Review: BFS Centron 3-Rod Pod / Centron-Hi 3-Rod Pod

Description:
This is an aluminum goal post style rod pod. It has a coated dark olive green finish. All components are adjustable with a cam lock style clip/lever.

The only difference between the two models is that the Hi Pod comes with an extra set of longer front legs. All measurements below are estimates based on a stable setup. The component terms are my own, and may be incorrect.

Components:
- Standard Legs (4) - 13" to 18" Bank sticks. These bank sticks have extended threading depth.
- Hi Pod Legs (2 - Only if Hi Pod model is purchased) - 24" to 39" Bank Sticks. These bank sticks have extended threading depth.
- Primary Horizontal Bar (1) - 28 1/4" to 46 1/2" long. This is the backbone of the rod pod. It contains connection to the legs so the legs do not have to be removed for storage. They simply need to be loosened and tucked up to the bar.
- Goal Posts Sliders (2) - These hold the goal posts. They can be adjusted anywhere on the Primary Horizontal Bar.
- Goal Posts (4 - Stubby Bank Sticks) - 8 1/2" to 13". These do not have points and can not be used as standalone bank sticks.
- Buzbar (2) - 25 3/8" wide. Have three connections for alarms or back rests. The distance between the seats are 12 2/8". The connections have an aluminum nut that allows you to fix alarms and back rests tightly.
- Bag (1) - Contains enough room for the pod, the extra set of legs and the buzbars with alarms on them. The bag has elastic straps inside to hold the banksticks. It has a shoulder strap.

Overall Dimensions:
- Length (from the center of the Buzbar to the center of the other Buzbar) - 24 1/2" to 43 1/2"
- Height (Standard Legs - From the ground to the top of the Buzbar connections) - 16" to 25 1/2"
- Height (Hi Pod Legs - from the ground to the top of the Buzbar connections) - 23 1/2" to 42"
- Overall length depends on how the legs are angeled.
- Weight (with bag and extra set of legs) - 7 pounds

The Good:
After one use of the pod I am thrilled. It is extremely stable. I managed to forget to set the baitrunner on one of my reels and got a nice run, this pod never moved even though my rod was trying it's best to go in the water. It has tight connections and is fully adjustable. I doubt I will use the longer legs very often, but they are nice to have. I can set it up in approximately 4 to 5 minutes (I imagine faster when I have more experience). My alarms fit snugly on the buzbar without additional washers. Its lowest height is perfect for my preference. Very good value. I do not expect any component to break unless I abuse it. I did e-mail John at BFS and asked if he sold parts to this pod, and he confirmed that he did.

The Bad:
I really don't have anything bad to say about this pod. It does weight 7 pounds, but that is the price for stability.

The Ugly:
Nothing ugly about this pod. I might prefer it to be dark grey, but the dark olive green looks nice.

Other Thought:
If you have soft ground, I do not see any reason why you could not use the bank sticks and buzbars by themselves. This of course would not be as stable, but I could see the use.

+1. I like mine a lot too.

I like the pod, but 1 complaint.

When you have the long legs attached, the legs stick out further than the buzz bars. This caused me to snap the leg of the pod I was using at Fork the other week. I wasn't paying attention and I caught it with my toe. Fixable, but a problem at the time.

yup, I love my centron, hard to beat for the $

$89.50 at Scorpion tackle and in stock! Great deal...

I seen this pod in action. We were fishing in some high winds at some points and it didn't budge an inch. Seems like a great pod for the money.

Been on fork with ice storms and heavy winds and they do fine.