… never have used them Andrew

Shock springs hold no advantage if you use short chains. Shock springs shine with long chains (~ 30 inches and more) and larger animals where they can get more momentum when lunging at the end of the long chain. JMO which is why I use them.

I run them, I do think it helps hold large animals. Sometimes that’s a bad thing in the case of bears and cougars for me. I think the non trapping public sees it as a benefit and me trapping around a liberal area if it makes us look good than it’s worth the few extra bucks they cost. My chain setup is #3 chain rod swivel from trap to 6 links to rod swivel JC Conner spring rod swivel and six more links. I run earth anchors from there.

wws

X2

This little guy said I wasted my money. I don't know how much advantage they offer but they sure make the chain look good.

Good chain and swivels are your best friends on coyote traps.
Jim

As a relatively new trapper, I find it interesting the wide ranging comments as to pros and cons. As several have mentioned, I run short chain and rarely see skin breakage. This comes from someone with a 10 dog per year goal. My $0.02

I think it's that way on most topics on the internet.

I have them on every trap, yes I want them on my traps

From a purely physics point of view a shock spring helps dissipate...well ... Shock between multiple objects. So yeah it helps.... The question is is the amount it's doing enough to warrant you putting them on ?

I mean, if your gonna give him a .22lr in the head in a few hours or there's zero chance of non targets.....egghhh

Extended checks, live market, non targets, well every little bit helps.

The fact I end up with more dogs in my gear then anything else means long chains , shock springs and Canadian jaws..... Kinda wish traps worked the way the antis say because after seeding the same dog three days in a row on the same set ....