Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch

So quick update on my own ticker, been through a ton of tests, concluding with ct-scan of my heart today. Every thing checks out perfect, minus a 'left superior vena cava' which is just an orientation deal. So the Cardiologist believes I'm just a little sensitive to catecholamines, causing the pvc's. Solution, low dose beta blockers for a saftey net and a heart rate monitor so I can keep an eye on it.

So I'm looking for a watch with an HR monitor, I don't want to have to wear a strap all the time, so strapless. I'd also like altitude and a compass to help me when I'm in the backcountry. Suunto makes sweet ones, with everything, but as far as I can tell they all require a chest strap. So anyone use one, some good ski features would be a plus but not necessary. Oh, and I'd like it to look good too. Thanks.

About 2 years ago I saw one in the Sharper Image catalog. It worked off of the wrist pulse, I guess. I haven't heard of another one since.

blows my mind that they all aren't strapless. never seen one on the market though. i have a suunto X3 - SAC for $85 a couple of weeks ago.

The ones that work off the wrist pulse tend to be alot less accurate than the chest strap monitors,basically they are worthless when compared to the others. Wearing the Chest strap monitor is really no big deal.

I'm goin out on a limb here....you don't need a monitor.
Get over it..

I've never seen a strapless heart rate monitor watch but that would be really cool if there was one that worked.

I've got one of these http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner305/ for running and biking, it's pretty sweet but maybe not exactly what you're looking for. I've also got a Suunto for skiing but not the one with the HR monitor. One of the best things about the Suunto is the log book feature, I've got a few heli-ski days saved in there that bring back some good memories.

How's that forerunner work for you, cannonball? I was thinking of getting one myself, but I've read plenty of bad reviews about GPS accuracy being really bad, especially in elevation....

As far as strapless HR monitors - as previously said, they are extremely inaccurate and can have extreme fluctuations over a small period of time. Get a strap-HR-monitor! I've had one for years now, I swim with it, I run with it, I mountainbike and climb with it. It's rock solid.

Bernardo