Sorry I've been NORDO on the net for about 10 days due to a project on my own bird.
I am AEROPOD, and our pod is a copy of a Cessna pod with a few improvements. Our doors are the same size as Cessna's but the side door is removable and the aft door only has a hinge at the aft edge (opens inward) rather than 2 hinges like the Cessna pod. We gelcoat the inside as well to keep fiberglass from rubbing off and getting in your gear. We also include 2 cargo barriers for those days when you aren't running around full so you can keep the load where you want it.
It doesn't have a top like Aerocet's , but in my experience on my plane and my dad's flying full of camping gear all over I've never noticed exhaust smell, oil, or gas in my gear. I think that if you take the time to fit it well on the initial installation, you won't have these problems.
You're right, it is "big and chunky", but I load it up with a bunch of stuff and don't think about it. Then again, I like the look.
The Firmin pod is similar in footprint, but about 2/3 as deep if I remember right from the last time I saw one. I also think it lacked the internal ribs like my pod and the Cessna pod. Last I heard it wasn't currently being produced but that info is probably worth what you paid for it. Search on BCP and I remember a 180 driver in the northeast had one installed and a few pics of it.
I won't tell you that my pod is the best and Aerocet's isn't. They are very well suited to very different missions. If you want to carry as much stuff as possible, then yes, I believe my pod is best. If you want as much flexibility with CG as possible, I believe my pod is best. If you want as little speed loss as possible, you probably want Aerocet's. If you want a pod on floats, my gut feeling is you want Aerocet's, but there is an argument both ways on that one (my pod isn't approved on floats for an "F" model). Point is, honestly evaluate what you want from a pod.
Give me a call and I'm happy to chat about it. If I missed any questions let me know and I'll try to fill in the blanks.
You can find pics of my stuff on facebook or instagram, just look for AEROPOD INC.
We are about to start another pod in the mold next week, so hopefully I'll have some pics of that to share.
Tony Lopez
720-220-8969