Heart rate monitor Strapless or not?

My hubby got me a nike "triaxc3" heart monitor for Christmas.  It has a strap to go around, which I have found to be a bit uncomfortable in the past ones I have had.

Does anyone have this brand?  What do you like about it?  Is it comfortable?

Do strapless ones work just as well or are the ones with straps more accurate?  If they are more accurate I will probably keep this one, if not I may return it for a more comfortable strapless kind that only goes around the wrist.

If you do have a certain "wrist" (strapless) kind you do like please make some suggestions.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Everything I've read in biking and exercising magazines and on sites suggest that the strapless kind are much less accurate and reliable.

I bought a Polar brand HRM with the fabric removeable (and washable) strap. It wasn't the entry-level model but certainly isn't the all-singing-all-dancing $400 kind, either.

From what I can tell, the Nike model you got has the non-cloth type chest strap similar to the entry-level Polars. Ditto for Timex. I didn't find it very comfortable looking, so that's why I opted for the first model up that had the fabric strap. I use it for indoor and outdoor biking and power-walking, and it's not chafing in the least, at least for me.

The strapless ones are no good. You must stop, put two fingers on the watch, and wait for it to take a reading. The ones with a strap record continuously, and so are much better.

Once you've worn the strap a few times you forget you even have it on. 

Thanks wild,

I kinda figured it just made more sense the strap would give a more accurate reading.  I just wanted to confirm to be sure.

I am gonna open it today, and try it out.  Very exciting :+) .

Take care, and thanks again! 

numetrix and polar make sports bras that have a transmitter that you snap in and sensors built right into the bra.  you can purchase a watch to go with the transmitter/bra or you can hop on an elliptical/treadmill to transmit the signal straight to the machine!

i just bought a numetrix bra with a polar watch/transmitter ($150) ...it took a little while to get used to the functions on the watch, but it's awesome that you can count your calories/exercise time/THR...it logs the data right on the watch for you!  a little pricey, but worth all the info it provides.

Original Post by jen_n_juice:

numetrix and polar make sports bras that have a transmitter that you snap in and sensors built right into the bra.  you can purchase a watch to go with the transmitter/bra or you can hop on an elliptical/treadmill to transmit the signal straight to the machine!

i just bought a numetrix bra with a polar watch/transmitter ($150) ...it took a little while to get used to the functions on the watch, but it's awesome that you can count your calories/exercise time/THR...it logs the data right on the watch for you!  a little pricey, but worth all the info it provides.

The numetrix sounds really great.  I will definitely take that into consideration down the line when I have the money.

In the meantime I have tried out my nike heart monitor.  It may take a little getting used to having the strap, but I am happy to have a more accurate reading of my bpm rather than relying on the machines.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Take care!