Extra 50$ I’d spend on 2 more extremes.

Seems pretty unanimous then. I'll have to look into getting some xtremes

I use the Extremes for wolverine. They are ready to go, other than adjusting pan tension. The coating is nearly wolverine-proof.
For my needs, they are the best.

What do you think they use to coat the xtremes at the factory?

Pretty sure it’s a water base paint that’s baked on.

I like my Extremes and Jrs, but I still struggle with the pan tension. I have no problem with heavy pan tension, but some honestly feel like they’re 10+ lbs after a catch. I’ve carried bowstring wax, but just don’t like that extra step each set, even though it just takes a seconds. I’m going to try filing the coating off of the jaw tab next, to see if that helps. They are very well built traps.

Does anyone else have that problem? And if you find a solution please post it on here, I wonder why they do that

I run a higher pan tension on mine but if you file the jaw tab at a slight angle this reduces the pan tension. I scrap the wax off my pan and jaw tab never understood why anyone would want wax there. Also pretty sure the newer ones come with the springs switched around witch reduced the pan tension issue.

Are yours 4 coiled. I have a dozen 4 coiled and the pan bottom out on three. Bent the levers. I could put 4 fingers in the gap of the jaws. Duke traps had the same problem at one time, took a lot of work filing the pans. I like the way the Alphas look but I won't trust them again till the pan or levers are changed.
I am using Extremes, Jr's 2#, Number 3's #, and their beaver trap. I have never had an issue with any of them.

Bought five dozen of the No BS Jr that were put to work, four-coiled, OS/OL. I'll be buying more. Caught between 40-50 coyotes and exactly zero needed adjustments or the work bench. If they closed, we could expect the critter to be there. Zero skunks, one possum, one red fox, a few coon, and I didn't do any pan tension adjustments. Wax was enough to lighten it up and they were good to go. I've never bought any traps that didn't need some kind of tinkering or tuning, except these. I did alter the chain set-ups however. Only one coyote that I can remember was toe caught, the rest were rock solid catches. Season closes in a couple days and then they will all get a power-washing and individual inspection before being hung up. That will tell the rest of the story. Certainly would be interested in trying some alphas and hearing from trappers that have.

When I bought my extremes, I was looking for the perfect wolverine trap. I contacted Kendall, and told him what I wanted.
He built myself and my partner 2 dozen, with closed jaws, and outside round lamination. They have accounted for probably 10 wolverine, 3-4 wolves, and 3 fisher. In our area, that is pretty good.
The smaller marten and mink don't fire the trap, and that is important.
I did end up cutting the pans down about 1/2".
I love the trap.

AV,
Why did you end up cutting the pans down? Was there an issue or do you just like a smaller pan?

I'm also curious why you cut the pan down? Did you cut a 1/2" across from the lower jaw to make sure the wolverine had more of its foot in the trap or was there a different issue?

Still hoping to hear from someone that uses the alphas too

I've owned and used all three pretty extensively. I may be a bit bias, but the Alpha fits my style of trapping perfectly. The 1/2 cast jaw face is part of the reason. You will never hear or see me talk bad about any other manufactures trap, the Alpha is worth a try. Ive trapped over 50 coyotes and numerous red fox so far without one single issue. Even in deep snow and freeze thaw conditions the Alpha performed flawlessly. I see your from Michigan also, my advice is to run them 4 coiled to fight our conditions. Although I don't have bobcats down this way, others have trapped a few in them. They all love it for bobcats also. There are a few trappers using them for live market 2 coiled that have had great success also.
Is it worth the extra cost? That is your decision to make..

Glad to finally hear something about the alphas, and a bonus because you're from Michigan too

I have both. They both have performed well in snow conditions. I am leaning to stick with the alpha as I had better luck bedding them. The next guy may prefer to go the other way. Get a couple and try them.

Yes, I cut 1/2" off the end of the pan, and cut 45 degree corners. The pans on the extremes are large, and with wolverine, I try for a full foot. Have collected toes before, using big-panned traps, even with tight guiding.
Another reason is avoiding catching marten in wolverine sets. The smaller pan, (slightly less leverage), and appropriate tension helps.

I treat my extremes just like any trap after fathers first couple years. Boil in lye, rinse, boil in dye and wax. The first 2 tears I just boiled them in water and set. They still have a lot of the coating but it’ll wear off on the edges when you make a catch.