Hmmm, not to completely derail the thread, but i think I've never been influenced in getting gear as much as maybe some signature sticks. Always got what i liked the most and that one of my inspirations used a certain brand never got me hooked on that particular brand. Well maybe when i started out; all the drummers of Status Quo used Paiste and i wanted Paiste, but eventually got everything except Paiste for a while xD
Anyway, back to topic. Good for him! If i had the opportunity i'd might try out a different brand after a while too. Not the first time that an endorser plays something else and goes 'i like this more' and switches brands. I also read a lot that endorsers follow the rep when (s)he switches to another brand because of great artist relations.