Choosing a Spinning Wheel for Your Fibre Arts Journey

Choosing a spinning wheel is a significant step forward for anyone interested in fibre arts. With so many options available, it might be difficult to choose whether you're new to spinning or a seasoned veteran wishing to upgrade. We'll walk you through the important aspects when selecting a spinning wheel in this detailed guide, ensuring that you make an informed decision that corresponds with your spinning aims and tastes.

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What is Spinning?

Spinning is the ancient art of transforming fibre into yarn, which is the foundation of many fibre arts. This process, utilizing a spinning wheel, allows skilled spinners to create unique and beautiful handspun yarns.

Historically, spinning was a crucial skill for housewives and artisans. Before the invention of spinning wheels, fibres were spun using a simple tool called a drop spindle. Spinning wheels revolutionized the craft, providing a more efficient way to add twist to fibres.

The spinning wheel's mechanism involves a drive band, which connects the flyer to the wheel, causing it to spin. The wheel's speed and tension are adjusted using foot pedals or a treadle. The fibres are fed onto the bobbin through hooks or orifices as the spinner's hands draft the fibre apart, adding twist to create a continuous yarn.

Handspun yarns offer distinct advantages over commercially produced options. With an expansive range of fibres and colours available, spinners can create custom yarns that suit their projects. Handspun yarns bring a sense of connection to the creative process and yield one-of-a-kind results.

How to Choose a Spinning Wheel

Choosing the right spinning wheel is essential for an enjoyable spinning journey. Spinning wheels come in a variety of types, such as single-drive, double-drive, or double-treadle wheels. Factors like the type of fibre, desired yarn weight, and personal preference for treadling style can guide the choice.

Identify Your Spinning Goals

When choosing a spinning wheel, start by thinking about what you want to achieve with your spinning wheel:

• What kind of fibres do you want to spin?
• What thickness of yarn do you want to make?
• Do you have a spinning style you prefer?
• How often will you be spinning?
• What's your budget?

Having clear answers to these questions will guide you toward the best wheel for you.

Know the Different Types of Spinning Wheels

When choosing a spinning wheel, the initial and exciting decision to make is selecting the perfect spinning wheel. You'll discover various types of spinning wheels, each offering its own set of distinct features and advantages to enhance your journey.

1. Castle Spinning Wheels

A castle-style spinning wheel's components are placed vertically, with the flyer above the wheel. Because the flyer is positioned above the wheel, these spinning wheels take up less floor area than other types of wheels. They feature three or four legs and are slightly smaller than other types of wheels. The Ashford Traveller spinning wheel falls under this category.

2. Saxony Spinning Wheels

Saxony spinning wheels are those that we associate with fairytales, a traditional design that has been favoured by spinners for many years. They can handle a wide range of fibres, from the finest of wool to coarser materials like flax and cotton. This type of spinning wheel often features three legs, a flyer on one end, and a wheel on the other. Two examples that fall under this category are the Ashford Elizabeth and Traditional spinning wheels.

3. Modern Spinning Wheels

Modern and hybrid spinning wheels use a combination of traditional and modern technology to improve performance and increase output. These wheels often come with modern ball bearings that result in light treadling and little noise. Additionally, with accessories such as the Woolee Winder some modern spinning wheels have the ability to alter the location of the thread on the bobbin automatically, which is very convenient. Some modern spinning wheels also fold for storage and transport making them excellent additions for spinners who like to attend spinning guilds or simply like to spin on their travel journeys. The Ashford Joy spinning wheel and Louet spinning wheels are examples that fall under this category.

4. Electric Spinning Wheels

An electric spinning wheel or e-spinner does not have treadles instead it is operated by an on/off switch or, for some models, an optional foot controller. An e-Spinner does not have a wheel or whorls to determine ratios or speed. The flyers speed is simply determined by the speed you select on the dial. One thing to keep in mind is that this type of spinning wheel is not completely automatic. To fill the bobbin evenly on most models of e-Spinners just as on treadle wheels, you would still need to draft fibre, determine the yarn size and stop the flyer every now and then to change hooks. The Ashford e-Spinner, a highly adaptable and portable electric spinner, is an example of an electric wheel.

Learn more about electric spinning wheels in our previous blog post titled "E-Spinners: What Are They and When Would I Use Them?"

By understanding the different types of spinning wheels available and their unique attributes, you can select the one that best aligns with your spinning style and needs. Whether you choose a castle spinning wheel, a Saxony spinning wheel, a modern spinning wheel, or an electric spinning wheel, investing in the right spinning wheel will enhance your fibre arts journey and help you create beautiful yarns.

Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Spinning Wheel

Before you buy a spinning wheel for making your own yarn, it's important to think through some key questions. Let us help you figure out what you need to consider before making your purchase, so you can start spinning yarn with confidence.

1. Do you have enough space for storage?

Consider your available space and portability needs. Some spinning wheels are designed for easy storage and transport, making them ideal for those with limited space or for travelling spinners. Castle wheels, e spinners and compact folding wheels are great options if you need a portable wheel.

2. Do you prefer a small and more portable wheel or a bigger and more stable wheel?

The size and weight of your spinning wheel might have an impact on your spinning experience and overall comfort during the spinning process. Larger, heavier wheels provide more stability and momentum for lengthy, continuous spinning sessions. However, if you require a wheel that is easy to move around, a smaller and more portable wheel might be a better choice.

3. Do you need a single-treadle or double-treadle spinning wheel?

Spinning wheels come in both single and double-treadle designs. Double treadle wheels offer better balance and ergonomic support, as they allow you to use both feet for control. This feature can reduce strain during long spinning sessions and is especially beneficial for beginners. Meanwhile, single-treadle wheels have only a one-foot pedal, which may initially seem less balanced. However, they have their own benefits that make them a popular choice among spinners.

4. What is your spinning style?

Consider your spinning style and the types of yarn you want to create. If you prefer to spin bulky or art yarns, a wheel with a larger or bulky flyer may be beneficial. For those who enjoy spinning lace weight or thinner yarns, a wheel with a higher range of ratios may be preferable.

5. How much is your budget?

Spinning wheels come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end, artisanal models. While it's important to stay within your budget, keep in mind that a quality spinning wheel is a long-term investment. Look for a wheel that offers good value for the features and craftsmanship it provides.

Single Drive versus Double Drive

Understanding the differences between these two types is crucial for any aspiring spinner. Let's discuss what sets them apart and how they affect your spinning experience.

For many anglers, fishing with spinning reels have surpassed baitcaster reels as the fishing reel of choice, probably because spinning reels are easy to use and don't have the learning curve of casting reels. Also, for light-line applications and finesse techniques, spinning reels reign supreme in terms of performance and ease of use. Choosing the best spinning reel for your needs, however, can often be challenging if you're unfamiliar with how a spinning reel operates and the terms used to discuss reel performance. Take a read through the following guide to pick up some helpful hints for choosing the perfect spinning reel.

The Parts of a Spinning Reel

Many anglers refer to spinning reels as open-face reels. Another unique feature of a spinning reel is that it is mounted to the underside of a fishing rod. Spinning reels are great fishing reels for beginning anglers because of their easy use and due to their design, they are less likely to get tangles in the fishing line. This reel type has eight main parts, they are: The reel foot, reel handle, reel body, anti-reverse switch, the bail, line spool, spool release and drag adjustment and line roller.

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Spinning Reel Body & Weight

Reel bodies (often referred as the "housing") can be made of graphite or aluminum, or sometimes a combination of both. Aluminum housing is stronger than graphite and exhibits less flex; however, graphite is lighter. Deciding whether strength or weight is more important is ultimately a personal choice. The highest quality freshwater reels tend have aluminum bodies; however, if your chosen playing field is saltwater, graphite is the way to go due to its corrosion-resistant qualities.

Another factor to look for is a solidly constructed reel body. There should be no loose or flimsy parts, and all moving parts should be smooth in performance and have no back play whatsoever. Also, spinning reels have more parts than casting reels. Choosing a reel with fewer parts can reduce the chances of mechanical breakdown.

Weight is another key factor when deciding on a reel for one simple reason — fatigue. Less strain is put on the wrist and forearm when dealing with a lighter reel, and for those that spend a great deal of time on the water, this can be even more important in terms of joint stress and fatigue. Most reels will give weight in ounces. Make weight a consideration when shopping for a spinning reel, and when comparing reel weights online, be sure you're comparing similar sized reels.

Pick the Correct Spinning Reel Size

Choosing the correct reel size is as easy as determining the size fishing line you intend to use most often. The lighter the line you intend to use, the smaller the reel you should purchase. Ten-pound test line should be the highest strength and diameter used on a spinning reel. (This is not applicable for saltwater fishing or heavy trolling scenarios.)

For example, if you primarily jig for smallmouth bass and walleye, 8-pound test fishing line would probably be your average line strength. Therefore, choosing a medium-size reel rated for 6, 8 and 10-pound line would be your best selection.

To make sure that the reel you're buying is rated for the pound-test line you intend to use, check the line capacity information found on the spool of the reel, or, if shopping online, in the product chart. The chart typically displays the middle line capacity, so if it says "6 LB/90 YDS," the reel is also well suited for 4 and 8 pound line.

Understand the Reel Gear Ratio

Unlike casting reels, which have a rotating spool, the spool on a spinning reel is fixed, and a bail wraps the line onto the spool as you turn the handle. So when discussing spinning reels, gear ratio refers to the number of times the bail rotates around the spool with a single turn of the reel handle. For example, on a reel with a 4:1 gear ratio, the bail rotates around the spool four times for every one single turn of the handle. A 4:1 gear ratio is considered a slow-speed reel because a relatively small amount of line is "picked up" during the cranking process (four wraps of line around the spool with each crank). The benefit is that these reels provide more torque for reeling in large fish. A 6:1 ratio is considered a high-speed retrieve. A high, low or medium speed retrieve should be determined by the style of fishing you intend to do.

If you can only choose one spinning reel, go for a medium speed model (5:1). However, if you can afford more than one reel, adding a high-speed and low-speed reel to your arsenal will allow you to best cover all situations.

 "Line recovery" is a measurement in inches that's generally given for spinning reels. This measurement simply states the length of line that is wound onto the spool for each turn of the handle.

Consider the Drag System on a Spinning Reel

The drag system on a spinning reel is another important aspect to consider. The drag is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish, and letting out line during the fight. Without a smooth, high-quality drag the risk of broken lines and lost fish is a high probability. Always ensure that the reel you purchase has a smooth, non-constrictive drag. The line should pull out steadily, without hesitation, at whatever tension you set the drag.

There are two types of drag systems available on spinning reels: front and rear drag. Basically, this refers to the location of the drag controls, but there are some additional differences between the two styles. Front-drag systems generally feature multiple, large drag washers that offer increased durability and performance in comparison to rear-drag models. Rear-drag controls are easier to access (especially when fighting fish) yet they don't stand up as well to large, hard fighting fish species.

Refinements are continually made within the fishing reel market, and the advent of sealed drag systems is a very noteworthy innovation. Exposure to elements can compromise the integrity of drag systems and inner gears, leading to drag slippage and mechanical problems over time. These issues are a thing of the past with sealed drag systems, which are available on Johnny Morris Signature Series fishing reel brand, Extreme spinning reels and the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier spinning reels. A waterproof sealed drag system will ensure your spinning reel operates smoothly, with added drag power and durability, for years to come.

Know About the Ball Bearings in a Spinning Reel

Spinning reels feature ball bearings or bushings placed within the body for smoothness, support and stability. Most spinning reels also contain a roller bearing within the line roller. Generally speaking, the greater number of bearings a reel contains, the smoother the reel will perform. (Sealed stainless steel bearings are preferable over bushings for added durability and control.)

Choose a reel with the most ball bearings that your wallet can handle. At the bare minimum, I would suggest a reel with at least four ball bearings. There's nothing worse than having a reel that doesn't perform well, or isn't smooth on the retrieve, so try not to scrimp and save when it comes to this part of the reel equation — you'll curse yourself all the way back to the launch ramp.

Spools on a Spinning Reel Are Important

The spool on a spinning reel plays an important part, not only for holding line, but also for casting distance and smoothness. Most spools on the market today are either anodized aluminum or graphite. As mentioned before, graphite is the lighter of the two materials, while aluminum spools offer greater strength and rigidity under pressure.

There are two basic spool styles: internal or skirted. Internal spools are mostly a thing of the past, although some manufacturers still make a few models for die-hard devotees. One major drawback to internal spools is the ease with which line becomes entangled within the housing of the reel. Skirted spools have helped alleviate this frustrating problem, and that's why this style has prevailed.

A variation of the skirted spool, the "long cast" spool features an interesting design with some purported benefits. Much as the name suggests, this spool is shallower than the regular style, although much longer in length. This elongated spool supposedly allows for less line friction, allowing increased casting distance for the angler — a definite benefit for clear-water or sight-fishing applications.

An even newer innovation in spinning reel design, Mag Spool Technology offers many some of the same benefits of the long cast spool, but with a different approach. These enlarged spools are both wider and flatter in composition to regular spinning reel spools. This unique design allows for longer casts, faster retrieves, reduced line twist and increased line pickup with each turn of the handle. Mag spools also reduce the likelihood of "line binding" — a frustrating tangle that tends to occur  when using superlines on spinning reels — by "slackening" the line wound onto the reel; the less tight braid is spooled on a reel, the less likely it is to bind during casts or vigorous hooksets.

Mag Spool Technology is available on select Bass Pro Shops' spinning reels, including the Johnny Morris Signature Series and Pro Qualifier spinning reels.

Anti-Reverse Handles on a Fishing Reel

Anti-reverse handles are a prerequisite when searching for that perfect spinning reel. This function prevents the handle from spinning backward so that hook sets are powerful and accurate. If the spinning reel you're looking at has any sort of backward motion, my advice would be to look for a different model — your landing net will thank you.

While on the topic of handles, ensure that the reel you choose has a substantial arm and knob. A larger stature enables the angler to quickly "find" the handle, and also allows a firmer grip with less chance for slippage during wet weather, or when hands are sweaty.

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