what ever happened to the traditional pod with the single uprights which could be made very low profile with short uprights

only one i can see which isnt silly money is the cygnet one or if you have bottomless pockets the century CQ one

Solar sod pods can be modded to what i am after but waiting for a cheaper scruffy one to appear is difficult

other suggestions

The original scruffy pod was the gardner. I upgraded to a sod pod and then a world wide. Never looked back as for cheap, no disrespect meant there really is plenty to chose from NGT Fox Nash.

My pod allows me to go from low pod to euro style (or rods in the lake) at any angle etc. I've had if 15 years so £30 a year roughly, well that's me trying to justify it. Anyway basic pods are alive and well plenty to choose from.

I do love a pod much more than sticks having broken many a stick as a kid trying to get them into the ground of a gravel pit.