I'm trying to find a physical globe of a high map quality that doesn't have any axis or bearings as the axis mounted on standard desk globes completely obscures the arctic regions.
High-quality map globes seem to be available but repeated searches failed me to find a globe model of a decent size (say 12'' and up) with an Atlas quality map and without axis, so that one can view the earth from any angle and the arctic regions are fully mapped and easily visible. Do you know whether/where such a product exists?
Edit: Magnetic globes won't do, as they are too small and the one example from an answer also obscures the polar regions through its magnets.
What I'd really like is a complete sphere without any knobs or visible seams (I don't mind seams if they are well covered) that can be placed in a holder. Inflatable globes seem quite OK, but their map-quality is very low as far as I could find.
Hmmm … it seems these would go in the right direction (as far as I can trust the images): http://www.worldglobeu.com/movaglobes — but they only go up to 8,5'' the maps look so-so and they are insanely expensive for the size and map-quality they offer.
This one seems to get the axis/seam thing halfway right, but the mapwork is more artistic that accurate: 
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(Note that if that globe offered an Atlas quality map it's price tag might even be acceptable at 30''.)
Best Answer
Joe Roubal makes beautiful globes that have been on my wishlist for some time. Standard size range is 18" - 30", using your data if desired (I suggest the high quality and free Natural Earth). He also sells kits through http://www.realworldglobes.com/ if you'd like to build your own. All the website examples use the stands, and thus obscure something, but I'm sure he'd be happy to make one that sits on a donut cushion instead.