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Post by ambowpk on Feb 17, 2012 16:16:31 GMT -5
I am going to be new to trapping come the fall and have begun researching traps. My father-in-law has given me some Sleepy Creek 1 3/4 2 coil offset traps. My target species will be coyote and red fox. I was thinking of purchasing a few Sleepy Creek 1 3/4 4 coil offsets. I have read many favorable things about KB-5.5 and MB-550's. What would be the major differences in the 3 brands? I see cost right off the top. When would 4 coil be better then 2 coil? Thank you for any information. I would think from the youtube videos and other information I have read, especially for coyote I should add shock springs to all my traps. Whatever direction I go. I do see KB's an internal shock system, then would shock springs be needed?
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 17, 2012 16:38:09 GMT -5
I have shock springs on all coyote traps. I just got some KBs. I like what I see. No shock spring needed. I dont 4 coil my 1.75 SCs. I do laminate themand baseplate. The MBs I do 4 coil. All of the traps you named are very good traps. So are the Bridgers and Victors as well. You will get lots of good advice here. Oh by the way,, I am a trap junkie as some will probably tell ya Also I do add new chains to almost all stock traps.... Not needed on the KBs and MBs though IMO
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Post by ambowpk on Feb 17, 2012 18:14:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. If one does the work of adding a shock spring, base plating, new chain, etc. Might as well spend the extra money for either the MB or seemingly more complete KB. Again, thank you can't wait for fall to come so I can start. Kind of funny how I got the itch. The other week I come up from the basement and my boys 5 & 7 have Pursuit TV on. They are watching F&T's trapping show. My oldest said why don't you ever trap, you have traps hanging by the wood stove that grampie gave you. The fire was ignited. Began watching youtube videos and become hooked. Looking forward to getting the boys out with me in the fall.
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 17, 2012 18:30:41 GMT -5
". If one does the work of adding a shock spring, base plating, new chain, etc. Might as well spend the extra money for either the MB or seemingly more complete KB." Spoils the fun... I am a trap mod junkie too
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Post by mexicantrapper on Feb 17, 2012 19:02:02 GMT -5
Welcome to the site and the sickness we call trapping. Once you catch the bug it's all over. I like the sleepy creek 1 3/4 for fox but I miss a lot of yotes with em. With that said, Other guys have great luck with them. I prefer a 2 for coyotes, 4 coiled, baseplated and laminated. In my opinion if you laminate you should 4 coil. The added weight and resistance coming through the bedding will slow the trap considerably without the extra coils. All good advise from the other guys too. A big part of this game is finding what works for you. Good luck!!!!
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Post by centro44 on Feb 17, 2012 20:19:29 GMT -5
Mexicantrapper---very well put----everyone does have to find what works for themselves and what they like------I think starting advice is good but getting out there and trying different things is the only way to find out.........eric
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Post by Itrapny on Feb 17, 2012 21:21:24 GMT -5
I prefer the KB's and they are my coyote trap of choice because they hold whatever puts a paw in one and are ready to go with no modifications from the box...No need to 4 coil the MB's and other than the addition of a shock spring and swivels, they are ready to go from the box as well and have a very nice smooth jaw face. Don't like the Sleepy Creek's for coyotes and wouldn't use them as a serious coyote trap if forced to without some major mods...bottom line - you get what you pay for
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Post by milkie62 on Feb 18, 2012 5:59:34 GMT -5
The sleepy creeks are very nice traps.But if you pay for the 4 coiled version,they are getting up there in price and basically equal the price of an MB 550.And they still are not as beefy as an MB.I 4 coiled a few of my MB 550's but ended up going back to 2 coiled version because they were way too tough to set and any releases were going to be tough alone.It seems like MTP has it down with their line of traps since I have yet to have an empty MB when it is sprung.
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Post by cooncreek on Feb 18, 2012 8:18:15 GMT -5
I have Montana #3 they are 2coiled and i have the KBs both good traps i put shock spring on the montanas if you would like to see how i have them set up im not far from you you can pm me
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Post by trappermac on Feb 18, 2012 8:31:37 GMT -5
Sounds like you've done your research. And it sounds like you're not going to skimp just to get into the activity cheaply as possible. Buy the MB550 2 coiled, put a spring and extra swivels on there and you're set. Use the money difference between them and the KB's to get good fur handling equipment. Once you get your feet wet and you want the KB's then go for it. But starting out I'd go with MB550s. You'll never regret it.
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Post by ambowpk on Feb 18, 2012 20:48:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice everyone. A few have posted that I should go with the 2 coil MB 550 vs. the 4 coil MB 550. I guess, what is the real difference between a 2 coil and 4 coil? When would I want one over the other or is it just a technicality? I'm guessing a 4 coil would be quicker with more catching power? Just signed up my soon to be 8yr. old son and me for a trapper ed. course. Again, thank you to all for the info.
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Post by nightstalker1 on Feb 18, 2012 21:40:16 GMT -5
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Post by ztbowtech on Feb 18, 2012 22:15:36 GMT -5
the 2 coil 550 will have a lighter pan tension. the 4 coils pan tension might make you miss a few fox but the two extra coils help it come up through frozen ground/ ice/ snow/ clay. the 2 coil will hold any yote of cat that gets into them.
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 18, 2012 23:45:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice everyone. A few have posted that I should go with the 2 coil MB 550 vs. the 4 coil MB 550. I guess, what is the real difference between a 2 coil and 4 coil? When would I want one over the other or is it just a technicality? I'm guessing a 4 coil would be quicker with more catching power? Just signed up my soon to be 8yr. old son and me for a trapper ed. course. Again, thank you to all for the info. That is one of those things that is up to each of us. I love to mod and tinker with my traps. My buddy HATES my trigger mods on my big conis.. I like them. I know how to set them. They stay set until a critter hits the trigger. Same thing if you what to 4 coil. Say if you add inside and outside lams to a Bridger #3. Better 4 coil it.. More weight to move. Any of my offset, laminated traps are 4 coiled. Like was said here... MBs and KBs are almost trapper proof LOL!! Good luck and have fun!!
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Post by ambowpk on Feb 19, 2012 0:00:58 GMT -5
ZTBOWTECH, you bring up a good point with snow and ice. I am familiar with your area (spend a lot of time at Paradise Bay Campground), you get a lot of snow in your area. We get a lot of snow in Colden. Any problem with the 2 coil MB's that you have experienced with snow? I know I will be learning to deal with the snow next season. I'm sure that's a whole topic in itself. LOL!
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Post by Itrapny on Feb 19, 2012 15:38:07 GMT -5
When the manufacturer (MTP) doesn't recommend that you 4 coil the 550's, even in the snow, why would you? To each his own, but I have beeter things to do with my money than add extra springs that aren't needed....like buy more traps
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2012 17:40:31 GMT -5
All my land traps are four coil... I just sleep better at night.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2012 17:48:12 GMT -5
I am going to be new to trapping come the fall and have begun researching traps. My father-in-law has given me some Sleepy Creek 1 3/4 2 coil offset traps. My target species will be coyote and red fox. I was thinking of purchasing a few Sleepy Creek 1 3/4 4 coil offsets. I have read many favorable things about KB-5.5 and MB-550's. What would be the major differences in the 3 brands? I see cost right off the top. When would 4 coil be better then 2 coil? Thank you for any information. I would think from the youtube videos and other information I have read, especially for coyote I should add shock springs to all my traps. Whatever direction I go. I do see KB's an internal shock system, then would shock springs be needed? I have five dozen Sleepy Creeks. First, you need to look at how high the levers rise on the trap, the early models had problems and the levers only went up half way. Second, I four coiled all mine with music wire springs...... the trap is not made to be four coiled. The frame of the trap is to light. That all being said, I have caught and held coyotes in them. But about every 3rd trap has at least one of the spring levers ripped off with a coyote catch. So to answer your original question........ use the ones you have, there are better choices out there for buying new. The KB's seem like top of alot of peoples list. I like a tricked out bridger number 3 myself.
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Post by mikespring on Feb 19, 2012 17:59:45 GMT -5
" I like a tricked out bridger number 3 myself."
Offsets???
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2012 19:09:55 GMT -5
" I like a tricked out bridger number 3 myself." Offsets??? Wouldn't consider them "tricked out" with out offests. Interesting thing is I have bought my bridgers from all over the place. Some have factory offests, some lugs. I really cant tell the difference. Much better trap then a sleepy Creek anything, IMO.
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Post by nightstalker1 on Feb 19, 2012 19:16:38 GMT -5
#3 Bridger DOGLESS comin' soon AJ !
I'll be getting a dozen to play with myself....I'll set a dozen up for you too ! LOL
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2012 19:47:14 GMT -5
#3 Bridger DOGLESS comin' soon AJ ! I'll be getting a dozen to play with myself....I'll set a dozen up for you too ! LOL Deal!
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Post by ztbowtech on Feb 19, 2012 20:25:50 GMT -5
ZTBOWTECH, you bring up a good point with snow and ice. I am familiar with your area (spend a lot of time at Paradise Bay Campground), you get a lot of snow in your area. We get a lot of snow in Colden. Any problem with the 2 coil MB's that you have experienced with snow? I know I will be learning to deal with the snow next season. I'm sure that's a whole topic in itself. LOL! when do you come down. Findley lake has some great pike fishing. love sitting on the ice watching tip-ups waiting for a flag to pop up. let me know when your down and we will got trout fishing for native brookies and maybe bow fishing.
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 19, 2012 21:33:27 GMT -5
I believe MTP says that when using for greys... " Due to the additional power provided by the 4 coiling, this trap is not recommended if grey fox is your target animal."
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Post by ambowpk on Feb 19, 2012 22:48:27 GMT -5
ztbowtech,
We have had a seasonal campsite at PBC so we are down there quite a bite from April-Sept.
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