MB-650 jaw type

I’m having a hard time picking between cast jaws and one of the laminated options. Regular OS isn’t legal here, not that I’d run them if they were. I don’t mind shelling out the extra $50+ for cast jaws per dozen if there is a decided advantage to them, but at the same time I don’t feel compelled to spend it if there’s not really. I have a couple with cast jaws in hand, and they are nice of course, just wondering if they are really worth the extra cost. It’s really not a lot, don’t know why I’m hung up on it. What say you guys, which jaw type on MB-650s, and why?

If you don't have to modify them to make em legal in your state, cast is the way to go... Unless you get a bad casting which happens on the odd trap do anything else that's cast really.

Regular jaws if you need to shrink the jaw spread down

Thanks for the input, Sniper! Fortunately any of the variations of the 650 are legal here in TN, as the limit is 7” outside measured at the hinge of the trap. We are also required to have a jaw face that is a minimum of 1/4” thick (which I would want anyhow) so laminations or thick cast jaws are a requirement.

44, you might want to check out the inside lammed ones especially if you have grays around. I have all three.... cast, inside lam.s and outside lam.s even both in and out lam.s ...all work good.

I use to have inside/outside laminated and cast jaws before I switched out for smaller traps (got sick of packing heavy traps up and down the mountains). I loved the cast. They just feel good plus I feel they are more paw friendly. And maybe I'm just telling myself that. The main thing is I like the feel of cast. It's why I like my MB550s and 450s so much

Cast jaws are good they just cost way to much for a dozen.

I've never used the cast jaws but I have inside laminated and they are rough on feet.

Cast is the only way to go! Without any snow or frozen soil I would lean to MB 550's they are a plenty big enough trap for most conditions.

I prefer cast, but I wouldn't pay the extra money for them. I have both, bought the cast used. If they were the same price I would pick cast but the laminated ones work well and I wouldn't pay more for the cast.

Thanks for all the input guys. I’m leaning towards just shelling out the extra $53 for cast jaws (Sterling Fur prices, they seem to have some of the cheapest retail prices around). I don’t think I will regret it. 550s are not even on the table, they’re an awesome trap I agree, but I absolutely love the dual jaw hold down on the 650, and I like the bigger kill area and the lack of a traditional loose dog. I catch very few foxes, so target animals are all bigger. Cat Trapper’s comment on weight got me wondering, so I weighed one each 550 (4-coil) and 650, both with cast offset jaws, and the figures I came up with show the 650 to weigh only 3.5 pounds more per dozen- not as much difference as I would have thought. I know every ounce makes a difference when you have it on your back, but I’m not going far from the truck and rarely carry more than 3-4 traps at a time away from the truck. I am also a very short-liner, rarely have 2 dozen land sets out at a time.

I trapped with the cast and the double laminated and loved them both. If both were same price Id pick cast but since I laminate my own I usually buy plain jaw. Im gonna pick up a few cast this season though. Great traps

Look who's returned. Good to see you back!

See now everyone likes different things. That double jaw hold down with no loose jaw is the reason I wouldn't buy MB 650s now. I'll keep and use the ones I have though. They are a good trap, but if I was buying traps that size right now I would buy NO BS extremes. I hate that double hold down system and the dog rod setup creates a lot of tight moving parts to get a little water in to freeze up. They do bed nice and will hold on to anything they grab though.

Thanks bud, Ive missed it. I plan to stick around..

Ahhh,,, how many sterlings are/were made WITHOUT cast jaws? All my #1 and 1.5 LS are cast jaws by choice (Buy just about every older V I can find and save those jaws). I rest my case....................... the mike