so I have purchased a self locking conibear setter and I dont think or I HOPE there are some that are better quality than others - can you help me out with which one to try next . I have a setter that doesn't lock that is a much better-quality tool, if need be Ill make it into a locking setter -but Id rather buy one if you can point me in the right direction. TIA

Bridger locking setter-Cabelas sells them.

PM Country Cletus (Coon Creek Trapper Supply) on this site.

Here is what he sells (makes)---> https://www.cooncreektrappers.com/product-p/ccconi.htm

I expect you are talking about the scissor type locking setters but have you considered the RTS Setter?

The RTS setter is smaller than the scissor type and it locks in any position any time you turn loose of the handle. Here is a link to the manufacturers site. RTS Bodygrip Setter
You can get it direct from them or a number of trap supply dealers.

I like the belisle setters with the ring-the locking setters are only ok in my opinion and I use them( setters) alot

The coon creek setter is the Bridger setter only higher priced than my bridger was.

is there another self locking setter besides the Bridger or are they the only one ?

If I use it, I like the Savageau setters. But I find myself using my home made ones or the basic cheap bars with notches, once springs are compressed you can hold the setters closed with one hand and engage the safety…..I find it way easier. $16 for light aluminum basic setters that’ll fit 330s at conventions.

These aren't like the scissor type self- locking setters, but they stay locked in place. I don't have one but hear a lot of good things about them. Another option to think about.


https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Bodygrip-Trap-Setter/dp/B06Y191RVQ

There is a difference in the Coon Creek and Bridger self locking setters. Check the spring placement, etc.

What issue are you having with them?

the grips slide down the handles like on greased tracks and the sharp square edge waiting for your hands and wrist is real inconvenient at best- but with a lil welding and filing they can be made serviceable. and I added some paint to make them easy to see

Yeah I glued my grips on shortly after buying.Kinda dangerous with the grips sliding around.

Try hockey stick tape. I've used it on my oh no handle bar for my mud motor versus holding a bare metal bar.

X2 on the friction tape.

I just welded some 3/16 key-stock where I wanted the handles to stop , beveled and rounded the ends and added some florescent orange paint then put handles back on .

Give Coon Creek Trappers Supply a call or look them up on the web. Country Cletus one of our members is the new owner. AKA Ryan Wilson. He will fix you up in a hurry.

Coon creek setters imo are the best on the market. Unless you loose them it will be the last setters you buy. They don't compare to the bridgers. Give them a try, you will be glad you purchased them.

I am a big fan of the RTS setter. Here are the advantages that I can think of:
- super easy to use with only one hand needed - get yourself caught and you may find this to be a lifesaver (yes a rope can work also, but I like a single tool that does it all)
- always locked unless you press the unlock tab
- can be used as a safety
- on big dangerous BGs like sauvageau and MB1216’s I first compress and hook the spring safeties, then use the setter to open the trap and it is held safely open all the way until I put my bobby-pin safety on
- I often use it to hook a body grip and pull it up when retrieving an animal or fired or even a set trap - it acts as a sort of general purpose “gaff” to pull anything up out of deep water
- one of my favorite “off label” uses is for dragging big beavers. Just clamp the jaws onto a front foot and you have a nice comfortable handle to drag even the biggest beavers, and it is just the right length to keep the beaver partially lifted, which makes dragging over obstacles easier

It does have one disadvantage - cost. But I have been using mine for almost a decade now so that cost comes out to about $5 per year and going down every year I use it. As much as I like it and use it daily, the extra cost is a no-brainer. If I am running BGs I wont leave the truck without it. One of those game changing tools in my opinion. I used to carry a set of scissor type setters for a backup, now I have a second RTS setter for backup.

I have one pet peeve about the RTS setter. It's too slow for me

It is slower. Thats a fact. So i guess there are two potential disadvantages - cost and speed. But for me the benefits far outweigh those two tradeoffs. Almost nothing in this world is perfect and without tradeoffs.

I own 3 different brands now, they all need modified imho . but im old and picky about tools. younger feller would probably think there all just dandy as is