Review: Louet Spinning Wheel Carry Bag
I’ve had my Louet Victoria spinning wheel for almost 20 years and it shows. Well, the case shows it, because it’s busted. I ripped the zipper in my first few years of having it and, since I didn’t immediately repair it, the rip has grown to almost a foot long. It’s time to upgrade.
Repair rips right away, folks!
Not all spinning wheels even have carry cases, of course, but the Victoria is special because it’s a travel wheel; it is designed to be portable. Thanks to the case, which fits the wheel and accompanying tools, I can easily take Vicky to meetups and demonstrations. Some time between then and now, Louet has redesigned the carry cases for the Victoria, so let’s see how this new case compares to the old one.
New vs Old
The old bag had a top handle and side handle and the pouch ran across the length, giving it a sideways orientation, while the new one has an orientation more like a backpack, although both have shoulder straps that run in the same direction and are meant to be carried like a backpack. Visually, I like the backpack orientation better; it looks more sleek and simple. However, I think the pouch on the old one is slightly bigger. I had a harder time fitting my flyer, all 5 bobbins, and my tools case into the pouch on the new one and I had to reposition everything to make it all fit. To be fair, 5 is a lot of bobbins and I don’t think most spinners carry that many so the pouch was likely not designed for that. I did manage to Tetris everything in there, though.
The old case had a plywood support across the back and two rubber-tipped pegs for under the wheel. These were to provide extra support and protection. The new case doesn’t have this nor anything replacing it, nothing between the wheel and the soft fabric of the back. On the plus side, it will probably make it more comfortable to actually carry on my back, as I’m sure you can imagine that wooden plank wasn’t very comfy. I haven’t traveled with it anywhere or worn it for any length of time, yet, to know for sure. As for the lack of the protection and support, I don’t tend to store heavy objects on top of my wheel, in or out of its case, so I don’t think it will be to much detriment. The straps on the new one did feel more comfortable, the short time I’ve tried it on so far.
Overall, I like this new case (not that I have much choice, they don’t exactly make the old ones anymore) and I’m glad I got it. I’m looking forward to using it next time I take Vicky on the go, which I’m seriously considering doing more of this summer.
You can check out my review video here.