Who's used 'em and who likes 'em? Watched Mr. Zagger's video on it and looked like a very productive set.
Also, what are some sets that are good in freezing conditions that do not require waxed dirt/sand?

Thanks guys!

I've tried it and had limited success. I am sure others have done better.

The dirt hole is what I would work on trying to master.

The pipe dream set is ALWAYS one of my sets at a location. The pipe in the name is good, but it’s the bedding aspect that makes this set great.
I find a great location and make a dirt hole and a pipe dream set. That night it rains 2-5” (what I deal with). The next day the dirt hole set is filled with water and very unlikely to make a catch. The pipe dream set is still functional and ready to catch. I can either move the dirt hole set or wait until drys out and hope it will still fire.
When it’s wet, the pipe dream sets shine. When we have drier weather the pipes are equal with the dirt holes. Learn to bed the Zagger way and all sets shine when wet, although your dirt hole still fills up with water.

Do you have a link for the video? I'd like to see it.

Last time I tried the pipe set in frozen weather I broke the pvc pipe. That's 1 downfall for northerners.

I use my 1" auger bit to make my pipe hole in freezen ground. Same one I use for my earth anchors
And to the OPs question. I use salt as my antifreeze and it works just fine.

I watch that video a few times a season. It’s got to be one of the best free trapping videos out there

well said leftlane

I believe the idea behind the pipe dream set is how the trap is bedded. I moved from New Mexico to Missouri, this last year was my first year trapping in Missouri. Towards the middle of January my traps were freezing up. I tried salt and glycerin both would work but the traps were crazy slow closing. So I tried the "Zagger" set. I had great success with the traps firing. I left all my dirt hole, flat sets and walk threw sets as they were, the only thing I changed was how the trap was bedded. I don't believe that Zagger is necessarily trying to sell the pipe as much as how he beds the his traps. I think Zagger shows the pipe because that's what works for him.

This year I'm going to start making all my sets "Zagger".

Thanks for the info Koss! I think I may try to make some sets the "Zagger" way this year too!

I don't use the pipe dream set being mostly a classic dirt hole flat change up type of trapper. But my take away after studying the video is this. The pipe is just a simplified version of the t-bone modified to be a simplified repeatable system of making sets. Dozens of pipes can be carried and sets punched in quickly if you are long lining or looking to simplify your set making making into a quick repeatable system.
As for the bedding of the trap there's nothing there that can't be applied to any other type of dirthole or flat set. Nothing specifically links it to the pipe making it unique to one type of set. It's a good solid bedding method, especially when dealing with bad weather.

I tend to think we as trappers, and basic human beings, get caught up in formulaic methods and rote rituals without understanding the particular principles involved.

The pipe dream is a set that I'm quite sure will catch alot of fur. Do I see anything that tells me it is better than other sets? Not really in attraction to the animal but possible in time/labor of construction or weather resistance.

My advice, study it, try it, pick it apart and use what works for you adapt how you do things. Always be learning.

Oh, and leftlane is dead on correct. Location, location and location! If you put it where the critter is half the battle is won.

Your right warrior! When I lived in New Mexico I had no need for bedding my trap the way Zagger shows. In fact it slows you down a little when you start using them, making a hole to a certain size takes a little longer until you do it several times. The ground in New Mexico was so dry that when it does freeze your traps will still fire. Here in Missouri the ground is at least damp and then when it does rain it's a mess. Come end of December and January it freezes at night and that's when the problems begin. I used Zagger's set out of necessity. My traps were freezing up and there was only two weeks left in the season. I had no wax to make some dirt was and I was tired of seeing tracks on my pan every morning.

Location has nothing to do with how you bed your trap, I would hope that everyone is setting on location. I apologize if it sounds as though I'm being horse's butt it's not my intent.

Being in Georgia frozen ground is at worst a few days out of the year. Even then it's just the top half inch or so that freezes into a hard crust not frozen solid concrete hard can't drive a stake the northern states get. Most years it's not a problem at all. Mud is our issue. And that is why I've studied sets like the pipe dream set looking for tricks to help make my sets more waterproof if not freezeproof.

I could see it saving on wax dirt!

Otto Puskas from Quebec was bedding foothold traps like that 30 years ago.He published his method in the international trapper mag.

The bowl underneath and hammer technique isn't far off what Hal Sullivan promotes as the pound down method. Wire screens have been around forever, especially among the devotees of the montgomery dogless style of traps. And just how much different is the pvc pipe from an M44?

This is why a watch and study what others do. Most of what we do is all just a variation on a theme but it's those little small things borrowed or adapted that makes the work go easier.

My understanding from what Zagger has pointed out on several occasions is the set is for overcoming that adversities of large amounts of rain. I believe he said in dryer environments, like when he comes to KS, he uses dirtholes. Also believe to only purpose for the pipe is to keep the bait protected from too much rain. Believe he likes to keep the pipe mostly concealed in clump of grass or something similar. Doesn't use the as eye appeal. Every set has its strengths and weaknesses.