Hi guys,

I last bought a pod in around 2007/8? A Fox X-Pod Plus

Been really happy with it, although it's showing its age a bit now... lots of paint chips, corrosion and recently a broken clip. I'll probably still hold on to it but I think I want to get a new pod - hopefully something similar in its stability and durability but slightly quick to assemble? - I've always found the Fox a little bit fiddly.

Thoughts? I quite like the look of some of the new Cygnet stuff?

Thanks.

In reply to Post #1
I was thinking the same, had a mk1 Quattro since early 2000s, looked the other day and they don't make them anymore. It's all these stupid little pods about 2 foot long. I like to have the butt eye at least a swinger and a half length reel side of the alarm. No idea what il do when it finally gives up

Custom made Defiant mps,only have to attach the central bar on mine and its done

In reply to Post #3
Same as below, so quick to put up and down.

In reply to Post #3
The panther and the tiger are very pretty

In reply to Post #1
Snap, FOX quatro pod from early 2000 finally fell apart

Must be my age but i dislike all the short and also very narrow pods these days.

I dont want to spend my time dicking around getting the handles (mine dont fold ) aligned at the rear so they dont get in the way of the body of its neighbour.

Hope the following considerations help


I have 3 specific scenarios I need to cater for, for the 2 waters I fish.

1 fishing on platforms
2 Fishing in the mud when the water drops (reservoir used to top up the canals so drops by 6 foot at least in the summer)
3 second water requires a pod due to the hard swims, dont like digging a bank stick in due to being paronoid about noise.

In the end I have decided on the following.

JAG prolite adjustable buzz bars with the goalpost conversion proper width possible.
AVID adjustable stage stands as the platforms are a little wonky
Carp Spirit Blax Cross Bar x 2 (either to use as cross with goal posts front and back or a goal post at the front to a single at the back, need to test stability on this next week)
16mm banksticks for the BLAX cross bars

Cheers
Neil.

In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the sonik Vader x 3 rod pod same sort of design as the fox x-pod under £60 I have the 2 rod version and am happy with it

In reply to Post #1
Depends on your price range also. I own the Jag 316 stainless adjustable pod and absolutely love it. Easy to put up, packs away to almost nothing and the quality is fantastic. Gets a bit pricey if you get all the optional extras like their lockdown butt rests etc but the way i see it its an investment. Mine is over 2 years old and looks and works like new

In reply to Post #1
Chris Brown

In reply to Post #7
Thanks everyone! One of my mates mentioned the Sonik actually but I've always been a bit wary of their stuff after taking one of their nets with me to France once, as a spare... I hadn't even opened it up beforehand but when I did I wasn't impressed. I only paid about 30 or 40 quid with it but in comparison to the Fox Warrior I was also using at the time, the difference in quality/finish, was night and day

I might go and see if they have anything set up in my local shop!

In reply to Post #1
I love my Avid lockdown pod.

Jag super compact mk2 black or jag micro black pod I have both and love them, I've had many pods int the past and I think these are the best I've had, you paying a lot for them but worth every penny

In reply to Post #12
They certainly do make some nice kit. I do think the Solar P1 worldwide is much more versatile pod.

In reply to Post #13
I really don't like stainless though mate that was my downfall I hate the look of it

In reply to Post #1
Ive still got my Xpod plus
stopped using it as i wasnt great on pegs that were not level without alot of faff.

started using single banksticks - i got through stages of thinking they are a faff so got a 2nd hand Mk2 Sod Pod
which is currently fitting the bill and can be setup low if needed and not stupidly narrow

Nash KNX.

In reply to Post #16
Quest do some reasonable priced pods

In reply to Post #12
I agree the jag nano or micro are fantastic pods and the quality is second to none bought one after recommended on here I leave the uprights on the buzz bars and the whole pod goes in a pouch not much bigger than a hook sharping pouch

In reply to Post #14
I'm with you on that... I've never understood unpainted stainless steel pods, especially when you have black alarms?

For me, it's all about the aesthetics

In reply to Post #19
All personal preference but i think stainless looks miles better than a black pod.Black pods just look cheapto me, a bit like matt black reels 🤢

In reply to Post #20
Decent stainless is also very stable. No way it's getting knocked over if it's quality. Also less likely to mark so will always look like new. Had the original Steve Neville stainless till it all got nicked. Looking at the Matrix Rock Solid stuff now. Heavy but will last a lifetime.

In reply to Post #20
See I'm the same but the other way round I think stainless looks extremely cheap same with anything silver tbh I really don't like it on my rods or reels, for me it's black or gold (obviously not fishing gear 😂

In reply to Post #16
Lol

In reply to Post #14
I'm none too keen on stainless myself. Wish they'd do one the same but in a strong black ali with the full adjustment of the stainless P1.

I am a slave to aesthetics, all that aside, I'd rather a far more adjustable pod over one that isn't all the same. Still irks me that I've got to look at a shiny silver thing as good as the P1's are.

Well worth looking at the Custom Angling Solutions modules range.
Very nice stuff, in black, if you're not keen on the stainless look

In reply to Post #1
. . .Simple solution - buy another quattro! I still own 2 (1x chopped down and battered since early 2000's) the other a mint 4x rod version that I use occasionally in France.

DO NOT however be tempted with a Mk2 Quattro. . . I shifted mine as although they look the part they are heavier and have an oval profile (to stop twist) however this works against you IMO and a lot like a lot of the more modern pods means the frame has little 'give' on uneven ground creating a potentially wonky set up (inexcusable if using a pod!) The integrated spirit level is also bs on this basis alone . . .

Saying all that I'm currently using a Solar Ground Pod which I quite like (same quattro principle just a bit shorter and narrower plus a LOT lighter) Its a tight fit but it can take 3x Tournies no problem - bigger reels might struggle. It does extend but not to butt rings behind the alarm head length...all my rods have Neville ball stops behind the reel seat anyway so have managed to remove this previous pod OCD as doing this provides the same function. . .

Another alternative is the Solar A1 GT - poor mans world wide however still light and with small 6" legs a fairly low profile. Easy to set up and the fixed bars are wide enough for most big reels. . . only annoying thing is the uprights for both bars are the same length which means you need to jack up the rear to get it level. . . I'm about to sell mine if you fancy one!

In reply to Post #26
I have the solar worldwide pod and would not recommend this to anyone , one of the legs arrived cross threaded , fair play the shop sent me a new one , after a few months the rust started to appear , then the fixings get so tight they are almost impossible to remove without heating them up or banging them.

Steer well clear of the solar pods , there is much better out there like the Jag pods .

In reply to Post #27
I think you are the only person I have ever heard with anything negative to say about the worldwide other than it's a bit heavy.

In reply to Post #28
I must be nr2 then lol. Had the carbon worldwide and it was horrible. Flimsy, connect the buzz bars to frame was a pain and overall just not very stable as with legs spread can't park them into the ground (guess why they tried selling the little centre bar hook system lol). Even tightened fully the buzz bars had movement in them

Compared to my current jag 316 you simply can't compare the 2 in usability and quality imo. But then again the jag is a bit more pricey

In reply to Post #29
Which one you of the JAG lineup do you have currently?

I've come from a Chris Brown pod to the Worldwide. Other than the way the JAG Compact pod's arms fold out, they're both essentially the same sort of 'get-up', just goalpost pod's really. The venue I fish has got all sorts of different swim types, some of which I have to setup my pod in the water of about 3ft in depth. Specifically, I had put quite a few dings in the banksticks which was due to the flexing of the supporting arms which made the banksticks difficult for the inner to move in and out freely. A JAG Compact in 3ft of water could have similar problems getting it setup. These Solar pod's on the other hand for setting up in water as I've mentioned is much easier and straightforward.

I've also got a JAG micro pod, which is a bit meh if I'm quite honest.

In reply to Post #30
I have the jag 316 adjustable. I also own jag 316 32" bank sticks which i use if i setup in waterline. Beauty of the jag you can have them gold post style with pod or without or use the buzz bars with singles. For me personally there is no venue it doesn't cater for. Again though I went all out and paid for all the extras from thread protectors to buzz bars to buzz bar pouch etc etc. the cost was probably over £600 lol but that doesn't take anything away from their quality of products and usability

In reply to Post #31
You mean the stainless Compact, yeah?

32" normal JAG banksticks are well weedy, part of the reason I swerved it is because you can't use the Xcaverter's with the Compact.

In reply to Post #32
Yeah the 316 compact adjustable is the one. Had the non adjustable prior this one but that wasnt grest as reel handles was clashing with adjacent rods lol. Some people like that thing but not me 😂

In reply to Post #33
With you on that one mate. Bloody nightmare getting a take and and ending up in a tangle of reels because the spread is too tight 👍

In reply to Post #29
You can't compare carbon with stainless either, several people I know own the stainless world wide, a few with the global kit and they all rate it highly. Having owned both jag and solar stainless I think both are quality products but not owning a pod I am tempted by the new P1 universal but like jag it's not cheap once you add bars and goal post adapters but would cover all my needs.

In reply to Post #35
I agree with you but at the same time my mate has the stainless worldwide and its the same buzz bar fixing method of little thumb screws trying to hold your goalposts upright. And you have the same problem with the feet angled so not very secure where the jag feet can anchor into the ground.

Anyways im not here to bash solar i own multiple solar tackle including 2 x p1 bow-loc landing Nets which i rave about.

Everyone has their own preferences i guess 😅

In reply to Post #35
Do like the look of the Jag RP-1....however £430 notes is steep for a pod!

In reply to Post #27
Well having used a solar pod since 97 (sod pod) and 2005 (world wide) I've never had an issue with mine moved have surpassed it worth I don't even think the universal is an improvement as the euro conversion does the same thing.

Each to their own and all that

The Solar WW has a carbon effect plastic finish which was horrible to look at why anyone bothered to get it was beyond me.

In reply to Post #27
Never had any of those problems.
Cross threading is usually user error, anytime I have Cross threaded anything it is my fault for not taking enough care.
As for rust, my P1 pod is years old and has no rust on it at all. If there is any rust, even on stainless, it again could be putting the pod away wet, and leaving in a damp environment, like a shed.

The screws on the buzz bar fixings are not tight or difficult to unscrew or tighten up, and the pod 'extension' centre bar is easy enough to tighten and loosen.

I would happily recommend Solar pods, either the Worldwide or P1.

In reply to Post #39
Solar is quality 👍

In reply to Post #39
Doesn't matter if damp good stainless steel doesn't rust

In reply to Post #39
The only stainless pods ive ever had rust on were solar. It was always on the knurled bits for some reason though. Im not sure what grade stainless solar use as ive asked them a few times but they never say what it is.

In reply to Post #42
I've seen minute amounts of rust on my solar kit minimal which I've brushed off with no ill effect. It may not be rust literally very small brown deposits which I've brushed off with a baiting needle or similar found in the screw threads cross section.

In reply to Post #43
Machine tool swarf residue, not the actual stainless pod itself.

In reply to Post #44
Are you still considering the universal? I don't think it offers anything more than the world wide, more adjustments that seem to me to offer nothing worth that the WW already has. Certainly from what I've seen of it so far.

I really think Solar has failed with the redesign of the WW here, the buzz bars should have permanent goal post fittings that slot into the pods uprights so I can use legs and buzz bars in a goal post set up, not that I've ever needed to as I peg my pod down. And secondly and really the only improvement I can see worth while is that it should be made of titanium to reduce weight I'd upgrade if it was £750. What would also be good is a spring loaded racket system that makes a forced lock down all to often when setting up I've had to double check and retighten the leg mechanisms. The overall quality could do with being better as most of my leg on my WW are almost square which at the cost of it is disappointing yet it doesn't impact on the design.


Move the front and back uprights about is dealt with by the centre bar, over design in all cases imo for no benefit and they have managed to make it heavier and more bulky. Correct me if I've missed something at the moment I don't understand the difference between the two.

In reply to Post #45
Yes I'm still considering it or the low profile worldwide. For me personally I want some weight to a pod for stability, if it has to be pegged down like light weight ally surely you can just use a goal post settup? The twin spar settup of the universal must help prevent twisting and flex and therefore improve stability? Also I like the fact that the legs are separated from the uprights. The euro version may be even better for me for beach caster style on rivers etc but would also mean buying shorter legs for fishing low to the ground on lakes or with goalpost adapters for a snag settup.

In reply to Post #1
In terms of versatility, you cannot beat the Chris Brown 'Phil Andrews' kit.

https://www.cbproducts.co.uk/product/phill-andrews-set-up/

In reply to Post #47
Lol whats the point of a pod if you have to fold your handles in?

In reply to Post #48
I'd say that one in the photo on the website is a custom. As standard it comes with 15inch buzz bars front and back.

In reply to Post #49
There isn't a "standard". Chris asks you what size buzzbars you want when ordering.

In reply to Post #50
Lifted directly from the Chris Brown website...

Phill Andrews set up

£128.50

Comprises: Parallel Bars, 3 Rod 15″ Buzzer Bars c/w all fixings, 2 pairs of 12″ Bank Sticks, 4 special screws.
Product Code: PB/PA

I don't doubt he will also make them whatever width you want within reason.

Not a fan of those flat buzz bars.

In reply to Post #51
That's just website blurb. When you order them, he's got different sizes and charges you the same money...£128.

He will charge a different price - had a custom 4 rod set of buzzbars made up - outside his normal sizes. Think I've got 18" and 15" rear 3 rod setup...all the same price when I bought mine years ago.

In reply to Post #52
We've all got differing tastes. I really like his buzzbars; gutted I can't use them with my P1 Worldwide.

In reply to Post #53
I'm pretty sure we are saying the same thing here..

In reply to Post #55
"I don't doubt he will also make them whatever width you want within reason.

That read more like a guess, I was being definitive 👍

In reply to Post #43
They do rust i gave up with solar ages ago...MPS all the way now...

In reply to Post #48
"Lol whats the point of a pod if you have to fold your handles in?"

That's the beauty of his gear, you can modify the buzz bars to how you wish. Just move the left and right one notch either side and you don't need them folded. Or, if you're feeling saucy, you can make them tighter than a gnats balloon knot and fold your handles. Hell, you can even fold them AND keep spinning the handle until all the wooden bits are in a matching vertical state *phwoar*

In all seriousness, their versatility is unrivalled. With just a few adjustments, you can turn a two rod buzz bar set up into a 4 rod goalpost set up, Saves you a fortune in the long run. I'll never get rid of mine.

In reply to Post #53
"That's just website blurb. When you order them, he's got different sizes and charges you the same money...£128"

I think nowadays if you want the flexible options you're best off emailing him directly. AFAIK he has taken a step back and all online orders are sent as advertised from Paddock Wood. I believe Chris is now in retirement mode,

In reply to Post #59
Yes . if you want anything bespoke you would need to call and speak to someone and see if it's possible. I recently ordered from the website no problems, but no conversation whatsoever. Same quality even if the Guv is taking a backseat.

In reply to Post #59
I spoke to him when I ordered last year. It was all a bit of a faff as he was in the middle of selling one of his companies I believe. The number at the time had someone else taking the calls and was a different company, I got Chris's personal number and he knocked me up a four rod set like I've already mentioned.

Not too sure on the retirement front, still seems as busy as ever.

In reply to Post #57
None of my solar gear has rusted that's 35 years old as for MPS I've not seen a pod that Kieth does that does what the WW does.

In reply to Post #62
My worldwide rusted fact...would never touch there gear again...seems to be knurlings as the main issue....

In reply to Post #63
The problem has to be who made the stainless. Obviously Solar doesn't make stainless themselves, instead I'd best assume that they buy it in. Possibly they could have bought some cheap material or had their (Solar) panties pulled down?

I'd have got on the blower, failing that, gone down to their HQ and said you need to sort this crap out.

In reply to Post #64
The problem doesn't have to be who made the stainless. The fact it's on the knurling almost certainly means its traces of tool steel from the working operations.
It's a real problem as knurling impacts it into the surface. It can't be cleaned off without proper acid pickling/passivating. Nightmare.

In reply to Post #65
Gotcha 👍

In reply to Post #65
This is bang on Yonny. I used work for a fabrication firm on the south coast. Non ferrous and 316 had its own benches, own tooling and machines and your hand tools were either one or the other. Anyone mixing the tools on both had the job scrapped and the material cost docked from their wages. Doesn't take long with the sea air to show up cross contamination and the client always blamed the quality of the stainless in the first instance.

In reply to Post #67
Thanks to your post and Yonny's, I think we've all learnt something here 👍

In reply to Post #68
Already said it post 44.

In reply to Post #67
Spot on mate.
Loads of guys believe poor quality stainless is the root cause of numerous issues. The fact is that poor quality stainless is almost impossible to find. It's made up of toleranced percentages of iron and other elements so it's either good or it's bad, there is no poorer or better quality. Just different grades.
A few years ago some Japanese firm got caught out falsely certifying their stainless and there was global uproar in a bunch of industries with everyone having to trace their supply chain. It was a bloody nightmare and shows us how rare "bad" stainless is.
Most steels are tested and recertified every time they're processed (annealed, rolled etc) so it's almost impossible for it to get to market.
When stainless rusts it's almost always tool steel residue or galvanic incompatibility i.e it's been trashed by the final processor.

In reply to Post #70
I take your point but think Chinese made stainless garden tools would be a good source and easy to find.

In reply to Post #71
Chinese garden tool manufacturers don't make stainless steel. They make tools from crap and sell them to stupid people that believe they're getting stainless for a fraction of the price.

In reply to Post #72
At work I've seen a lot of stainless with rust in my case its probably down to the cleaning procedures used damaging the chromium oxide layer, although some machines uk built and sourced stainless have no signs 35 years on yet newer machines from europe have not fared as well in the same environment.

Regards to solar pods my globetrotter which i bought second hand 20 years ago has no sign of rust and my worldwide also has none, completely agree with with goose and yourself that signs people are seeing on knurled items is probably down to tool steel residue

In reply to Post #72
No. They make tools from poor quality stainless steel, which does exist.

In reply to Post #74
They make them from cheaper/inferior grades of stainless. The steel meets specification, it's the specification that's different.
Different grades yes, poor quality no.
Not all about corrosion resistance either. The less corrosion resistant stainless grades tend to be much stronger so again, saying they're poor quality doesn't give you the bigger picture.
I'd be taken aback if Solar were using an inferior grade. Bog standard austenitic is more than up to the job and is available off the shelf everywhere.

In reply to Post #75
"They make them from cheaper/inferior grades of stainless"
Indeed they do and indeed it is. I believe that is what I said.

In reply to Post #76
Ok I give up

In reply to Post #77

In reply to Post #77
I appreciate what both you and goose have said.