Kromski Mistrel Wheel- Anyone have one?

[YarnWranglerC]

I have been saving up for a wheel and after looking at all the different wheels I think I want a Kromski Minstrel. But I would like to hear some feedback from those that have one.

I would love to get a Spinolution Mach 2, but it is out of the budget, and I think is something that I will need to work towards.

Here is what I am looking for in a wheel, so if anyone has any suggestions on other wheels I am open to those as well.
Double Drive with Scotch Tension option
Double Treadle (I have arthritis in my hips and knees)
Castle Style (I don't have a ton of room)
Different options for ratios, and expandable
Prices not above $600 or so
Something pretty (the babes are okay, but I want something that will blend with the decor, and I think the minstrel is gorgeous)

I am sure I am missing something, but this is a good start

[mullerslanefarm]

Personally, I loved my Ashford Traveller as my first wheel 8 years ago.

It has:

* Double Drive with Scotch (or Irish) Tension option
* Double Treadle
* Castle Style
* 6.5, 8.5 11.5 ratios, plus  you can get the Jumbo Flyer or High Speed Flyer or even a Quill spindle for it.
(FWIW: Nathan Lee makes a WooLee Winder for the Traveler  DD, DT (and is working on one for the the DD, DT Jumbo Flyer!)

Ashford makes a sliding hook flyer for both the regular and Jumbo flyers, if you didn't want to go with the WooLee winder

I think it is pretty.  It was my Go-To Wheel for 6 years until I got the Kromskit Sonata.

What I really like about the Traveller above the Minstrel is that the Traveler has 4 legs to the Minstel's 3.  That extra leg makes the wheel much more stable.

Check with susansfibershop.com for your wheel.  Susan is a wonderful fiber gal and will usually cut a deal, either with the price of the wheel, extra accesories or free shipping.  I am not affiliated with Susan at all except for being a customer for the past 8 years.  She usually runs an ad on the inside backpage of Spin Off magazine.

[YarnWranglerC]

MLF- Thank you sooo sooo much for your input. I have been thinking long and hard about what you said.
Thank you also for the link to Susans shop. I have created a spreadsheet comparing options and prices between the paradisefibers.net site and her site. It has given me much to think about. (I am a little bit overly analytical of stuff like that, maybe a little OCD)

Also fantastic news, my MIL is down from Idaho visiting for my SIL's wedding, and we are both crafty, she is a knitter and crocheter. And I was showing her my first fairly even drop spindle spun yarn, and talking about getting a wheel, and she said she has a wheel that she will never use and I am welcome to have it. I don't know what wheel it is exaclty, but I know its a Saxony style wheel that her husbands ex-wife used to teach spinning, once upon a time. So hopefully it will be a wheel I can use, it will have all its parts and pieces, and barring that will be something I can get parts for without having to sell my first-born. So fingers crossed! (I squeeeed in my head a little when she told me that.)

Thanks again!