For everyone that questioned it with his book, I guess he WAS plugging SPOT in his book! I just got an email stating he will be promoting it at an REI in Seattle on Saturday. Hey, its a chance to meet this guy, right? Anyway, just thought I'd share this

Yep, Costco was selling SPOT units on a big display with his picture on it.

He signed a contract. They sponsor him, he promotes their stuff. *shrugs* Despite Doug's difficulties with it, it seems like a product that works well if marketed as what it really is.

Must be nice to be a star and all that.

I'd rather folks carry a PLB.

If they won't carry a PLB ... then I'd rather they carry a SPOT.

I suspect Les feels that they are more likely to carry a SPOT than a PLB. Maybe.

Ken

I think a SPOT attracts more people because of the "I can use it not in a "OH CRAP" situation"... people are more likely to buy it because they get some usage... not something that would just sit in their pack.

Yep, I'm working my way through his "Survive!" book and so far have come across quite a few mentions of the SPOT messenger.

So now that Les is endorsing a couple of things, what's old Bear going to do?

He is already doing TV spots for some trail mix cereal.

Dont get me wrong; I have IMMENSE respect for mr. Stroud. HEll, I'd love to meet him someday. I merely mentioned it because the topic regarding him & SPOT came up previously. ME, I have neither a PL or a SPOT; going with what I have read here though, I'd like go with a PLB. BUT, most people wont read this, and go with some celebrity recommendation; at least SPOT isnt total crap; it does work, just not the same way the PLB does. Oh well, to each his own.
I caught the Bear Grylls commercial last night...ah, weak as water! I guess his show isnt doing well enough to pay his crew huh?

Todd, you hit it on the head. If I was to buy one, at this point, I'd probably go with the spot just because it is more versatile.