Pardon me asking Ken, but what is a lightning detector exactly? I mean I get the principal behind it (it obviously detects lightning)but I have honestly never heard of that. How big? how does it work? Lightning must be a real concern in your neck of the woods.

I never warmed up to the things on my zipper idea either, with the exception of a small knife (outdoor edge brand I think) which is real handy pinned to the zipper of my life vest when kayaking.