Garmin CEO states that Bounce and 8 Pro buyers inevitably get the LTE Plan, so why not bundle it?
Garmin’s CEO has confirmed what many suspected. It fully expects anyone buying the LTE-enabled Fenix 8 Pro and Bounce 2 to sign up for the inReach 4G LTE plan.
…anyone that buys those products is probably going to sign up for the additional services…that’s exactly what we’re seeing…look at Bounce, for example, it’s not just a watch for kids. It’s a way for parents to monitor their kids and to communicate with them..when you buy that product, you will absolutely sign up for the service that goes along with it. [Pemble, CEO]
Analysis: Fenix 8 Pro only had one job: add 4G LTE and satellite connectivity to the non-Pro model. It did that and then bagged the new features that leveraged the new connectivity. Bounce already had 4G LTE connectivity in its predecessor; it boosted its connected capabilities, adding services like Amazon Music and two-way calling. Garmin’s CEO confirms what we knew: there was virtually no point in buying the 8 Pro model if you didn’t also get the LTE and inReach (satellite) package to go with it. Bounce 2 had similar intents, making minor additions elsewhere, like with a larger display. Again, parents buy Boune primarily to stay in contact with their kids, which only works effectively with an LTE plan.
The effective price of Fenix 8 Pro is even higher than advertised. The CEO knows it.
Take Out
Garmin’s CEO is transparent: the premium attached to Fenix 8 Pro and Bounce 2 models is engineered to be worthless without the recurring monthly LTE/inReach plan. The current business model prioritises highly profitable, predictable subscription revenue over a simpler, all-in-one purchase for the consumer. While this gives a slight ‘out’ to avoid the monthly cost, it ultimately creates a much higher effective price for the buyer who wants the unique, connected features of the watch.
For the complete Garmin Fenix series guide, covering all current models, history and buying advice: Garmin Fenix hub.
For model comparisons, upgrade advice and the inReach subscription reality: Garmin Fenix 8 buying guide.
Last Updated on 3 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin with any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafing stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable arches, perfect position. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Health, recovery and sleep
- Kineon MOVE+: Red and infrared light for sore knees, Achilles and other joints after hard training. I use it.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet. Occasional use.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors. I use it.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used. Occasional use.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions. I use both.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Ravemen FR1000: The light and the computer mount in one unit, so nothing else goes on the bars. Better than mine.
- Ravemen FR1500SE: 1,500 lumens hanging under your Garmin, for proper night rides.
- Ravemen FR1100SE: 1,100 lumens under your Garmin, and up to 46 hours on slow flash.
- Ravemen FR500: A brighter FR300 with the same mount.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home via Starling. I use it.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
