Topeak has offered their Torq Stick torque wrenches in a number of variations from compact torque wrenches that fit in a jersey pocket to complete pro sets. The Topeak Torq Stick Pro Digital is the latest addition to the lineup and adds an electric torque wrench and additional accessories. As with other electric torque wrenches, there is a large price increase compared to mechanical torque wrenches with a $279.95 retail price for the Torq Stick Pro Digital. Topeak includes a plastic carrying case with 18 bits, an electric torque wrench, Speed Sleeve, Ratchet Rocket HD and even an 8 mm open wrench. All together, there are 22 functions with multiple combinations available between the accessories and a 1-20 Nm range that should cover most bicycle related tasks.
The Topeak Torq Stick Pro Digital is the ultimate torque wrench that provides audible and visual alerts when you reach your torque setting.
| Rating | 9.0/10 |
| Retail Price | $279.95 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 623 |
| Likes | + Case with internal organization including spare battery for all accessories + Stronger Ratchet Rocket HD wrench for pedal installation or stubborn bolts + Audible and vibration alerts when torque setting has been met |
| Dislikes | – Premium price – Cheap feeling plastic latches on carrying case |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The Topeak Torq Stick Pro Digital comes with a simple cardboard sleeve that slides over the case and lists all the features and specifications. Inside the carrying box you’ll find:
- Torq Stick Pro Digital torque wrench
- Ratchet Rocket HD (reversible ratchet)
- 8mm open wrench bit
- Speed Sleeve bit holder (i.e. a 2” extender)
- 3 screw driver bits: PH1, PH2, and a flat head
- 6 Torx bits: : T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 / T40
- 9 Allen bits: 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm
- One AAA battery for torque wrench
- Installation manual / calibration certificate
Everything is well organized and labeled inside the case which makes it easy to keep track of all the accessories.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Torq Stick Pro Digital comes in the same plastic case as the other Torq Stick toolsets like the Torq Stick Pro with internal slots for all the tools and accessories. The case has angled grooves cut into it to give it a more industrial look along with the same plastic latches we’ve seen with the other cases. It’s a bit disappointing to see here as the plastic latches wear out over time compared to metal latches. Once you open the box you can see you have the electric torque wrench, the heavy-duty Ratchet Rocket along with various bits and attachments. The bits are placed on the upper section with 9 bits on each side into special holders. There are nine Hex bits: 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm which should cover every common job. Topeak has also added six Torx bits: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 / T40 and three screw heads: PH1, PH2 • Flat head bits. Each bit holder can pivot inside the case for easy access and have printed labels on the holder and engraved markings on the bits for organization.
One of the new features of this set, aside from the electric torque wrench, is an 8mm open end wrench with valve tool attachment which is the first time we’ve seen it in a tool set. It’s an interesting blend between a traditional crows foot wrench and a swiveling bit. The head is a 8mm wrench with a valve tool cutout below it with a bit adapter attached on a shaft that lets it rotate 180 degrees. While you can’t do high torque bolts with this design, it’s perfect for removing valve cores or working with cable barrel adjusters.
The most exciting part of this kit is the electric torque wrench which eliminates the usual mechanical torque adjustment and mechanical torque setting gauge for buttons and a digital screen. One AAA battery is used to power the torque wrench and it slides into the base of the torque wrench by opening the bottom cover. A knurled handle and rings cut into the handle make it easy to grip and handle the torque wrench. The display is a simple design with black and white screen, with a torque display on one side and indicators on the other. There are five buttons to operate the torque wrench and a built-in backlight to make it easier to read. Topeak has designed this torque wrench to support dual direction tightening as well with a simple reverse toggle on the head. Note, be careful to not exceed the 22Nm limit as it can damage the torque wrench.
One of the other nice additions to this set is the heavy duty ratchet which is an extremely useful ratchet wrench. This is the same ratchet that Topeak sells with the Ratchet Rocket Essential HD and other tool kits. With a precise ratcheting head, reverse lever and 60Nm max limit, the ratchet can be used for pedals or anything in between. You can combine the ratchet with the bit sleeve or valve tool in various combinations to get to hard to reach areas or add additional leverage for stubborn bolts. It has been one of our favorite tools as the ratcheting head can make quick work of bottle cages or saddle mounts that can take a painful amount of time with a standard hex key.
USER INTERFACE
To operate the electric torque wrench, there are five buttons and a screen which let you set torque values and monitor it as you tighten bolts. Holding the power button turns the screen on or off while pressing it while on toggles the backlight. To adjust the torque setting you press set and then the up and down arrows to adjust the value. Holding the arrows adjusts it faster while a single press does 0.1 increments. The torque wrench also supports multiple units by pressing the unit button. Topeak has even added a screen reverse feature which moves the torque reading to the left by holding the unit button. The reverse screen feature only flips the torque reading value and not the units or icons, but it is essential if you are left handed.
Finally, the torque wrench also supports two operating modes: track mode which shows the realtime torque values or a peak mode which shows the highest detected value. You can switch between them by holding the set button and the icons on the left will adjust to show the current mode. As you approach the desired torque value, the torque wrench screen flashes red and vibrates. Once you have hit the desired torque setting, the flashes and vibrations increase making it easy to know when you approach and reach the limit. This eliminates the ambiguity of click style torque wrenches which can be difficult to tell when you’ve reached lower torque values.
USABILITY
As you may have guessed by our previous reviews, high quality tools are one of our favorites bicycle accessories. The electronic torque wrench is really the ultimate version of a torque wrench. Instead of mechanical knobs or adjustment mechanisms, the Torq Stick Pro Digital lets you set the torque value via buttons so you can set the exact torque down to 0.1 increments. The audible and visual alerts light up as you approach the torque setting and get stronger once the actual torque value is met. We found the alerts perfect for lower torque value which often result in vague clicks with mechanical click style torque wrenches. The electronic design also means you do not have to reset the torque back to the lowest setting when you store the torque wrench as you have to do with mechanical torque wrenches.
For casual cyclists, the electronic torque wrench doesn’t add that much value compared to mechanical torque wrenches. However, if you do more frequent work, the improved usability saves time and feels far more accurate. We also highly recommend the Ratchet Rocket HD as the ratcheting design is far faster than using standard hex wrenches for basic tasks like bottle cages or saddles. The thicker and larger design of the HD version of the ratchet provides more leverage for harder tasks like removing pedals.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Torq Stick Pro Digital to be an impressive torque wrench. Topeak has upgraded the existing Pro set with the stronger Ratchet Rocket HD, 8mm open wrench and an electronic torque wrench instead of a mechanical one. While the price jump is large, the electronic torque wrench makes it easier to accurately set torque values and eliminates the ambiguity of click-style torque wrenches. The back lit screen flashes red and vibrations make sure you know when you’ve hit even low torque values. We are also big fans of the Ratchet Rocket HD which is a larger and stronger version of the standard Ratchet Rocket that can make quick work of removing or installing bolts compared to standard hex wrenches. Aside from the premium price of this set, the only negative we’d highlight is the cheap plastic latches on the case. That said, if you’re looking for the ultimate torque wrench for home or shop use then the Topeak Torq Stick Pro Digital is a great option.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.