I am asking my DH for a spinning wheel for Xmas. There are so many out there so I need to give him some suggestions to send him in the right direction. So, does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions on good spinning wheels?
Ang,
Each wheel is different and has it’s own ‘magic’ about it.
I have 4 wheels (2 antique and 2 modern). Both the modern wheels are Ashford. I don’t have experience with other big name wheels.
Between the Ashford Traditional (ST, SD) and the Ashford Traveler (DT, DD), I prefer the Traveler. It is more adaptable.
With the Traveler double treadle (DT), double drive (DD), I have the option of hooking up the brake band and having a single drive (SD) with scotch or irish tension.
I have multiple whorls so I can adjust my flyer/bobbin speeds to what I want to spin. There is the optional jumbo flyer kit for plying and making large, funky yarns.
Ashfords have been around for a long time. It’s easy to get spare parts (even for my 70’s era Traddy) Bobbins are usually interchangable.
I also recommend Ashford. I’ve spun on several different kinds, but only own the Ashford Traditional. It’s easy to learn on, has several different accessories so the wheel can grow with your experience. It’s an all around good basic wheel for new spinners. Hope this helps.
Everyone always says to try wheels before you decide what to buy – but I didn’t have the opportunity to do that. So many spinners had spoken highly of Fricke wheels and they are soooo affordable for what you get, I just went for it. I have a Fricke S-160-DT and while it’s not the most gorgeous thing in the world, I 
it. I knew zip about wheel spinning – I had only touched a wheel once (I’d been spindle spinning for several months though) and within a day of getting it and putting it together I was spinning pretty confidently. Its footprint is small, and I can’t imagine the fuss of a traditional orifice after using a delta orifice – so easy. 
I am going to a Fiber Fest this weekend so I am going to definitely try some out. I will also make sure to look at the ones you all recommended. Thanks so much for the suggestions. 
I hope they have a great selection for you!
Kromski & Louet are great names in wheels also.
Since you’ll be able to try some out, try to test spin on a double band drive & single band drive (with brake tension). Also a single and double treadle.
Have fun!
Well, I went to the Fiber Fest and looked at a few. I have narrowed it down to the Louet Victoria, Lendrum Original and the Majacraft Rose. I am still really not sure which one I am going to choose. I like the more modern look of the wheels and their portability. I am going to do more research and hopefully get a chance to try them out again soon so I can make a final decision.
All good choices!
Were you able to test spin these??
I saw the Majacraft and Lendrum in action. I didn’t get to see the Louet Victoria. I also haven’t actually spun on them yet and I really need to go and test spin them so I can really figure out which one I like best. I want to invest in a wheel that will give the most variety in yarn weights I can spin.