X2!

I don't find that to be the case...with a few exceptions. The exceptions account for less than 1% of my catches so I just chalk it up to a trap that was more of a struggle to get a critter out. Still always manage it.

I love the RTS setters I have. Now still trying to come up with a good reset method for the #4 jump traps while standing in waist deep cold water. New sets I start with a jump trap preset at home and wired open.

The setters no matter the brand won’t help in all situations. An older guy that I new growing up told me he was setting two 220’s in a woven wire fence. He set both traps ,laid one down and put the other in the coon trail going through the fence. Almost finished he reached back to get rid of one piece of grass that had fallen in the middle of the hole and wham ! The first 220 made a perfect catch on his right paw and wrist. He fell back trying to pull away and put his left elbow in the 220 that was laying on the ground. The second trap caught him in such a way that his elbow was trapped in a tight bend . He said he had to walk home as he could not get his keys out of his pants pocket.

Dave at One Hand Setters makes a setter for them that works slick.

As for conibear setters, RTS are great, I use SC setters as well. Just because to can set them without setters doesn't mean you need to.

It seems that the funny stories are about other folks getting caught in large traps.
I have a friend who caught both thumbs in a 330.
He drove for help in a stick shift Jeep.

I wore a 220 magnum BMI on my left hand's fingers for about 6 river miles in my boat. Warn't much fun! Much prefer the feel of the 330!

As a young man, I wanted a #120. I took a spring from one #110 and added it to another. Attempting to set it I caught both my thumbs, luckily I was home!

BP - it hurts even thinking of a 220 magnum BMI on the fingers! I fear the 220 most. Even those little magnum 120s bite and won’t let go. Where my fingers and knuckles connect on my left hand still occasionally ache from a particularly vicious 330.

Hand setting (without setters) is great until you run a long line and your hands hurt. The two guys who do “In The Woodshed” videos (northern Wisconsin) talk about that in their videos.

After 30+ years of using the steel scissor type setters I got the Sleepy Creek aluminums. A couple years after that my partner made some locking types. Good stuff!!

I have been using the aluminum setters for setting 160's Groundhog work and 330's for many years. I bought a couple of those chain linkage setters to carry in my pocket when I walk in to beaver and otter locations. They work well once you use to them a little, pretty slick idea.

No bulk or much weight to deal with. I painted mine hot orange and pink since they can disappear easily if you drop them along the way some how.

A friend was practicing in his house practicing speed setting a 330 for an up coming Mountain man race being held at our state convention a few years back. I believe it was a Belisle as I recall. As can happen when hurrying doing anything, he got both hands caught in such a manner he could not get loose or use a phone so he says. Somehow he got in his truck to drive to a neighbor to get assistance.

Setters aren't much good if you can't use them.

At the risk of being accused of excessive braggadocio... I do run arguably long lines (25-35 traps) with mostly 330 Belisles and have done so for many many years without feeling my hands hurt (or arms). I truly believe that with proper technique most of us can do that too. I don't carry setters and never have. They would just be more clutter in an already full boat.

OK, I'll shut up now.

I retired my braggadocio a while back and wish I would have done it 45 years ago.Even some animals are smart enough to use tools.

2X

Somebody could of taken me to the cleaners on this one.I would have bet the farm that braggadocio wasn’t a real word.

You're saying I missed my opportunity?! Dang!

Those RTS setters look pretty nice, might have to try them.

If you buy the bridger self locking setters take the cushion hand grips off and glue them back on.I used flex glue-kind of like a good caulk.They are pretty clumsy and dangerous with the handle sliding all around.

I have some long aluminum scissor style ones a guy had made years ago. I think it's made of 1.5" x .5" aluminum stock. Aluminum setters are superior to the steel setters because they're lightweight.
When doing a lot of sets they're nice. Sometimes when just checking a few sets or having to walk in to a pond they are a hindrance to carry.