If you like the CW-80 you would like the K-Line Power Chief better. Kind of an improved CW-80. I think the issue many had, was the early versions had reversed the common hence could not correctly be phased with other transformers unless you were ok with reverse whistle/bell button. AND
Safer is a misnomer, because early ones where less reliable when the glass fuse inside opened. Leading to an unrepairable transformer, unless you were willing to open the tamper proof screws, which on some occasion required drilling out and breaking post.
These failed in significant numbers. I repaired plenty at the hobby shop, and others you just cut the cord and got a replacement.
So what do you want a safer but unreliable transformer, or a slightly "less safe" what ever that means, but a more reliable transformer.
Practical application of engineering also matter. The new CW are good transformers, but you need to like the momentum, like the fold back setting as is, and like the specific chopped wave form. OR you go with one of the more pure type transformers with a little more power to boot, with less of the electronic effects.
Your choice. Every transformer has some advantages and disadvantages. Certainly selection of words in describing these transformers matter.
The K-line had all the good features of the CW-80 with out all the electronic effects, more power, on off switch, no fan. But they had some reliability issues too. Usually simply a feed back resistor solder joint broken, or cold solder joint on Throttle pot. Once fixed they ran like champs. G
