Looking for the ultimate solution in wildlife trapping? The MB 550 trap stands out as a top choice among professionals and hobbyists alike. Renowned for its durability, reliability, and effectiveness, this trap is ideal for managing various fur-bearing animals. In this shopping guide, we’ll help you choose the best MB 550 traps to match your specific needs and ensure successful results every season.
MB 550 Trap Variations Comparison Table
| Model | Jaw Type | Coil Count | Inside Jaw Spread | Outside Jaw Spread | Pan System | Pan Tension | Target Species | Weight | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB-550 2-Coil Offset Jaw | Offset | 2-Coil | 4 3/4″ | 5 1/2″ | Paws-I-Trip | ~2.5 lbs | Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Coons | 2.25 lbs | Fast, versatile, gentler on paws |
| MB-550 4-Coil Offset Jaw | Offset | 4-Coil | 4 3/4″ | 5 1/2″ | Paws-I-Trip | ~4.1 lbs | Coyote, Bobcat | 2.25 lbs | Extra holding power, more tension |
| MB-550 2-Coil Closed Jaw | Closed | 2-Coil | 4 3/4″ | 5 1/2″ | Paws-I-Trip | ~2.5 lbs | Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Coons | 2.25 lbs | No gap at jaw meeting, less marking |
| MB-550 4-Coil Closed Jaw | Closed | 4-Coil | 4 3/4″ | 5 1/2″ | Paws-I-Trip | ~4.1 lbs | Coyote, Bobcat | 2.25 lbs | Toughest, less suited to small fox |
Everyday Usage of the MB 550 Trap
Ideal for Multi-Species Trapping
The MB 550 is designed as a professional-grade, versatile coil spring trap. It is particularly well-known for its effectiveness with canines, including coyotes and foxes, but it is also highly effective for bobcat and raccoon trapping.
Typical users set MB 550 traps for:
- Wildlife management or population control projects
- Fur harvesting on mixed species trap lines
- Live market trappers who need healthy, unharmed captures
How Is It Used?
- Preparing the Trap: Generally, MB 550 traps arrive ready to use, with minimal (if any) adjustment necessary out of the box.
- Selecting the Set Location: Choose areas of animal activity such as trails, scent posts, or den entrances.
- Setting the Trap: Use appropriate set-making tools to bed the trap, ensuring stability and concealment. The offset or closed jaw selection will depend on both regulation and target species.
- Securing the Trap: The chain and swivels should be anchored firmly using earth anchors, stakes, or drags to prevent loss of trap and animal.
- Finishing and Concealment: Properly cover and camouflage your set using natural materials or recommended dirt covers.
Benefits of the MB 550 Trap
Superior Design Features
- Cast Jaws (3/8″ thick): The smooth, rounded cast jaws reduce risk of injury, cuts, or abrasions to the animal’s foot, mimicking the performance of laminated traps while retaining high holding power.
- Offset and Closed Jaw Options: Offset jaws allow for blood circulation and are less likely to cause foot damage, while closed jaws may be preferred where allowed or when specific regulations apply.
- Paws-I-Trip Pan System: Ensures a stable pan that resists wobble, improving catch consistency and reliability.
- Night Latch System: Provides an audible and tactile ‘click’ for a precise and consistent pan height. This minimizes pan travel and increases speed, leading to more efficient triggering.
- Strong Chain and Swivels: Heavy-duty #3 straight-link chain with ‘crunch-proof’ swivels and a center-mounted D-Ring baseplate maximize trap anchoring strength, reduce animal injury, and minimize twisting or binding.
Field-Proven Performance
- Ready Out of the Box: Unlike many traps requiring modification or tuning, MB 550 traps are assembled with quality control and typically need no adjustment, saving time and frustration.
- Legal in Many Jurisdictions: Jaw spread and offset options often meet state or provincial regulations for humane trapping, making these traps widely accepted.
- Low Maintenance: Durable materials and construction withstand harsh weather and repeated use across seasons.
Versatile and Ethical
- Multi-Species Suitability: The MB 550 is strong enough for coyotes but sensitive enough for foxes, reducing the risk of injury for non-target species.
- Minimizes Animal Suffering: By securely holding the animal without excessive force or damage, it supports ethical wildlife management and fur harvesting practices.
How to Choose the Right MB 550 Trap for Your Needs
1. Determine Your Target Species
- Coyotes/Bobcats: Both 2-coil and 4-coil models are suitable. The 4-coil provides extra holding strength—useful for stronger animals or high-catch areas.
- Fox/Raccoon/Smaller Predators: The 2-coil is ideal due to its moderate pan tension and quicker closure, reducing risk of foot damage. Closed jaw versions can also be appropriate where regulations allow.
2. Select Jaw Style Based on Regulations and Preferences
- Offset Jaw: Most recommended, especially for larger predators, as it minimizes paw injury by allowing space for circulation.
- Closed Jaw: Preferred in regions or scenarios where offset jaws are restricted or when minimal marking on the pelt is a priority.
3. Consider Pan Tension and Spring Configuration
- 2-Coil: Standard pan tension (~2.5 lbs) is suitable for most applications and a broad species range.
- 4-Coil: Higher pan tension (~4.1 lbs), suited for situations requiring extra strength or where powerful animals are common. Not ideal for small or delicate-footed animals like grey fox.
4. Evaluate Chain and Swivel Setup
- The MB 550 comes standard with a center-mount D-ring, #3 straight-link chain, and dual ‘crunch-proof’ swivels. This setup is optimal for durability and safety.
5. Factor in Location and Theft Risk
- Consider environmental stress, local soil conditions, and likelihood of trap theft. If theft is common, some trappers may opt for lower-cost alternatives for high-risk areas, though this means sacrificing some of the MB 550’s longevity and quality.
User Tips and Best Practices
Practical Advice for Optimal Use
- Trap Preparation
- Clean, degrease, and wax new traps before use to prevent scent contamination and rust.
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Adjust pan tension as needed by careful bending/filing of the dog, though most users find factory tension excellent for mixed-species trapping.
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Set Selection
- For canines: Focus on locations with sign, such as trails, scent posts, or field edges.
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Bed traps firmly and level with surrounding soil; any movement can push cautious animals away.
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Anchoring
- Use strong, secure earth anchors or stakes to prevent trap loss.
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Ensure the chain is straight and not tangled—proper center-swivel anchoring helps reduce paw injuries and pullouts.
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Camouflage and Scent Control
- Wear clean gloves when handling traps.
- Use natural dirt and debris to blend trap area into the environment.
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Consider using guides (pebbles, sticks) to direct animals’ feet onto the pan.
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Routine Inspection
- Regularly check traps (as required by law) for both captured animals and trap functionality.
- Maintain and re-treat (wax) traps between seasons to maximize longevity.
MB 550 Technical Specifications Comparison Table
| Model | Jaw Type | Coil Count | Jaw Spread (Inside/Outside) | Jaw Offset | Pan Size | Pan System | Chain/Swivel Setup | Pan Tension (avg) | Weight (approx) | Target Species | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB-550 RC Offset 2-Coil | Offset | 2-Coil | 4 3/4″ / 5 1/2″ | 3/16″ | 2.5″ x 3″ | Paws-I-Trip | #3 Straight link, 2 crunch-proof swivels | 2.5 lbs | 2.25 lbs | Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Raccoon | Mixed lines, multi-species, live market |
| MB-550 RC Offset 4-Coil | Offset | 4-Coil | 4 3/4″ / 5 1/2″ | 3/16″ | 2.5″ x 3″ | Paws-I-Trip | #3 Straight link, 2 crunch-proof swivels | 4.1 lbs | 2.25 lbs | Coyote, Bobcat | Coyote lines, high-stress catch areas, tough animals |
| MB-550 CL Closed 2-Coil | Closed | 2-Coil | 4 3/4″ / 5 1/2″ | 0″ | 2.5″ x 3″ | Paws-I-Trip | #3 Straight link, 2 crunch-proof swivels | 2.5 lbs | 2.25 lbs | Coyote, Fox, Bobcat, Raccoon | Areas requiring closed jaws, minimize pelt marking |
| MB-550 CL Closed 4-Coil | Closed | 4-Coil | 4 3/4″ / 5 1/2″ | 0″ | 2.5″ x 3″ | Paws-I-Trip | #3 Straight link, 2 crunch-proof swivels | 4.1 lbs | 2.25 lbs | Coyote, Bobcat | Extra strength, not advised for small fox or delicate prey |
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Conclusion
Selecting the right MB 550 trap is about balancing animal welfare, trapping effectiveness, and compliance with regional regulations. The MB 550’s thoughtful design, solid construction, and out-of-the-box reliability have made it a market leader for professional trappers and hobbyists alike.
Consider your target species, local laws, and soil conditions when choosing between variations. Proper use, maintenance, and ethical best practices will ensure the MB 550 serves as a reliable, humane, and durable tool for your trapping needs season after season.
FAQ
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What is the MB 550 trap best used for?
The MB 550 is designed primarily for trapping canines (coyotes, foxes) but is versatile enough for bobcats and raccoons. Its multi-species effectiveness makes it ideal for mixed traplines and wildlife management. -
What is the difference between offset and closed jaws?
Offset jaws leave a gap between the closed jaws, allowing for better blood circulation and reducing paw injury. Closed jaws meet without a gap and may be preferable where regulations require or for certain trapping goals. -
Should I choose the 2-coil or 4-coil version?
The 2-coil version is suitable for most applications, especially for foxes or raccoons. The 4-coil provides additional closing and holding power, making it ideal for coyotes and locations with tough pulling conditions. -
Do MB 550 traps come ready to use?
Yes, most users find MB 550 traps require no out-of-the-box adjustment. It is still recommended to clean, wax, and adjust pan tension (if desired) before use. -
How do I adjust pan tension on an MB 550?
There’s no pan tension screw. Adjustment requires bending or filing the trap dog. Most trappers find the factory setting (2.5 lbs for 2-coil, 4.1 lbs for 4-coil) satisfactory for their needs. -
What animals can escape from an MB 550?
Properly set and maintained, MB 550 traps are highly effective for their target species. Escape can occur due to poor bedding, loose pan tension, or using a too-large or too-small jaw for your species.
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Is the MB 550 legal everywhere?
Jaw spread and trap style regulations vary. Always check local wildlife and trapping laws to ensure compliance before setting any trap. -
How should I anchor my MB 550?
Use a secure anchoring system, such as earth anchors, stakes, or drags, matched to local soil conditions and target animal strength. The MB 550’s chain and swivels support robust anchoring. -
How do I maintain my MB 550 traps?
Clean thoroughly before use, wax for rust prevention and smooth operation, and store dry. Inspect regularly for wear, damage, or corrosion, and re-wax as needed. -
Are there alternatives to the MB 550?
Yes, similar traps (such as the Duke 550 or No-BS K9 Extreme Jr.) exist, but MB 550 is renowned for its build quality, reliability, and design refinements, which often make it the first choice for trappers prioritizing performance and animal welfare.