On a spinning wheel, what is the difference between a single drive flyer and a double drive flyer?

Question

I found a diagram on the web, but it really doesn't EXPLAIN the difference, it just assumes I can figure it out LOL. So what is the difference? They both have brakes, they both spin, and though they do look different they still seem the same. So is one better than the other?

Answer 1

http://www.woolery.com/images/ashfordart2/singledouble.html
This is a pretty decent explanation of it, albeit it is for the Ashford wheels it does apply across the board, I do not own Ashford wheels, but do own single drive, double drive, and direct drive wheels. Basically the drive band on a single drive flyer the drive band only goes around the wheel and the flyer once, with a separate brake band for the bobbin. A double drive flyer has the band going around twice, acting once to drive the flyer and once to brake it. They both, essentially work the same, although, IMO, it's easier to adjust the tension on a single drive flyer. It's all in what you like. That said, it makes it a bit more tricky to simply purchase a wheel untested over the internet. If you have a sheep and wool festival coming up or a spinning shop within reasonable driving distance, it is best to go and test out as many wheels as possible before purchasing one since they are a major investment.

Answer 2

Half!