Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Is there such a thing as a HR Monitor without a Chest Strap?

It seems like the Garmin chest straps would become annoying after a while. Regardless of whether they are annoying or not, does anyone know of a GPS/HR monitor that functions entirely from your wrist?

As always any help is appreciated! And unless this has been answered before, it might be helpful for others as well?

Thanks!

i've looked for this as well, it doesn't seem to exist as far as i can tell.

but if you can read your pulse from your wrist, why can't a watch? (some friends pointed out that EMTs check your neck for pulse, but still).

anyway if anyone finds such a device, post the link here!!

I bought my fiance a watch (can't remember the brand) that does heart rate b/c she didn't want the chest strap but its not very accurate and you have to hold down a button for it to get the HR. It also doesn't like sweat too much when trying to read your HR. I think I got the watch at Academy Sports?

If I were using the HRM for zone training or any kind of training really, I'd go for a Polar with a chest strap.

Walmart. $ 27. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7942203 . As above poster mentioned, you need to hold your opposite hand index & middle finger against the face of the watch for 5-10 seconds to get a pulse read. Works accurately for me during workout at over 100 bpm (as long as you're adept at riding with one hand while doing this and not running into something at the same time). Had the same concern as original poster about a chest strap being uncomfortable, as it really is annoying for me on a rowing machine, but found that it's no problem at all for me on the bike.

Recommend you get a forerunner or edge with chest strap so you can upload the heart data as well. The watch above has no storage or connectivity

Happy trails

funny this comes up now. I just saw one in the latest Costco email ad. The good thing about buying it from costco is if you dont like it they will take it back.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11232936&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1

$26.99 currently

personally, it doesn't sound all that useful to me. I use a strap based one and other than an occasion false high reading caused by flapping jerseys it works great. I don't notice the strap after I've had it on for a minute or two. Sometimes I forget to take it off :)

I use one of these watches (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/search/index.jsp?sr=1&origkw=hrm+watch&kw=hrm+watch&kwCatId=&pg=1) for my marathon training. When you are stationary, it works great. When you're jogging, it can take up to 30 seconds to get a pulse or fail. For the reason of having to pull a hand away from steering, I would not recommend a watch HRM.

One watch with HR (without starp) is the MIO. It was given to me as part of the registration package when I signed up at Goodlife Fitness Club. It is not very practical for cycling since indeed you have to press down two buttons with your right hand. But it is not bad as far as accuracy is concerned. I never used iy while cycling.

I used my polar chest strap on a 30-mile training ride for the first time. I did not even notice it. In fact, I forgot I had it on and did not even check my wrist unit for a pulse reading until 10 miles into the ride.

Heart rate and pulse are different animals, a heart rate monitor is sensing the beat of your heart, depending on where the watch is measuring your pulse, the rate can be different (weak pulse can miss a beat or two) hence the reason for the chest strap.

Joe

chest straps would become annoying after a while.
Thanks!



Chest strap does not bother me at all. I believe it serves it's purpose well, listening to accurate heart beat and displaying them. You won't even notice if it is strapped on your chest IMO.