What brand is Black Hawk
Sikorsky BLACK HAWK is a medium lift helicopter with multi-role versatile range of missions like air assault, medevac, csar, command and control, vip
The BLACK HAWK multirole helicopter serves with the U.S. military and the armed forces of 34 other countries worldwide as a tough, reliable utility helicopter.
During the last 40 years, this remarkable aircraft has fought its way in and out of countless combat zones to deliver and extract troops, save lives as a MEDEVAC or casualty evacuation platform, provide critical supplies to troops, deliver emergency supplies during natural disasters, and perform as an aerial firefighter and border patroller.
Now the modern variant of this utility aircraft is taking on a new mission set as an Armed Helicopter to provide fire suppression when supporting ground troops, as well as armed escort. With digital avionics, powerful GE engines, high strength airframe structures and composite wide chord rotor blades, todays BLACK HAWK platform has better survivability and situational awareness, and can fly higher and carry more than its predecessors ever did.
More than 4,000 BLACK HAWK aircraft of all types are in service worldwide today. The U.S. Army is the largest operator with 2,135 H-60 designated aircraft. The same aircraft sold internationally direct from Sikorsky acquires the S-70 designation.
Black Hawk Dog Food Review
Black Hawk Dog Food Review
As Aussies we love to buy Australian products. We also want the best for our dogs on a sensible budget, without breaking the bank.
Is that you?
I find Black Hawk dog food hits that sweet spot, being better than many, and more affordable than others. Its also made in Australia using ingredients sourced locally.
Caveat is, since the brand was taken over by New Zealand company Masterpet many moons ago, some Aussie consumers have had some negative stuff to say. But should you be concerned? More on this later
Related: Comparable brands can be found on the affordable dog foods page or the Aussie dog foods page, so it may be worth checking those out as well.
Where to buy Black Hawk Dog Food
Black Hawk Dog Food Review
What the marketing says
It seems Black Hawk Pet Care topped the charts for best-rated dog food in Australia 2021-2022 on Canstar Blue, with pet owners who took part in the survey rating it highly for overall satisfaction and value for money.
Black Hawk came second in the pet enjoyment category to Eukanuba, which also pipped the post for variety / range along with Hills Prescription Diet.
You may choose to buy Black Hawk for your dog based on such glowing stats, but what do the ingredients really say about this dog food and how appropriate it is for your dog?
And whats the negative stuff I keep hearing from consumers? Lets dig a little deeper!
What the ingredients really say?
Im always skeptical of surveys. Most of the time they dont offer a professional or knowledgeable insight into a product.
People can feed their dogs utter rubbish, and in the years before it starts taking a real toll on the health of their pets they will rave about the food and think its wonderful because their dog eats it enthusiastically.
Kids eat sweets enthusiastically! Does that make them nutritious and healthy?
Should you feed you kids lollies every day for breakfast, lunch, and tea, based on the metric kid enjoyment?
Nope, probably not!
Thankfully the ingredients in all the Black Hawk dog foods are pretty good, which is a much better metric for deciding if a dog food is right for your dog!
I find the Adult Lamb & Rice formula the best in terms of protein (25%) and fat (17%), which also means its the lowest carbohydrate formula in the Adult range thats a good thing, as your dog will benefit more from proteins and fat, especially those from animal ingredients.
Looking at the list of ingredients it would seem there are five main ingredients. By main I mean each one will be 10%+ of the formula, likely more. These are lamb meal, chicken meal, fish meal, ground rice, and oats. Possibly in equal amounts.
A meal is a pre-cooked version of a meat ingredient which comes as a powder. The upside is its protein dense, which assures us the protein in the food comes from meats (big tick), but on the flipside theres some negativity about quality (which really depends more on the meat quality) and the fact its cooked multiple times to create those nuggets we call biscuits.
When it comes to dog foods, if you want assurances on meat quality, then youre limited to premium raw or fresh diets which use human grade meats, rather than pet grade in kibbles.
A little sidetrack do you know why Americans call kibble kibble and Australians call them biscuits? I dont know the answer, but I suspect biscuits is the better marketing term as it sounds more appealing to us!
Back on track, its good to see three meat ingredients, and rice and oats are decent grains in moderation. Many dog owners are against grains, but usually the real issue is missed i.e. a dog food not having much meat, being mostly a cheap grain OR a load of potato or tapioca.
Grain free formulas tend to have better ingredients, which is also a reflection of their higher price tag.
Fish meal is a little ambiguous, and it would be better to see a named fish like salmon. But thats really my only quibble with the main ingredients.
When you consider Black Hawk dog food comes at an affordable price, especially in the big 20kg bags, the ingredients are still really good. Even the smaller less significant ingredients are decent, with a range of veggies, oils (canola, fish, and emu oil), plus chondroitin and glucosamine for joint support.
These are the reasons you should buy Black Hawk dog food, especially if youre currently feeding one of the many dog foods full of wheat and cereal grains. If thats you, consider Black Hawk an upgrade!
Grain or grain-free? Does it matter?
Theres a decent variety in the Black Hawk range, including grain-based, grain-free, and formulas for puppies, senior dogs, large breeds, and also a really good working dog formula which I find far better than others in that category.
Although I focus on a grain formula in this review, consider the grain-free formulas a little better in terms of ingredients, but a little pricier as well.
Grains in moderation can provide nutritional benefits for dogs, especially decent grains like the rice and oats in Black Hawk formulas, and the added benefit is a lower price for these formulas.
If youre struggling to decide whether to go grain or grain-free, then I have an easy solution rotate between formulas!
What consumers say about Black Hawk dog food
When I review a dog food I aim to be pragmatic and focus the review on what the ingredients and analysis really say about the product, and tell you what the manufacturers and retailers dont want you to know.
Secondary to that, I receive a great deal of feedback from Australian pet owners on how theyve found a product.
With Black Hawk theres been some negativity, and I feel I must mention that to make this review complete.
Over the years Ive seen many consumer reports of gas and indigestion from dogs fed Black Hawk dog foods. Ive also seen many positive reports, which suggests only a few have had this smelly problem.
If you want to read more on those reports, then the comments section below is a great source of feedback from other dog owners.
If you decide to feed your dog Black Hawk, and your dog seems to get a lot of wind or belly ache, then my advice would be swapping to a different brand these ones are in a similar price bracket.
Do you already feed Black Hawk to your dogs? Let me know your experiences in the comments!
Found this review helpful? If it has, please take the time to share it, leave a comment, or spread the word about how wonderful Pet Food Reviews is as a resource. Thank you!
Black Hawk Products (Original)
The Black Hawk dog food products covered by this review:
If grains arent your thing, heres the review of the Black Hawk Grain Free formulas.
Black Hawk Dog Food Review Summary
Feeding a dog, for many, can be expensive. In truth the real cost can be from feeding many of the terrible quality foods which eventually lead to huge vet bills and heartbreak.
Hopefully Black Hawk dog food offers many a somewhat affordable base diet which can always be supplemented with fresh meats, offal, and species appropriate bones to really boost overall health.
Black Hawk isnt the best dog food reviewed on this website, but its still better than many.
Black Hawk Ingredients
The ingredients of Black Hawk Original Adult Chicken & Rice dry dog food:
Chicken Meal, Ground Rice, Oats, Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols [source of Vitamin E], Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract), Field Peas, Beet pulp, Kelp, Canola Oil, Salt, Essential Vitamins & Minerals, Natural Antioxidants, Emu Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Tomato Powder, Carrots, Dried Blueberries, Dandelion, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cranberries.
Black Hawk Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of Black Hawk Original Adult Chicken & Rice dry dog food:
Protein | 25% |
Fat | 17% |
Crude Fibre | 4.5% |
Carbohydrates | Estimated 38% |
Black Hawk dog food recalls
There are no known Black Hawk dog food recalls at the current time.
Previous Black Hawk dog food recalls:
- January 2020 Various Black Hawk dog food formulas recalled due to mould. Voluntary recall. Affected formulas: Black Hawk Adult Chicken and Rice (3kg, 10kg and 20kg), Black Hawk Adult Lamb and Rice (3kg and 20kg), Black Hawk Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice (20kg only) and Black Hawk Puppy Large Breed Chicken and Rice (20kg only).
PROS
- Decent protein and fat content from meats
- Well selected grains (oats are a good choice)
Blackhawk Tires Review: Are They Any Good for You?
Many drivers I know choose to stay away from pocket-friendly tires. They are of the opinion that quality and price often go hand in hand. As such, if any tire manufacturer is offering its products at a low cost, a few compromises must have been made.
Blackhawk Tires show that that isnt always the case. Sure, this brands tires attract potential customers with a below-average price tag. But its their durability and performance that have helped Blackhawk tires create a market share in 150+ countries.
Despite their popularity overseas, many in the US have never heard of Blackhawk Tires. That makes perfect sense. A combination of recent origins (Blackhawk was only founded in 2022) and a few tire families have kept its name under wraps.
However, the fact that youre here reading this suggests Blackhawk is finally getting the attention it deserves stateside. But does this brand has what it takes to take on the big players? To get an answer to this question, read this guide to the end.
Blackhawk Tires Review
Here are the best Blackhawk tires currently on the market:
#1. Blackhawk Hiscend-H HT01 Best Tire for SUVs
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
The Hiscend HT01 perfectly captures what Blackhawk tires are all about.
This all-terrain tire displays amazing grip and traction at a price that is impossible to beat. Additionally, it offers a quiet and comfortable ride at higher speeds. You can thus push this light truck tire to its limits while still enjoying a refined ride.
A 60,000-mile treadwear warranty further distinguishes this tire from others in the same price bracket, most of which come with no backing whatsoever. Throw its pocket-friendly price into the mix, and it gets easier to see why the HT01 is one of Blackhawks best-sellers.
Pros
- Backed by a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty
- Offers a quiet and comfortable ride
- Delivers superb grip in dry, wet, and light wintry conditions
Cons
- Not the quickest to react to steering inputs
#2. Blackhawk Hiscend-H HA11 Best All-Terrain Tire for SUVs
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
The Hiscend-H HA11 is an excellent option for those searching for pocket-friendly all-terrain tires.
Thanks to an aggressive tread pattern, this model offers superb traction across various off-road surfaces. A self-cleaning tread ensures almost automatic ejection of roadside debris from within the tread. As such, the risk of stones drilling into the tread area and causing damage remains slim.
Multiple rim protectors shield the wheel from curb damage, whereas a strong sidewall structure minimizes the risks of cuts, chips, and punctures. The sidewalls sturdiness helps this tire in another way it helps the tire maintain its optimal shape under heavy load and driving pressure.
Yet theres one area where this model disappoints. Unlike premium all-terrain tires, it doesnt come with a mileage guarantee. This might prove to be a deal-breaker if you want some kind of assurance that it will outlast the rated tread life.
Pros
- Amazing grip and traction across various off-road scenarios
- Self-cleaning tread eliminates roadside debris from its footprint
- Strong sidewall structure minimizes the risk of punctures
Cons
- Doesnt come with a treadwear warranty
#3. Blackhawk BAR 26 Best Tire for Commercial Vehicles
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
Tires designed for commercial vehicles mostly cost an arm and a leg. But they justify the amount mentioned on the price tag with dependable year-round performance, the ability to carry extreme amounts of loads, and superior stability on the road.
The Blackhawk BAR 26 does the same.
While its asking price may end up blowing a hole in your pocket, in exchange, youd get amazing traction across different weather conditions, improved strength and durability, and an almost negligible risk of hydroplaning.
Best of all, this models two shoulder ribs are wider than the ones in the center. A wide footprint enables them to shield the tire from cuts, abrasion, and curb damage.
Pros
- Offers high traction and grip
- Minimal risk of aquaplaning
- Flat footprint promotes regular wear
Cons
- Asking price may blow a hole in your pocket
#4. Blackhawk BDR 77 Best Tire for Drive Axle
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
The Blackhawk BDR 77 is another tire that will improve your commercial vehicles stability.
An open-shoulder tread design (a common sight on premium commercial vehicle tires) gives this models dry, wet, and light wintry traction a boost. Additionally, it facilitates quick dissipation of water particles for a sure-footed driving experience in the rain.
A close inspection of this tire will reveal a deeper-than-usual tread as well as staggered block placement. Both mean good news in the sense that they promote even wear across the tread area. Plus, the tread design keeps the footprint clean by eliminating stuck debris.
To further sweeten the deal, this model comes in load ranges G and H. You can thus count on it to handle extreme amounts of load without any deformation.
Pros
- Reduced risk of premature deformation
- Available in load ranges G and H
- Boosts self-cleaning capability
#5. Blackhawk Street-H HH11 Best for Street Racing
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
The Street-H HH11 is one of Blackhawks best tires for street racing.
Small wonder, then, that it has many of the attributes you expect from top tires in this class, including an eye-catching tread design, huge amounts of cornering at eye-watering speeds, and the ability to wear evenly across the course of its rated tread life.
However, the tread design isnt just there to steal looks. Its main job (which it performs to perfection) is improving this tires straight-line stability. Dont know what that means? Well, it means that the HH01 wont require consistent course corrections from the steering wheel.
Another thing we like about these tires is that they are very well made for the price. As such, expect to get thousands of miles out of these before ordering the replacement set.
Pros
- Provides superb traction at higher speeds
- Very good grip in the corners
- Higher than expected tread life
Cons
- Fails to offer the most comfortable ride
#6. Blackhawk BTR 55ST Best for Trailers
Don't know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
The Blackhawk BTR 55ST is one of the best budget tires for trailers.
This model can tow and haul heavy loads thanks to an all-steel construction that keeps its tread intact regardless of the amount of weight youre putting on it. Provided you can keep its air pressure inflated to the recommended level, the risk of tire failure will remain slim.
Throw its asymmetric tread pattern and four water-draining grooves into the mix, and theres no reason why this tire wont remain useful on wet roads, a risk all too visible with other cheap trailer tires.
Bear in mind, though, that this tire isnt designed to be used on the drive axle. All BTR 55ST tires are only manufactured and approved to be used on the trailer axle.
Pros
- Offers superb grip on wet surfaces
- Provides superior control over the towing vehicle
- Multiple grooves minimize the risk of aquaplaning
Cons
- Cannot be used on the drive axle
Blackhawk Tires Buying Guide
What is there to like about Blackhawk tires? What is it that distinguishes these tires from the chasing pack? Are there areas where Blackhawk Tires could or should have done better? Any shortcomings that could potentially be deal-breakers? This section has all the answers.
Why Should You Buy Blackhawk Tires?
Heres why Blackhawk tires should be on your short list of tires to buy next:
Excellent Value for the Money
As noted throughout this guide, one of Blackhawk tires major selling points is that they are very affordable. Throw their above-average tread lives and decent fuel economy into the mix, and youre all but guaranteed to get an excellent value for your money.
Superb Fuel Economy
Blackhawk tires may also save you money at the pump. Thanks to their specific tread pattern, your vehicles engine wont have to expend much power to keep these tires rolling. Theres an added benefit of the low rolling resistance: lower-than-average emissions.
Long-lasting Tread Life
Blackhawk tires are built to last a long time, with their treadwear warranties attesting to that. Almost all of this brands all-season tires for passenger cars come with a 50,000-mile guarantee. That points to almost 4 years of road life, which is beyond superb for the price.
Why Should You Not Buy Blackhawk Tires?
Heres why Blackhawk tires may not be suitable for you:
Limited Availability
One of the major turn offs of these tires is that they arent available everywhere. While there are some stores in the South that sell them, if you live on the West Coast, it might be difficult to locate a tire shop which keeps Blackhawk tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Blackhawk tires?
Blackhawk tires are made by Sailun Tire Group, which also makes Sailun, RoadX, Rovelo, and Maxam branded tires
Where are Blackhawk tires made?
Blackhawk tires are manufactured in production facilities located across China and Taiwan. That explains why these tires are cheaper than those made in Europe and North America, though low asking prices doesnt mean that these models arent high quality.
How long do Blackhawk tires last?
You can expect Blackhawk tires to last many years before needing replacement. That said, your driving style, road conditions, and the weather where you drive will also play an important role in determining how long your Blackhawk tires may last.
Is Blackhawk a good brand?
Yes. Blackhawk is a respectable brand for producing quality tires on a budget.
Are Blackhawk tires noisy?
A few Blackhawk tires tend to be noisy, especially those made for trailers. However, this brands all-terrain tires designed for passenger vehicles are mostly quiet.
Are Blackhawk tires good for snow?
Were yet to come across a Blackhawk tire that carries the industry-standard symbols for severe snow performance. As such, its difficult to predict how these tires will perform on snow. If you regularly drive in harsh wintry conditions, invest in dedicated winter tires from premium brands.
Conclusion
Blackhawk tires prove that quality and price dont always go hand in hand. Despite costing less than many of their peers, these tires deliver in terms of performance, reliability, and longevity. Just dont expect them to rival their premium counterparts, and you wont be disappointed.