Are there any strapless heart rate monitors out there that actually work?

[Cassie18]

I saw a few threads related to this but they're all at least 2 years old from what I've found. I'm looking for a heart rate monitor watch that works without the use of a strap because I would like to be able to keep records of resting and active heart rates in order to monitor progress. Yes I could check my heart rate myself during resting periods but if I have something on my wrist to remind me I feel I'd be more motivated to keep track. A continuous monitor would be great but it's not absolutely necessary. As long as it's not like some Timex that apparently requires up to 30 seconds of contact with your finger to read. If anyone has recommendations for accurate and relatively durable strapless heart rate monitors I would greatly appreciate it. And I would prefer one under $60 but if they simply don't exist opinions on more expensive products would be great as well so I can save up Thanks to anyone who can help!

[CropDusterMan]

Cassie, I am a big fan of "Polar" HR monitors, having used them for over 20 years, back when they were bigger, to the modern sleek designs. I am unaware
of any strapless ones that would be worth a darn, but I can say that the Polar ones straps are actually pretty comfortable, and I have often slept with mine
on in order to capture records of true resting heart rates. Make sure that you get a model that had target zones you can set-can be very useful when using
it to train in specific zones...some now can also be downloaded into a computer to keep records. The womens models look nice too, not exactly like a
Cartier watch, but not bad. Hope my opinion helps.

[KJ4GR]

I have a 6 year old polar that has the soft strap and I have worn it to bed/24 hours a day on multiple ocasions when I was running 40-50 miles a week. The soft strap version never seemed to bother me much. I didn't seem to gain that much info from the 24hr monitoring. It seemed to help me out the most when I just used it to set my pace with my heartbeat (target zones) like Crop said.

[Cassie18]

Yea the polar hr monitors are definitely impressive and if an effective strapless one doesn't exist that's probably what I'll get. Though I've been reading about the Mio alpha strapless continuous monitor and it looks pretty good too definitely something I'd have to safe up for though. Any opinions on the Mio alphas effectiveness and accuracy?

[daniel327]

Yea the polar hr monitors are definitely impressive and if an effective strapless one doesn't exist that's probably what I'll get. Though I've been reading about the Mio alpha strapless continuous monitor and it looks pretty good too definitely something I'd have to safe up for though. Any opinions on the Mio alphas effectiveness and accuracy?

The Mio uses pulse oximetry, which is a proven technology used in the medical profession. However, it monitors your pulse, which may not be the same as your heart rate.

[CropDusterMan]

Personally, I'd stick with Polar...they have been around forever, and mine have never let me down...

[Cassie18]

I have a 6 year old polar that has the soft strap and I have worn it to bed/24 hours a day on multiple ocasions when I was running 40-50 miles a week. The soft strap version never seemed to bother me much. I didn't seem to gain that much info from the 24hr monitoring. It seemed to help me out the most when I just used it to set my pace with my heartbeat (target zones) like Crop said.

What's the model number for yours?

[KJ4GR]

What's the model number for yours?

Polar F11

http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Heart-Mo...pr_product_top