I have to admit to never having spun on either of these wheels. I have seen the Fricke and watched it in action... looks pretty good for a beginner to learn on. Can someone else chime in about the Kromski Minstrel? I had a couple of friends who had purchased the Kromski Mazurka and they both sold them after a year or so, they were not impressed. But perhaps the Minstrel is an improved model?