About Kromski Double Drive Spinning Wheels
Kromski has been building spinning wheels in Poland for more than 100 years, and their double drive line represents some of the most finely crafted wheels on the market today. Every Kromski double drive wheel is made from European alder and birch, features hand-turned details, and is available in four finishes: unfinished natural, finished clear, mahogany, and walnut. What sets Kromski apart from many other manufacturers is that every double drive wheel in the lineup can also be set up as a single drive with scotch tension at no extra charge, giving spinners two complete systems in one wheel.
How a Kromski Double Drive Wheel Works
On a Kromski double drive spinning wheel, one continuous drive band passes over the large drive wheel, then loops around both the flyer whorl and the bobbin pulley. Because the bobbin pulley is noticeably smaller than the flyer whorl, the bobbin rotates slightly faster than the flyer, and that small speed difference is what draws yarn onto the bobbin. The take-up is gentle, self-regulating, and consistent from an empty bobbin to a full one. If you want to switch to scotch tension instead, every Kromski double drive wheel includes the scotch tension brake band and hardware as standard. You simply remove the second loop of drive band from the bobbin pulley, engage the scotch tension brake, and you are spinning single drive.
Benefits of a Kromski Double Drive Spinning Wheel
Kromski double drive wheels have several qualities that attract serious spinners. The soft, even take-up is ideal for fine yarns and long draw woolen spinning, which many spinners find smoother and more meditative than scotch tension. Kromski bobbins are generously sized at 4.2 ounces, roughly 50 percent larger than many industry standards, which means fewer bobbin changes during a spinning session. Kromski bobbins are also backwards compatible across the full Kromski lineup, so if you add a second Kromski wheel later, your existing bobbins will still fit. Add in the visual craftsmanship and you have a wheel that spins beautifully and doubles as a conversation piece.
Kromski Double Drive vs Single Drive Wheels
Kromski makes both double drive and single drive wheels. The double drive lineup (Minstrel, Symphony, Polonaise) gives you the dual-system flexibility discussed above. The single drive lineup (Sonata, Prelude, Interlude, Fantasia) uses scotch tension only and is often chosen for portability, simplicity, or price. If you are new to spinning and want to try both systems before committing to one style, a Kromski double drive wheel is the most versatile option, since it handles both setups out of the box. Experienced spinners who already know they prefer scotch tension can look at the Kromski single drive models instead.
Choosing Your Finish
Every Kromski double drive wheel is available in four finishes. Unfinished natural lets you apply your own stain, oil, or wax, or leave it raw. Finished clear protects the wood while keeping the natural alder tone. Mahogany gives the wheel a rich, warm red-brown color. Walnut is the darkest option, producing a deep chocolate-toned wheel with dramatic grain. The finish does not affect how the wheel spins, only how it looks in your home. Alder is a naturally variable wood, so customers should expect some color variation and darker flecks, which Kromski considers part of the wood's natural beauty.
Kromski Minstrel, Symphony, and Polonaise Compared
Each of the three Kromski double drive wheels has a distinct personality. Here is how they compare.
Kromski Minstrel. A castle-style upright wheel with an 18 inch drive wheel, double treadle, and optional distaff. The Minstrel is more compact than the Saxony wheels, making it a great choice if you have limited floor space or want a wheel with old-world castle styling. It is double drive with scotch tension capability and uses the same bobbins as the rest of the Kromski line.
Kromski Symphony. Kromski's classic Saxony wheel and the largest in the standard double drive lineup. The Symphony features a 24 inch drive wheel on a sloping bench, 27 inch orifice height, and 43 inch overall width, yet it only weighs 15 lbs. Double treadle, double drive with scotch tension capability, and it includes a separate arched lazy kate, 2 bobbins, threading hook, and spinning wheel oil. A favorite among reenactors and anyone who wants a traditional fairytale-style wheel.
Kromski Polonaise. Kromski's flagship Saxony-style wheel, inspired by traditional Norwegian and Baltic wheels. The Polonaise also features a 24 inch drive wheel, but suspended on pin-and-socket bearings that give it exceptionally smooth treadling. It has adjustable wooden wheel alignment screws for precise flyer calibration and an expansive range of speed ratios. Single or double drive, includes a separate vertical lazy kate with 3 bobbin capacity, 3 bobbins, threading hook, and spinning wheel oil.
Accessories That Work Across the Kromski Double Drive Lineup
One of the best reasons to buy into the Kromski ecosystem is that accessories cross over between wheels. The Kromski Jumbo Flyer Kit for Double Drive Wheels fits the Minstrel, Symphony, and Polonaise, giving you a larger 0.70 inch orifice and a jumbo bobbin for art yarn and bulky plying. Slow and fast whorls are available to expand your ratio range. Every wheel uses the same Kromski standard bobbin, so you can grow your bobbin collection once and use it across multiple wheels in the lineup. Tensioned lazy kates, replacement maidens, drive bands, and brake band sets are all widely stocked.
Choosing the Right Kromski Double Drive Wheel for You
If you want the most compact footprint or prefer castle-style wheels, choose the Minstrel. If you want the classic Saxony look at a friendly price point, choose the Symphony. If you want Kromski's most refined spinning experience with adjustable alignment and the smoothest treadling, choose the Polonaise. All three give you double drive spinning with scotch tension as a backup, hand-turned European craftsmanship, and a full ecosystem of compatible accessories.
Shop the full Kromski double drive collection above, or reach out if you want help picking the right wheel and finish for your spinning style.
