3 more. Probably going to stick with reg. jaws.

I'm not a fan of offsets. I caught a coyote by one toe(MB550 reg. jaw), if it was an offset I believe it would have not been there that morning. I have caught quite a few greys in 1-1/2 Victors, no offsets, no issues. MB450 with the cast jaws all the better!

I have 4 of each, offset n regular jaw, haven't really noticed much difference in either. When they are set off, always been a critter in them. If I buy more, think it will be offsets, just for pets n blood flow to the paw. I do like the 450's overall, pricey but great trap.

550 offset............

Yep one toe. 32lbs yote. I'm very very happy with how the MB550 have performed for me. All of mine are offset jaws

You can forget about more blood flow due to and offset.

When and why did offset jaws come into play ? Someone felt the need for them for some reason. Just marketing a new design to trappers ? Just curious.

Good question!! Anyone have any answers?

It was a feel good deal with not a lot of thought behind It. A 3 /16ths or 1/4" gap Isn't going to do much for animal comfort.
If designed correctly the spring levers will come up a bit higher on a offset jawed trap over that of a regular jawed trap. This In theory will give you better lock up.

In my opinion If It isn't a law In your state I wouldn't be using offset jawed traps.

There's two answers to this and anyone can correct me if I'm wrong. Off sets were designed by trappers to allow the levers to go higher up the jaws, creating more holding power especially on traps with weaker springs. But the general public likes offsets because they don't look as mean as regular jawed traps even though they do not change the fact the springs are putting pressure on the jaws which is pushing on the foot to hold the animal.

It's like toothed traps, the most humane trap out there. They look mean so the general public doesn't like them. Kind of like an AR-15. It looks meaner to the general public so its the easier one to restrict.

Beav is spot on with this info about offset jaws.

I use offsets for the mechanical advantage. Wide jaws with the right power so the foot cant move is most important. I loose very very few coyotes.

Absolutely don’t use offsets unless it’s state law. The 450 is the trap of choice for me and I’ve done extensive testing with the regular jaw versus the offset.