Discussion: heartrate monitors

Does anyone know about heartrate monitors? I've been wanting one, but didn't know much about them. Lacking time to shop, I decided to take a chance on a $60 monitor I found in a Speedo shop - the brand is Speedo. It requires a chest strap. I tried it out, following directions (wetting the grooved rubber that rests against my chest, wearing it directly on my skin, keeping the receiver within a meter of the emitter) - but found that it kept skipping beats, maybe every 10th beat. I only tested it while I was at rest. The directions said to strap it "below the chest muscle" - I assume they mean pecs - I put it just beneath my breasts, which is where they do it at my gym. Any advice? I don't mind the chest strap - if only it would work.

Polar (www.polar.fi). Accept no imitations.

I second that one, they have a few inexpensive models. also you might try to get new batteries for your speedo...its possible that the batteries it came with weren't fresh. my HRM (polar coach) starts giving wierd readings when its almost time to get them replaced. I feel naked running without my chest strap!

Thanks guys. I returned the Speedo. It took me a while but I got my Polar today and it's SO much better!