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Solar P1 Croc Pod XL (36 posts / 3,454 views)
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #1 16 Mar 2026 13:01
0
After some reviews from owners on this pod. Would of preferred the Jag RP2 but seems Jag has stopped making them as they haven't been in stock for best part of a year.

I simply want something compact and easy to set up. Love my RP1 with 10 footers but its just too small for 13ft rods and annoying to change out butt rests etc to use. I also have the solar P1 Worldwide Euro pod but that thing is a nightmare to set up and looks out of place in the UK 😂

Looking specifically for the wide version to accommodate my 13ft Aviators fitted with Shimano Tech MGS 14000 reels. Any info would be great as not a lot of information online. Would like to know how tight big pit reels sits next to each other, how the pod performs on angled surfaces with those stubby legs etc etc.

Cheers

The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #2 16 Mar 2026 13:57
2
In reply to Post #1
Sorry, can't help with the solar, but for far less money why not consider one from Keith at defiantmps.uk ? Width can be customised and they have the longest length from front to back I've found on recent day pods

LINKY POO™ https://www.defiantmps.uk/the-trident-tiger-and-tiger-cub/
Carper1976
Posts: 306
Post #3 16 Mar 2026 17:45
1
I have the standard Solar P1 croc pod and I love it. The standard is compact and you do have to have the handles at the bottom to avoid them clashing with each other but I've never had a problem when picking up a rod on the take. The pod is ultra stable and looks absolutely amazing on the bank. It also goes together and comes apart very quickly. The bag it comes in is brilliant and there so much room for other stuff. If you want a pod that allows you to fish the rods high up then this may not be the one for you. I have got around this by purchasing additional P1 legs at different sizes but it all adds to the expense. Overall it is the best pod I have ever owned albeit with some additional purchases.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #4 16 Mar 2026 17:58
0
In reply to Post #3
Cheers man I ended up buying the XL version. Was on sale on fishdeal so figured why not
LEEBOB LEEBOB
Posts: 397
Post #5 29 Mar 2026 11:47
0
In reply to Post #4
Hello mate.. what's your thoughts on the XL?
I've always had Solar then decided to get the RP2… 1st take and it tipped over…. Dunno if I like it to be honest… I have the same reels as you.. is there enough room?
Thanks lee
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #6 29 Mar 2026 12:41
0
In reply to Post #5
If an rp2 tipped over then a croc xl would of tipped over as well. I would prrsonally take jag over solar every time. Get some jag stabelisers for the rp2 and put them on the two outer front legs and it will never tip over again.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #7 29 Mar 2026 12:47
1
In reply to Post #5
Hi there I have not used it yet but it is well built and ample room for any big pit reel. Due to positioning of legs its sturdier then my RP1 for sure standard but with a jag stabiliser you can literally pin your RP2 to the ground on your rear middle bankstick.

I am hoping to get out 2nd week in April to use but so far happy with my purchase. Would of still bought the RP2 if they were available purely for the 2 + 1 option if i wanted to split fishing angles as I love that of my rp1
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #8 29 Mar 2026 12:55
1
In reply to Post #1
Did you not consider Jag Super Compact Adjustable with adjustable buzz bars? Not many on the used market though it seems! Will never sell mine . . .
LEEBOB LEEBOB
Posts: 397
Post #9 29 Mar 2026 13:29
0
In reply to Post #6
1st thing I bought after was a stabiliser 👍
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #10 29 Mar 2026 13:30
0
In reply to Post #8
Belch

I had one of them before I got my RP1. Lovely pod but it annoyed me setting it up every time with the banksticks struggling in wet conditions through the locking holes on the frame or sliding them out seizing if mud on the tips etc. Then it had to be perfectly aligned to screw in buzz bars and getting the frame arms to align straight with centre bar. Great pod just wanted something that's ready to go with alarms attached etc when I get to the lake.

The RP1 gave me that just not good for big rods. The croc is complete by just adding centre bars and the locking knobs on them are great.
mark1009
Posts: 4,738
Post #11 29 Mar 2026 13:38
0
In reply to Post #10
I'm waiting for the new rp2 to hit the shops, it's supposed to be improved, we will have to wait to see how much. Should be in the next couple of months.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #12 29 Mar 2026 15:26
0
In reply to Post #10
It is a faff agreed - however for long sessions / long rods still a tried and tested design!
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #13 30 Mar 2026 08:48
1
In reply to Post #8
My favourite jag pod. Sold both my rp pods and now only have the super compact.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #14 15 Jun 2026 14:57
0
In reply to Post #11
Ive just bought a 316 rp2 pod from johnson ross and they are identical to the first ones so no changes. Kind of missed my last one so bought another.
mark1009
Posts: 4,738
Post #15 15 Jun 2026 16:48
0
In reply to Post #14
I was told they have changed the way they are machined for this production cycle. To ease some production problems . The design is the same. Design change still in the pipeline, but coming eventually. I'm not in a rush, so am prepared to wait and see what happens.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #16 15 Jun 2026 19:45
0
In reply to Post #15
Im not quite sure what they could change other than maybe a fluted centre bar so the inner section on the centre bar dosent turn inside the outer section. Its a much better size than my rp1. Will see if they change it and buy another one if they do.

Johnson ross got 4 in yesterday and sold them all in 1 hour.

The carry bag is still crap so bought another BAS carry bag for it that I bought for my rp1.
finbob finbob
Posts: 3,466
Post #17 16 Jun 2026 10:12
0
In reply to Post #1
I like RP as you can use single sticks. Croc has those uprights so more limited. Lets its down IMO.
roosterbooster roosterbooster
Posts: 539
Post #18 16 Jun 2026 10:59
0
had my rp2 since it first launched , its a great bit of kit ! best pod iv owned , the ease of setup is amazing fits my 12,6 rods with techs perfectly, the bag is crap tho as mentioned above , but purchased the BAS bag and its now perfect, i would take the RP over the croc quicker and easier to set up and more adjustments if needed
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #19 16 Jun 2026 20:46
0
I really like my Croc Pod. I havent used my RP1 at all since buying it. Its actually easier for me to level out then the RP1 and the locking nuts works better. Its also alot more stable. RP1 still more versatile though.

Cant go wrong with either in my opinion.
hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #20 16 Jun 2026 21:00
0
I have just bought a Croc Pod XL having used an RP-2 for the past year. I have the feeling that the Croc Pod will ultimately prove to be much more versatile. The RP-2 is no doubt a well designed (and made) product but its major downfall in my experience is that in order for it to be truly stable it needs all 6 sticks to be firmly planted in the ground or for it to be screwed down. Anywhere the ground is not flat can prove a problem because of that. It’s ok if not firmly planted, definitely usable, but I wouldn’t trust a tight-ish clutch on it…

The Croc Pod on the other hand feels planted on any surface because of its design and weight.

Nothing is perfect of course. The option to use the RP-2 as singles has come in really handy before, whereas the Croc Pod obviously doesn’t support that.

I also find the Croc Pod to be easier to set up. The RP-2 can be finicky in so far as getting the arms nicely aligned and planted in the ground, and if they’re misaligned it looks awful.

I’ll soon be selling my RP-2 I expect!
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #21 17 Jun 2026 07:00
0
In reply to Post #20
You always have all 6 sticks on the ground on an rp. The rp2 is even more stable as its wider. For something to be versatile it means it can be used in different scenarios. The croc pod can only be used as a pod the rp1&2 can also be used as single sticks. I used to love solar but since the chinese bought them they have gone really down hill. My solar worldwide and solar universal pods both started to rust after 6 months so not sure what grade of stainless they are using. I habe just about everything jag make in 316 and ive never had one spec of rust on anything. As far as engineering goes there is no one to even lace jags shoes up IMO.

I agree the rod tips are sometimes unaligned but thats sorted just by adjusting the centre bar so both ends are in inline and takes seconds
hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #22 17 Jun 2026 11:12
0
In reply to Post #21
I've used an RP-2 for the past year and I almost always fish 2 nights per week, even in winter, so I'm very, very familiar with the particulars of using it...

You don't always have all 6 sticks planted though. If it's uneven and hard to the extent the sticks cannot penetrate the ground far, for example. Yes, you can adjust the height of each leg to account for that to some extent but the black version, which I have, is very light and so is not nearly as stable as you'd ideally want unless those legs are really firmly in the ground. If you end up doing that then it becomes much more of a faff, e.g., adjusting individual leg heights. I wouldn't fish with a tight clutch in that scenario.

No product is perfect as I say. With my Croc Pod I need to carry a couple of bank sticks just in case... with the RP-2 I don't...

hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #23 17 Jun 2026 11:12
0
In reply to Post #21
I've used an RP-2 for the past year and I almost always fish 2 nights per week, even in winter, so I'm very, very familiar with the particulars of using it...

You don't always have all 6 sticks planted though. If it's uneven and hard to the extent the sticks cannot penetrate the ground far, for example. Yes, you can adjust the height of each leg to account for that to some extent but the black version, which I have, is very light and so is not nearly as stable as you'd ideally want unless those legs are really firmly in the ground. If you end up doing that then it becomes much more of a faff, e.g., adjusting individual leg heights. I wouldn't fish with a tight clutch in that scenario.

No product is perfect as I say. With my Croc Pod I need to carry a couple of bank sticks just in case... with the RP-2 I don't...

hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #24 17 Jun 2026 11:12
0
In reply to Post #21
I've used an RP-2 for the past year and I almost always fish 2 nights per week, even in winter, so I'm very, very familiar with the particulars of using it...

You don't always have all 6 sticks planted though. If it's uneven and hard to the extent the sticks cannot penetrate the ground far, for example. Yes, you can adjust the height of each leg to account for that to some extent but the black version, which I have, is very light and so is not nearly as stable as you'd ideally want unless those legs are really firmly in the ground. If you end up doing that then it becomes much more of a faff, e.g., adjusting individual leg heights. I wouldn't fish with a tight clutch in that scenario.

No product is perfect as I say. With my Croc Pod I need to carry a couple of bank sticks just in case... with the RP-2 I don't...

stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #25 17 Jun 2026 12:11
0
In reply to Post #24
As long as everyone is happy its dosent make a difference. Its all opinions at the end of the day and go with what ever you like really. You certainly fish more than me as I never go these days I just buy stuff that collects dust in the garage. This is actually my 5th RP pod as i sell them then buy them again 6 months down the line.

The black rp pods are far to light to be a pod so agree with you there.
Rebullio Rebullio
Posts: 152
Post #26 17 Jun 2026 17:28
0
In reply to Post #18
I have an rp2 with techs and still find it too small in width (reel handles touching) a mate has a rp1 and there's hardly any difference, a real shame imo as a brilliant pod but a couple of inch's width would have made it perfect imo
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #27 18 Jun 2026 06:52
1
Rp2 is only 2 inches wider than the rp1. They might bring an rp3 out to add to the collection 👍🏻
Euroboybobbin Euroboybobbin
Posts: 4,644
Post #28 18 Jun 2026 08:26
0
In reply to Post #25
I had an RP1 and found that the rod splay was ridiculous and the reel space not acceptable.

Why they can’t make the arms adjustable when you are spending £450 plus on a pod I don’t know.

hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #29 18 Jun 2026 10:57
0
In reply to Post #26
That's curious. I didn't find that with my Power Aero XTCs (which I guess are just as wide?) nor my Tournament Basias. I found I had plenty of room and the 12" / 14" splay was about right.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #30 18 Jun 2026 18:25
0
In reply to Post #28
Always fount the splay fine but rp1 far to
narrow. Rp2 perfect.
mark1009
Posts: 4,738
Post #31 18 Jun 2026 18:36
0
In reply to Post #28
I think the revised design will have adjustable arms, and therefore allow a wider gap between reels and alarms. I like a pod to be stable enough to pick up a rod on the take without setting off the other alarms. Also able to accommodate 13ft rods.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #32 19 Jun 2026 10:18
0
In reply to Post #31
I asked jag about an updated version before i bought mine last wk and they said there are no updates coming. They still sell out of rp1’s straight away so the rp2 is still to big for a lot of people.

I dont think they will ever do extendable arms as the bit that hold the the upright is machined from solid bar. If it had extendable arms the bit that holds the bank stick would turn inside the outer section of the arm so the whole thing would be a nightmare to get level and if you got a take the whole upright would be pulled forward so it wouldnt work anyway.

The rp2 is more that long enough for 13ft rods and is the perfect width imo.
hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #33 19 Jun 2026 10:31
0
In reply to Post #32
What do you do with all of this expensive tackle you don't actually use in anger? Genuine, curious question - not taking the mick.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #34 19 Jun 2026 13:15
2
In reply to Post #33
Nothing it sits in the garage. I did use it a couple of months ago as just joined a syndicate i will probably never fish but places dont come up very often and its probably the best syndicate in the north so couldnt miss out on that one. I have no intension of ever going lure fishing but ive just added a shimano genos infinity lure rod and 5000 size shimano vanquish reel to go on it to the collection as always wanted one of those and they are impossible to get as only available in Japan. The rod technology the Japanese have is unreal and like nothing we have here. The genos makes my century stealth graphene carp rods look like £50 Shakespeare carp rod. Some people spend their money on drink and drugs, i buy top end fishing tackle as it makes me happy and my wife never complains so its a win win. I obviously have some form a buying addiction as its not just fishing tackle and if it dosent get you in debt and i can afford it then happy days.
hugogreen
Posts: 56
Post #35 19 Jun 2026 16:19
0
In reply to Post #34
Fair enough, good for you!
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #36 19 Jun 2026 18:23
0
In reply to Post #35
👍🏻
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