Top v. Bottom Whorl?

[Piper0110]

I understand the physical difference between a top whorl and a bottom whorl spindle. But which is better for the beginner? I've read both. Is there that much of a difference?

[threeolivemartini]

the top whorl I have is lighter in weight than the bottom whorl.. and it was explained to me that the top whorl was better for finer fibres like angora.. and the bottom was better for heavier fibers like wool .. i like both but have had better sucess with my bottom..

[Tiggzie]

I've never used a bottom whorl but I love my top.

[xantha]

For bulky spinning, bottom-whorls tend to stay balanced longer. I found the bottom-whorl to be a little easier to use than my top whorl initially, but I had an easier time spinning fine on my top-whorl, too. The weight of the spindle also has a lot to do with it.

[rebeccav]

how funny - seems like we all have different successes

i spin much much better on my top than bottom.... i have used it for wool, cotton and silk - all successfully
i learned on a top, so that might be the difference... i tend to feel a bit akward with my bottom whorl

the only thing i've found truly easier to spin on my wheel is nylon :think don't know why- the fibers don't hang on to each other as well as natural fibers do

[HollyM]

I learned on a bottom whorl because that's what I bought off Ebay, without really thinking about the difference. Most of the ladies in my spinning group prefer top whorl for general spinning, they feel that b/w's are more difficult to use.

Holly