If you didn’t have budget, what would you buy?

If you had a budget, what would you buy?

Only talking a dozen or two to be used on drowning rods mostly but possible drowning cable or long cable.

Not doing ADC work, just trying to learn and have fun.

NO BS 8.5

TS 8.5

If you don't know, buy one of each of the beaver specific footholds, and pick the one you like the most and works in your area.

MB 750
TS 85
CDR
No BS Beaver Extreme
Bridger #5 LS

Use the biggest jaw spread your state allows.

Cheap or expensive

I agree and would add the Bridger #5 dogless. I bought a half dozen to try out this season. Liking them pretty good. My usual favorite is CDR’s.

Mike, with shipping the way it is and volume discounts I don’t want to buy singles. I struggle with the MB650 trigger system, don’t know why but probably lack of familiarity. Don’t want that while I’m chest deep.

Big fan of the No BS, but jaw spread is 7.5” when the TS 85 and Duke 850 is 8.5”.

Not a long spring guy, yet but maybe a convert.

CDR, not familiar but will research.

Cfowler, are the #5 you are referring to long spring or coils?

LS stands for long spring, Bridger also makes a #5 coilspring, both dog on and dogless. Personally I like #4 longsprings, but if you wanted the bigger jawspread you can go with the Bridger #5, I bought one at a convention last summer but haven't used it. Was actually looking at it possibly for wolves, but it would take some modifying, but is pretty much beaver ready. I to don't care for the MB 650/750 trigger system, and really wouldn't care for it standing in deep water. Big advantage of longsprings like the Bridger 5 is you can set them over your leg while standing out there in the water without any setters to drop.

Coil spring.

My go too's have always been MB750's and CDR's.. Both are very strong, stronger than mos(or any, especially the CDR))t and lock up like their welded.....The newer MB 750's have 4 -#2 music wire springs now and are a lot stronger than they use to be....
That said after years of using the 7 1/2" beaver traps of all brands Ive come to the conclusion they all catch just as well if I do my part and put the trap where it belongs... The bridger #5 is the cheapest and Ive caught beaver just as well in it as I have in CDR's... Don't fall into the brand hype too much.. Yes some are made better for sure but it still comes down to you doing your part...
Though to answer the question, no budget then CDR's and MB 750's or a Bridger #5 with a PIT pan for about the same price.... On a budget #4 Dukes and then the cheapest of the big traps the Bridger #5, which is a dandy trap...

Bridger #3 worked for us this year so far, largest jaw spread trap we have right now. We need a few bigger ones.

I like breecher #3 too. although sometimes the traps are empty.

Doesn't get better than CDRs and Bridger #5 LS, IMO. I have a few Bridger #5 coils too.

Any of you long-spring guys using the old B&L 44’s? If you can find them, those are some stout traps.

I really prefer the Bridger #5 coil-spring in dogless. Tried both models. They’re the only dog-less traps I own. I was looking for a trap, that I liked, and that I could afford, if it walked off.

Money no object, no preference for dog or dogless, CDR.

I like the no loose jaw on the MB750, but most of mine are caught in 330s

Never understood the fascination of the no loose jaw thing.

CDR

Duke #4 with PIT pan.

MB750's. I've tried most beaver traps. Nothing beats 750's for me

If legal sounds like you want the ts85. I'm a mb750 guy but they have a down fall or 2. BUT you are on the right track buying beaver SPECIFIC traps. And they're all really close in price.