R...interesting you saw his post that way. I thought it full of good points. I have recently been changing over totally to 650's because I'm only interested in ONE species, in my case cats. If I were interested in gross numbers and varied catch I would absolutely gear differently and have more than three times the chances by buying more economically. I think Tony was helping.
Good luck with whichever direction you choose.

Tony - I see now that I was being overly sensitive and that your post did indeed have good points and was constructive.

I apologize.

- Ralph

I think Tony's post was offensive too! I don't hate the Duke 1.5's! They are a great trap!

I’ve had good luck ( unfortunately ) holding coon, opossum and skunks in my 650’s . I use a 4# pan and rarely set near habitat suitable for anything but coyote. I did not catch a single skunk this year but did catch a 22 pound coon and a trophy opossum. I don’t believe the offset on the 650 is the issue.

Good luck !

I agree completely with DitchDriver, I own probably a half dozen duke 1.5's and I wouldn't use anything else to catch coons or rats.

although im not a big fan of dukes there are a lot of guys that make some pretty amazing catchs using only dukes! But that's why their are so many traps to choose from. Different strokes for different folks. A guy is handi capping himself if he believes there is only one brand out there! I try to utilize every kind there is. From the most exspensive to the cheapest. I tend to use the brand that can pay for itself the best. And the ones that wont bring a tear to your eye when a low life decides to borrow it and not return

I agree with you, Tony! I'm not a big Duke fan either but I like their 1.5's. For the price, they are a great little trap. I keep saying that I want to streamline my equipment, but can't bring myself to get rid of any traps to do it. I use coils and long springs for both land and water. I will say though, that I plan to switch all my 1.5 coils to the NO-BS 1.5's.

What do you all have against dukes? my best friends grandpa trapped like crazy and caught coyote after coyote in duke 1.5's. dukes are great traps very affordable and probably the only brand I'll ever use. yeah they need more modifying than others ,but that's part of trapping.

It's not that I have anything against them, I just feel like there are better traps out there. I don't have the want or the time to completely overhaul each trap, so I buy traps that don't need as much "work". Dukes work. It has been proven many times. But to me, they need a lot done to them for me to be confident in them.

I hope you don't plan on long lining! Those no-bs 1.5 are murder on your hands. But I'd have to say they will hold! Long lining coons its hard to beat a double jaw duke 1.5 Or those old #11s. Me personally I look for two things in a trap ease in setting and bedding. The faster I can set and bed the more productive. I love those #5 bridgers for beavers but man! I almost get a double hernia setting them! Now i'm favoring the old jumps ! I can set them in knee deep water and don't look like im giving birth!

I do long line for coyote and coon duke #1's and 1.5's are my go to traps for coon
as for coyote I use #3 dukes all the way

the reason I like duke so much is they are affordable I don't want to waste all the money I get from fur buying twenty dollar Minnesota brand traps I have nothing against them I just have more important things to buy with my money. plus I like to take time out of my schedule to modify my traps I mean the pioneers didn't have fully modified traps now did they?

trapper mo I agree to some extent! The faster a trap pays for its self the more profit there is in the end. I don't use dukes for yote trapping though. My first season I used dukes the repairs got out of hand. I upgraded a few steps and haven't looked back! But then again its just one of my preferences I like dogless traps

Whenever I set where I think I may have a theft or other people issue, I reach for my dukes. They work, but I don't cry nearly as much when I have one stolen or damaged, as I would say with one of my better, more pricey traps. I do own dukes in several sizes and models, but they have a purpose on my line. I do love the Duke 160 for coon!
Jim

I see what you mean, sorry if I was rude tonyf.

lol I didn't feel like you was rude at all you simply stated your preference. I can either agree or disagree

Lot of truth in that Calvin.

That's why some of the big numbers guys on here swear by 550's, others 650's, some love the #2 Bridgers, others KO's, etc...

Ya al im not particular I own and use several different brands and kinds they all have there place. I enjoy setting those old longs for the nostalgic feeling! Knowning good and well 95% of all the new coils are a whole lot faster!I guess I just enjoy the challenge I find it cool to see a critter caught in a trap twice as old as me

Nice catch Tony

Ralph, seems like you have been blessed with a lot of opinions. This past week, while trying to clean up the remaining coyotes on 1 of the places I'm paid to trap, I caught and held 1 skunk, 1 possum, and 2 boar coons. All things (including cost) considered, I like the 550C OS and the #2 Bridger OS lam jaws, BOTH 2 coils best. These are the traps that I caught the above animals in, plus 3 coyotes. Had to re-bed 1 trap to catch 1 of the coons due to poor bedding in dry sugar sand, but had it next check. Had 1 trap snapped by a deer, probably due the shot of urine I used. You have very good but expensive equipment. Don't get discouraged, there is a learning curve in trapping, same as becoming proficient at any other skill. To help you get started, I would like to invite you to the Texas Trappers & Fur Hunters Assoc. Spring meeting at the Stevenson Center in Junction on Friday afternoon and Saturday, April 20 & 21. Go to our web site to see an schedule of events/demo's. You will also find there some good trappers from you part of the state who will be willing to share info with you. If you would like more info, send me a personal message with your phone # and I will call you. Sorry for the late hour, I do T-man when old men like men should already be asleep because that fits my schedule.

What was said here is absolutely correct I have a lot of different brands they all work. Mb 650s are quality traps. I don't use them because I don't like the trigger system but that's not because it doesn't work just personal preference ,I don't like dogless traps either. If you can I would take this person up on their offer. You can gain lots of knowledge watching these demos,plus you can ask questions on the spot too. Good luck.