I was considering buying the duke traps, are they really that different than the MB? The few people that I have spoken to in person seem to be happy with them. I own MB 550's and have no complaints other than one lever failed, it split at the seam.

Pictures??

We run both this year and both held coyotes and cats the same,either one will do,,the mb is better steel and worth the investment, but the dukes got a better price for a budget and a good trap,,,buy you a couple of each and try them is the only way you will be able to figure it out,imo

I am curious also as what "broke".

You miss the point. Stealing the design is what is unacceptable. The fact that you manufacture in China is only pertinent as it protects from a legal action against them. American engineering and patent should be defended. About ten years ago Cabela's stole the designs from Spring Creek Outfitters of the latters products Cabelas sold. They had them manufactured in China and sold at half the costs. They said "Suit us and we will break you with legal costs before you even see court." Eventually the owner, whom I know, had to sell the company. I simply cannot tolerate that. Spent $1000+ at Cabelas every year, not a single dollar since.

I hear a lot of people say that Minnesota Brand used the design off of Sterling's trap to make the MB 650, are all those ppl lying? If that is true then isn't the complaint that Duke copied MB's design being hypocritical?

Exactly desertambition !!!!

If your trap Isn't patented then no one Is stealing the design.

When I looked up the patent on the MB 550, it was for the pan and trigger system. If I read it right it was also expired. I’m no lawyer so I could have read it wrong.

Duke 550 worked great for me

Thanks for your input sir

I bought a dozen duke 550s at the Hoosier trapper day and all I did was boil and wax and attach cable stakes. I caught most of my 15 coyotes in them. Most of the coyotes still had their foot on the square pans when I got to them. I use mb 450s and 550s too. I used the dukes where thieves were more likely and I did have one stolen. Beats losing an mb though. I wish Duke made a closed jaw and a 450 sized trap.

As we see, when trapping products come up for comparison on Tman, there are typically comments for product A and product B, and some consider price as a component of their consideration. I don't consider price as much as I consider how long will something last? You can buy cheap twice and it's now more expensive than the real deal. I, like many, learned that years ago when foreign goods began showing up on American shelves. How many of us "wish" we could buy something "good" again (like the old days) in a particular category - as we use it and use it and use it some more?

Sadly, some categories now are only filled with cheap junk as consumers flocked to buy cheap stuff and good stuff manufacturers folded because of it.

MTP and Duke have both been solid supporters of our vocation for decades. There's no question about that.

My MB550s, purchased more than 11 years ago are going super strong. Same as the day I bought 'em. You can't find that in another trap on the market unless you invest in Jakes, etc. I appreciate the MTP crew (Rob Caven) providing the industry a trap in 2008 that we asked for and we didn't have to mess with (ready out of the box for coyotes) and now it's become the top trap in category - so we can anticipate cheaper knock offs will come out. China is that competitor, and Duke was the inspiration I guess? I really don't care about all that.

None of us have money to burn, but I'm sticking with MB550s. The real deal. They last and last. Not sure how long? Springs and all are 100% after 11 years! Money well spent!
A few bucks saved in the short term will cost me in the long run and I ain't getting dealt into that hand.

Well said Mark.

I might add 080808,

When something is built and runs like a Deere, I go all in!

Mark. I have respected all your comments but now I have a serious problem. I’m a Ford guy. lol

Disagree 110%

Understood 080808! I used to own Chevy's, having grown up near Flint, MI, birthplace of GM. I walked away from Chevy about 15 years ago after truck after truck after truck was sub-par. I looked at Ford when I bought my most recent Tundra, but didn't pull the trigger. Bossman talked to me years ago about trapping out of a Toyota that had loads of miles on it and not much shop work = MUCH cash saved. Again, when I use something, I need it to work.

My last Chevy (Colorado) blew a head at 38,000 miles and stranded me 16 miles from anywhere. $830 tow bill.

I may buy a Ford at some point but I like spending nada but maintenance for vehicles that we use a bunch.

Mark. Understood but due to my farm background I assumed we were talking about tractors . Bad when ya assume.
ps I drive a Nissan P/U. Very happy.

Objection! I'm a Dodge guy!