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 New Posts  Solar P1 Croc Pod XL
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stuart666
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #27 18 Jun 2026 at 6.52am  0  Login    Register
Rp2 is only 2 inches wider than the rp1. They might bring an rp3 out to add to the collection 👍🏻
Rebullio
Posts: 140
Rebullio
   Old Thread  #26 17 Jun 2026 at 5.28pm  0  Login    Register
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
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #25 17 Jun 2026 at 12.11pm  0  Login    Register
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.
hugogreen
Posts: 11
   Old Thread  #24 17 Jun 2026 at 11.12am  0  Login    Register
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: 11
   Old Thread  #23 17 Jun 2026 at 11.12am  0  Login    Register
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: 11
   Old Thread  #22 17 Jun 2026 at 11.12am  0  Login    Register
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
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #21 17 Jun 2026 at 7.00am  0  Login    Register
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: 11
   Old Thread  #20 16 Jun 2026 at 9.00pm  0  Login    Register
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!
djstrauss281
Posts: 905
djstrauss281
   Old Thread  #19 16 Jun 2026 at 8.46pm  0  Login    Register
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.
roosterbooster
Posts: 528
roosterbooster
   Old Thread  #18 16 Jun 2026 at 10.59am  0  Login    Register
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
finbob
Posts: 3446
finbob
   Old Thread  #17 16 Jun 2026 at 10.12am  0  Login    Register
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.
stuart666
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #16 15 Jun 2026 at 7.45pm  0  Login    Register
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.
mark1009
Posts: 4703
   Old Thread  #15 15 Jun 2026 at 4.48pm  0  Login    Register
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
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #14 15 Jun 2026 at 2.57pm  0  Login    Register
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.
stuart666
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #13 30 Mar 2026 at 8.48am  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #8
My favourite jag pod. Sold both my rp pods and now only have the super compact.
Belch
Posts: 4561
Belch
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #12 29 Mar 2026 at 3.26pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #10
It is a faff agreed - however for long sessions / long rods still a tried and tested design!
mark1009
Posts: 4703
   Old Thread  #11 29 Mar 2026 at 1.38pm  0  Login    Register
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.
djstrauss281
Posts: 905
djstrauss281
   Old Thread  #10 29 Mar 2026 at 1.30pm  0  Login    Register
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.
LEEBOB
Posts: 397
LEEBOB
   Old Thread  #9 29 Mar 2026 at 1.29pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #6
1st thing I bought after was a stabiliser 👍
Belch
Posts: 4561
Belch
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #8 29 Mar 2026 at 12.55pm  1  Login    Register
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 . . .
djstrauss281
Posts: 905
djstrauss281
   Old Thread  #7 29 Mar 2026 at 12.47pm  1  Login    Register
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
stuart666
Posts: 4753
stuart666
   Old Thread  #6 29 Mar 2026 at 12.41pm  0  Login    Register
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.
LEEBOB
Posts: 397
LEEBOB
   Old Thread  #5 29 Mar 2026 at 11.47am  0  Login    Register
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
djstrauss281
Posts: 905
djstrauss281
   Old Thread  #4 16 Mar 2026 at 5.58pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #3
Cheers man I ended up buying the XL version. Was on sale on fishdeal so figured why not
Carper1976
Posts: 280
   Old Thread  #3 16 Mar 2026 at 5.45pm  1  Login    Register
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.
The_Andyman
Posts: 11270
The_Andyman
   Old Thread  #2 16 Mar 2026 at 1.57pm  2  Login    Register
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/
djstrauss281
Posts: 905
djstrauss281
   Old Thread  #1 16 Mar 2026 at 1.01pm  0  Login    Register
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

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