Garmin subscription (Connect+), anyone else annoyed?

[Marbles]

For the Garmin watch users on here, any of you annoyed with the offering of the new subscription service?

It makes me think Garmins may soon not be worth the price (especially given the cost of the Fenix 8) and that perhaps in a few years I should look at Suunto instead.

I enjoy the Garmin badges, as stupid as that is, but something about paying to have access to more of them undermines whatever it is that makes them motivate me at times.

Thus far, Garmin's training recommendations and analytics have been worse than worthless, so I have little hope the subscription will provide true value. There is a reason I subscribe to Training Peaks and adapt Evoke Endurance training plans to fit my needs.

 

[RoaminTexan]

I’ve had my Garmin watch for almost 2 years now, but just recently started looking at the different challenges you could sign up for/compete in. The one I wanted to sign up for had the subscription fee…no thanks. I was annoyed for a few seconds but totally forgot about it til I saw this post haha

I’m sure there’s quite a few people out there that really care about getting as many badges as possible. One more way for Garmin to make some money I guess.

 

[BBob]

I don't think it's for serious users but more for the connected social media types that like that kind of stuff. Full featured Strava users come to mind and probably the same market? Maybe it'll help keep that segment motivated doing "fun" things and make Garmin money. Serious users will use other platforms. I use Training Peaks as well along with other software. I just use Connect to do my data transfer, to save courses and some canned workouts like warmup routines. It (Connect) does break down workout metrics pretty well but I generally use other software for that. Same goes for Strava, I use it but just the basic free version. It's the only social media I use and only to keep up with and in touch with past racing friends and not for any premium features I get elsewhere.

Oh, as to Garmin Coach and training suggestions. Any training will get you fitter, it may not be optimal training but for the masses I'll bet it does just fine and better than not following any sort of plan.

 

[DakotaBPNW]

Go Coros and never look back.

 

[Predator_SD]

Subscription service for ANYTHING annoys the hell out of me. I don’t even watch baseball anymore because i refuse to pay for a subscription for one stinking service just to see baseball games. And i freaking love baseball!

 

[Mikedlaw]

As of right now, no I'm not annoyed. Everything in Connect + seems to be new features and they haven't removed any features to put behind a paywall. If they do that I'll be annoyed. I don't use or pay attention the badges or challenges at all...