Steeltraps said:

Really? That really suprises me. I used afew Duke #2 , about 25 years ago . They caught coyotes, BUT I was ALWAYS working on them. Seamed liked I was always having to bend them back into shape. I Base plated them and night latched them. Wasnt pleased with them, so moved on to Bridgers. BUT for last 10 years I have run MB-550s. Caught 307 coyotes last year in MB-550s . I quess you either like a trap or you dont.

You can't be comparing a # 2 Duke from 25 years ago to the new #2 Duke square jaw.

Beav , you may have a point. Im sure the square jaws MAYBE better. I have no not sean the square jaws. BUT , one of my students son has a couple of dz of the Round #2s . Look identical to the ones of the 90's . Last trip down to South Alabama, I help this young man = Base Plate and Night Latch about 4 dz Duke #2s round jaw and Duke #3s. If you dont have the money or dont run large lines Duke will get the job done. BUT unlevel pans, high pans, needs Night Latching, and sharp jaws were problems I saw in those 4 dz traps, BUT the #2 Dukes are around 100 dollars a dozen. Some people just want a trap thats = as close to ready out of the box as can be. Some people enjoy trap modifing. I dont.

I know of a long liner that used Duke traps In winning the Coyote trapping contest on the res In NM. And It was just more then one year.
I think he took over 400 coyotes out of Kansas and ND last season.

Sounds like same guy that caught 400 beaver in 3 weeks in Ms. one time. Found out later he only caught 88. Think he caught 3 coyotes in
that competition he's so proud of, partner caught the rest to win it.

So basically ANY claim's of his on anything don't have much credibility!

But im sure out there somewhere is someone so cheap they buy the cheapest traps around to long line with, got to be half crazy to do that
anyway. Most will buy equipment built to take the beating they're going to be giving in day in day out year round. That's only common sense.

Which isn't very common anymore sadly.

I got one thing to say on this thread I started and it ain’t about 550s because I don’t like or use them.

Just because you are too inept to adjust (or simply choose not to adjust) a lower priced trap does not mean others cannot. By saying so you are just showing ignorance.

There is a difference between design flaws and manufacturing imperfections. A skilled tuner easily remedies manufacturing nuances.

I’ll continue buying stuff from MTP. I’ll continue buying Dukes. I’ll continue to support dealers who support my state and state association.

Now carry on you whiny little........

Well said... lol

well,ok then.

Okay, I think this horse has been beaten to death. Time to close it up and move on. I'll leave it on here for anyone who wants to read it.