Just bought 6 Bridger T3 traps and love how fast I can set compared to cubie and dirt hole sets. I like the ring trigger feature and don't look like other brands have that. What I don't like is 2 of 6 traps take a lot more effort to get dog set. When I pull them will need to adjust for easer setting.
Would like to buy couple to give to my nephews for Christmas. Thinking Bridger would be too tuff for them to learn with. Thought Freedom FB1 might be good choice.
Also I would like to pick up another dozen and was looking at AuSable PCS Feather Light Dog Proof. Being aluminum with stainless components might last longer in long run.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dukes have been the best for me.

With that said, I bought a dozen Bridgers off MTP that were discounted due to the box left in the rain and a little rust. They have worked out just fine. That rust was cleaned off on the first coon catch. I do like the Bridgers because they are real easy (to me) to set by hand. The Dukes are quite a bit tougher even though they’re 7 years old.

I don’t think there’s a bad one on the market.

Get dukes and a setter for your nephews, they'll do them good!

I use a 3/8" rebar to stake down my DP's, It's also very handy to use as a setters and that's one less thing for me to carry and keep track of.

I use a cheap 6” flat screwdriver as a setting tool. Also works to clean out bait that’s gotten wet, etc.

I completely agree with what Yukon John said.

Get yourself a DP seters, not a screwdriver. Coons are easy to catch and DPs are easy to set with DP setters. You can kill yourself using a screwdriver to set DPs them with a screwdriver. Duke's DPs will catch you, all the coons, you will want to skin.

I put two feet of small parcord on my setters and clip it to my belt loop. If I didn’t I’d loose 10 pair a year.

I cannot recommend the Freedom brand as I really wanted to support an USA company. I have a thread started on their lack of standing behind their product after an obvious defect. The defective trap is the one on the napkin


My Dukes have had zero issues in the past 5-6 years

Looks like a poor heat treat job and they should have replaced or repaired.

Brilliant idea.

FnT offers a great Coon Starter Kit

Personally I am training my son on DP1's

I personally use Coon Crunch from Keg Creek.

Get him set up he'll have a ball.

I prefer dukes too. I have had zero issues and no losses or pullouts. One of the few duke traps I really like.
I’d get a pile of them.
Z traps are a close second.
Jim