Im looking for getting some more mole traps. Since the new OOS traps are junk what do you guys recommend? Im between Fenn and Talpex right now but am open to other scissor trap brands. I have held the new OOS and they aren't even comparable to the old ones. I have a couple gopher hawks, but I am not totally sold on those yet. Also thinking about the step on scissor traps.

I like Steve's traps and No-mole. Just have never got much with OOS. JMO

For price, efficiency, size and, weight I switched to Trapline mole traps many years ago. Once you get on to good trap setting mechanics they are hard to beat. I can carry several dozen in a 2 gallon bucket with my other tools and flags. 2 doz. Trapline traps weigh about as much as one OOS trap.

They are killer traps with a good track record. Double catches are frequent using them as well..

All mole traps work once you get on to setting each one effectively. I haven't used an OOS or Spear type traps since I developed my trap setting system for trapline traps.

No mole traps are too long and big for my likes but they also work fine with some practice with them. It comes to preference and how effectively you learn to set each type of trap.

Just a question... how much would you be willing to pay for a high quality trap similar to the OOS that would be made in America? I think there would be a big market for a quality scissor trap that’s made in America. But to answer your question, I would go with Steve’s traps. I think they are just as good as OOS but they both have their pros and cons. Not one trap is necessarily the best for everyone.

Another vote for Steve's or No mol. No mol if you have sandy soil.

OK I’m not a pro but my neighbors worship the ground I stand on.The Nash mole trap will turn an idiot into a pro.Slit the ground with a knife for the two loops.

Size, weight, cost and effectiveness. Those are all good points to consider when gearing up for commercial mole control traps.

Learning the most effective setting techniques for your device is obvious in that mix of importance.

A good (mole) trapper can kill moles with just about any GOOD trap.
I have learned that long ago.
That said, some traps perform better due to soil conditions and depth of runs.

"A good (mole) trapper can kill moles with just about any GOOD trap.
I have learned that long ago" there is truth in what you say Brocephus....I use 3 styles of traps out here in wash state, out of sights,steves traps (2 sizes), and gopher hawks,....each and every one make me money., ive learned to use each one for maximum efficiency, time is money, and miles cost gas, those that know, know what I'm talking about, I do have the advantage of being into landscaping, on a smaller scale than I use to be, it opens up a lot of avenues, and remember, I'm in a state where its technically illegal, so I have to walk a thin line at times

You really have to plan your route, in the beginning 7 years ago, I would go anywhere to trap moles to get the experience, now I tell customers 2 counties over, they have to wait until I have 5 other calls in that region, you have to explain the costs, when you do travel out of area, bring a lot of traps, and set heavier than you would close to home, you have no choice, if you charge by the mole like I do

Just my 2 cents...

The plunger spike style traps are best for me. The new Victor ones on the market now though are almost junk...so weak compared to the old ones.

I haven't bought any OOS in a while, but it sounds like you guys are saying the new OOS aren't like they used to be.

Victor must have went to heck as far as quality goes...

Your conditions dictate your choice of trap, and they multiply with commercial trapping. Consider:

Rocky or rooty ground
Sandy soil
Shallow or deeps runs
Pets
Children
Proximity to traffic (pedestrian or mowing)
Potential for thieft
Setup time available
Trap cost
Portability

I use only 3 styles, with Steve's being the most applicable, and the P1 the most fun.

As for those with the weak-springed spear traps, just add a short compression spring from Ace Hardware. Keep the spears shiny and the stakes rusty.

They do work ok, but I find they get bent easy.
They work better once I figured out 1 of those flat bar tree planting tools makes a nice slot. I feel like a bucket almost needs to be placed over them, especially if rain is forecasted.

Having used most of the available mole traps in my career I have caught moles with them all. Once you get on to the best and most effective setting techniques for you then you will come to the same conclusion as to which you prefer.

After saying that it comes down to size, weight,versatility and ease of setting . Practice with a couple different types and go with what you feel best suits your method.

The Trapline traps as most of you know is all we use and have for many years now. I will use a spear or a OS to keep in practice every now and then or when instructing a student. That way someone can learn your method of setting with the best results.

Speed, effectiveness and ease of setting will become your priority as well as you become a busy professional. Part time or hobby trapping gives you more time to tinker in most cases so time is not as a critical factor. When you are setting 25 - 40 traps or more per job it is essential you learn to read the sign well and set as fast as good technique will allow you to do so..

Trapline traps allow for double catches for each set up since 2 traps are placed at each location. Double catches help clean out a bit faster when you are dealing with the high population jobs as we have in many cases in our service territory.

With Albano's trap---how do you know if you have a mole in the trap, unless you dig up the trap?

With Albano's trap---how do you know if the trap is set-off, unless you dig up the trap?

Other than Albano himself, I think Bob Jameson is probably the Trapline Mole Trap guru. I have success with them but only when the soil conditions on the bottom of the tunnel are right. If it's sandy, there will be a dig under so I like a good hard sod bottom when using them. OOS is still ny go-to right now.