When I first expressed an interest in spinning, several spinners suggested I should attend a fiber festival and talk to several of the vendors there. If they sell spinning wheels, they will let you try them out right there to see which one you like the best. They do have a different feel. Which one did I buy? None yet. I'm starting with a drop spindle because puppy thinks it's fun to help with the spinning.
The first thing to do is find where they sell spinning wheels and then set down and spin on all of them. This will tell you which wheel fits you the best because if you just buy a wheel and it doesn't feel right it will set in the corner and collect dust.
Finding a shop that sell wheels is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Going to a fiberfest or two would be the best bet to find a variety. There is a spinning on yahoo called Spin-List you might want to join. It has hundreds of spinner from all over the world and many have multiple wheels and can give opinions on choices.
Sorry for coming into this so late, my notifications from EONS have been weird and I had to change email addresses a couple months ago. All the above suggestions are really the best. Have you had a chance to try out any wheels? My first (and only) wheel is a Baynes castle style and it's been really nice to learn on. Haven't attempted any drop spindles. Looks fun, though!
