Ashford Kiwi 3 vs Traveller 3 Spinning Wheel: Which Should a Beginner Buy?
Buy the Ashford Kiwi 3 (about $629) if you want an affordable, folding 12 pound wheel that is easy to store and take to spinning groups. Buy the Ashford Traveller 3 (about $859) if you want a compact upright castle wheel with an 18 inch drive wheel, a 14:1 ratio for finer yarn and a built-in lazy kate.
Ashford Traveller 3 Spinning Wheel, Unfinished $859.00 Check price on Amazon The verdict
The Ashford Kiwi 3 is the better first wheel for most new spinners on a budget: it folds, weighs 12 pounds and has ratios suited to learning with medium and thicker yarns. The Ashford Traveller 3 costs about $230 more and suits spinners who want finer yarns and an upright castle wheel that takes up little floor space.
Both are double treadle wheels from the same maker and ship unfinished with assembly required. Neither choice is wrong; think about the yarn you want to make and where the wheel will live.
Ashford Kiwi 3 vs Ashford Traveller 3: side by side
| Feature | Ashford Kiwi 3 | Ashford Traveller 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $629 | About $859 |
| Style | Folding double-treadle wheel | Compact upright castle wheel |
| Ratios | 5.5, 7.5 and 9.5:1 | 5, 7, 9 and 14:1 |
| Drive wheel | Not listed in the specs we verified | 18 in |
| Bobbins included | 3 x 90 mm (4.5 oz) | 3 x 90 mm |
| Weight | 12 lb | Not listed in the specs we verified |
| Lazy kate | Not listed in the specs we verified | Built in |
| Orifice height | Not listed in the specs we verified | 31.75 in |
What do spinning wheel ratios mean?
A ratio is how many times the flyer turns for one turn of the drive wheel. Higher ratios add twist faster, which suits finer yarn; lower ratios suit thicker yarn and slower, more relaxed spinning. The Kiwi 3's top ratio of 9.5:1 is comfortable for learning and for medium to bulky yarns. The Traveller 3 adds a 14:1 ratio, which helps when you move on to fine yarns for socks and lace.
| Ratio | Typical yarn | Kiwi 3 | Traveller 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 6:1 | Thick, bulky yarn | Yes (5.5:1) | Yes (5:1) |
| 7 to 8:1 | Worsted and aran weight | Yes (7.5:1) | Yes (7:1) |
| 9 to 10:1 | DK and sport weight | Yes (9.5:1) | Yes (9:1) |
| 14:1 | Fingering and lace weight | No | Yes |
Is a folding spinning wheel better for beginners?
A folding wheel like the Kiwi is easy to store in a closet and carry to classes and spinning guilds, which matters for many learners. An upright castle wheel like the Traveller has a smaller footprint when set up, which suits a corner of the living room where it stays out. Try sitting at a wheel if you can: treadle feel and orifice height affect comfort over long sessions.
Assembly required
Both wheels ship unfinished and need assembly. Plan time to seal the wood and follow the maker instructions carefully.
Should I learn on a drop spindle first?
A drop spindle is an inexpensive way to learn drafting before buying a wheel, and some spinners keep using one for travel. Others go straight to a wheel with a class or a mentor. See our best spinning wheels for spindles and other wheels.
Choose Ashford Kiwi 3 if
- You want the lower-priced wheel.
- You need a folding wheel to store or carry to classes.
- You plan to spin mostly medium and thicker yarns at first.
Choose Ashford Traveller 3 if
- You want a 14:1 ratio for fine yarns.
- You prefer a compact upright wheel that stays set up.
- You want a built-in lazy kate for plying.
Spinning gear to consider
Schacht Hi-Lo Drop Spindle, 4 inch
$38.92Learn drafting on a spindle before buying a wheel.
Check price
Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel, Unfinished
$629.00An affordable folding wheel for new spinners.
Check price Ashford Traveller 3 Spinning Wheel, Unfinished
$859.00An upright wheel with a 14:1 ratio for finer yarn.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ashford Kiwi 3 good for beginners?
Yes. The Ashford Kiwi 3 is a popular first wheel because it folds, weighs 12 pounds and has ratios of 5.5, 7.5 and 9.5:1 that suit learning. It ships with three bobbins and needs assembly. Spinners who want fine yarn later may add higher-ratio accessories or choose a different wheel.
What is the difference between the Kiwi and the Traveller?
The Kiwi 3 is a folding, lower-priced wheel with ratios up to 9.5:1. The Traveller 3 is an upright castle wheel with an 18 inch drive wheel, ratios up to 14:1 and a built-in lazy kate. The Traveller costs more and suits finer yarns and a wheel that stays set up.
How much fiber comes on a spinning wheel bobbin?
The Kiwi 3 lists 90 mm bobbins that hold about 4.5 ounces. How much yarn that is depends on thickness: a bobbin holds far more yardage of fine yarn than bulky yarn. Most wheels include three bobbins, enough to spin two singles and ply them onto the third.
Do I need a lazy kate?
A lazy kate holds full bobbins while you ply two or more strands together. The Traveller 3 has one built in. For the Kiwi 3, a separate lazy kate is useful once you start plying, though some beginners use a simple homemade stand at first.
Can I learn to spin without a class?
Many people learn from maker instructions, books and videos, though a class or spinning guild shortens the learning curve and lets you try wheels before buying. Spinning takes practice: expect lumpy first yarn, which many spinners treasure as their beginning.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.