Chicken Hawk Racing Digital Pro-Line Tire Warmers | SR Tested Product Review

After being impressed with Chicken Hawk Racing's Pole Position 3 Temperature model tire warmers during our 2012 literbike comparison ("Superbike Slugfest," Sep. '12), we were delighted to take delivery of the company's top-tier tire warmer, the Digital Pro- Line model. Featuring a digital display module with solid- state microprocessor circuitry, the Digital Pro-Line tire warmer allows numerous advantages over conventional units. These include a backlit LCD info panel, multiple temperature set points that can be adjusted with the push of a button (up to 225 degrees F, can also be switched to Celsius readout), actual tire temp and target tire temp both displayed simultaneously, a running time counter showing how long the warmer has been in use, and both a "Normal Heat Up" and a "Heat Soak" mode (which allows slower warmup for soft compound rubber such as rain tires, and maintenance of lower temperatures for extended periods between sessions).

A quick disconnect power coupling is used, and like the other latest Chicken Hawk Racing tire warmers, a neoprene side panel on each side helps insulate the tire and wheel from wind. The Digital Pro-Line warmers also come with a new hard carrying case that features more internal volume and stronger latches.

Initially we liked all the features of the Digital Pro-Line warmers—but that soon faded as we used them more. Tire warmers are a frequent-use item; you’re constantly—and often hastily—taking them on and off, and we disliked the fact that the Digital Pro-Line warmers need to be turned on manually (something you could easily overlook) every time you plug them in. The display modules were beginning to take a beating, and one of the Pro-Line warmers in use with our sister publication Motorcyclist even quit functioning and had to be returned for repairs.

If you have a mechanic to fettle your bike at the track—someone who can carefully make use of all tools at their disposal—then the Digital Pro-Line might be money well spent. Otherwise, we think you’re better off with one of the lesser models (such as the aforementioned Pole Position 3 Temperature version) in Chicken Hawk Racing’s lineup.

Details
Chicken Hawk Racing
Retail price: $649.00
www.chickenhawkracing.com