Wilson Hits Homerun with Wilson Steam 99S (mini review)

[YesTennis]

1. Anyone have updated info after playing with both the 99S and regular 99?

2. Has anyone played the 99S with gut/poly? I know Drakulie talked about this and waiting for his update.

3. I normally don't play full bed poly, so any updates on arm issues, etc.. after playing full bed Lux 4G?

Thanks in advance

[Hankenstein]

Originally Posted by YesTennis

1. Anyone have updated info after playing with both the 99S and regular 99?

2. Has anyone played the 99S with gut/poly? I know Drakulie talked about this and waiting for his update.

3. I normally don't play full bed poly, so any updates on arm issues, etc.. after playing full bed Lux 4G?

Thanks in advance

I have played both 99s and 99. The 99 feels more stiff then 99s, more control and less spinn compared to 99s.

I also have a sensitive elbow but i had no issues at all after playing full poly 4G in 55 lbs for several hours many days in a row.

[racertempo]

Originally Posted by YesTennis

1. Anyone have updated info after playing with both the 99S and regular 99?

2. Has anyone played the 99S with gut/poly? I know Drakulie talked about this and waiting for his update.

3. I normally don't play full bed poly, so any updates on arm issues, etc.. after playing full bed Lux 4G?

Thanks in advance

My 99s demo was with 4g and Wilson NXT hybrid, it felt great. My only issue was after an hour with a ball machine and 1 match set, the mains were not snapping back into place as much as they should have been. It was not horrible, but the fact that it happened so quickly leads me to believe that in a second, third and fourth match beyond that the movement would be massive. The fell was outstanding though.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by racertempo

My 99s demo was with 4g and Wilson NXT hybrid, it felt great. My only issue was after an hour with a ball machine and 1 match set, the mains were not snapping back into place as much as they should have been. It was not horrible, but the fact that it happened so quickly leads me to believe that in a second, third and fourth match beyond that the movement would be massive. The fell was outstanding though.

yes I wouldn't recommend a multi cross for the 99s. You need a string that is not soft and gummy to keep the mains sliding. I think a hard slippery syngut will work fine.

[ALC]

Has anyone been able to confirm the stiffness on the 99s? I think I saw somewhere in a previous post that it was 71? I also agree that it feels very comfortable even with a full bed of 4G. No arm issues at all after 90 min on a ball machine. Its actually more comfortable than my Prince EXO3 Red w/ NRG2 17.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by ALC

Has anyone been able to confirm the stiffness on the 99s? I think I saw somewhere in a previous post that it was 71? I also agree that it feels very comfortable even with a full bed of 4G. No arm issues at all after 90 min on a ball machine. Its actually more comfortable than my Prince EXO3 Red w/ NRG2 17.

I think its 68-70. Definitely in the high end of stiffness, like the PD, Juice and Extremes. If you have arm or elbow issues, there are much better choices out there, like the Donnay Formula 100 or the Warrior 100. Plus you can't really use a soft multi in this racquet is another negative for TE sufferers.

[Federerkblade]

from reports its high stiffness but in reality plays low 60s

[ALC]

Its interesting that the stiffness is that high. I guess that along with its static weight and SW make it seem fairly stable to me. I don't feel that I get pushed around much but that was only during some hitting sessions/drills with 3.5-4.0 players (I'm only a 3.5). But I really don't have any elbow problems with it after hitting as I did when I demo'ed the PD12/PDR12. Even the BLX98 (2011) had me icing. This has been very comfortable even with the poly. Never been a Wilson fan but I'm itching to get this!

[JackB1]

You also have to remember that when demoing rackets string type, tension and how long they've been sitting in the racket all play a huge role in stiffness And how it will feel to you. To say that it feels like the low 60s is stretching things a bit in my opinion.

[Federerkblade]

Originally Posted by JackB1

You also have to remember that when demoing rackets string type, tension and how long they've been sitting in the racket all play a huge role in stiffness And how it will feel to you. To say that it feels like the low 60s is stretching things a bit in my opinion.

lol ok > i thought hank or drak has said about 63 or 64...

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by YesTennis

2. Has anyone played the 99S with gut/poly? I know Drakulie talked about this and waiting for his update.

Awesome! Tons of spin, pace, and comfort,,,,,, much more magnified than with full poly. However, I only got a little over 5 hours with gut (17 g) and 4g at 45 lbs. I'm currently trying it out with 16 g gut. Will post a full review soon.

Originally Posted by YesTennis

3. I normally don't play full bed poly, so any updates on arm issues, etc.. after playing full bed Lux 4G?

Thanks in advance

No arm issues or fatigue. Very comfortable frame.

Originally Posted by Federerkblade

lol ok > i thought hank or drak has said about 63 or 64...

Flex on a brand new 99s strung at 45 lbs on my Babolat RDC was 68. Although I agree with others that it doesn't feel that high,,,, feels more like in the mid 60's. Very comfortable frame for such a high flex rating.

[Mongolmike]

Not a 99s review, but 105s review, if anyone is interested.

I demo'd the 105s today for 2 hours... I focused solely on the 105 because the specs were closer in line to what I want than the 99.... I gotta say, I'm sold.

I use a lighter racquet (Dunlop Aerogel 500 light, 16x18, lead at the 3-9) so I can generate more racquethead speed and more topspin since I hit with firm FH topspin, 1H topspin BH, decent kicker 2nd serve, so like I said, the 105 was closer to my needs.

I would say the 105 does as advertised.

My control was solid, bit more useful topspin, racquet felt solid and comfortable, little more kick on the kicker.

Playing matches for only two hours wasn't enough to get everything dialed in, so I'd say I was hitting about 85% of my normal swing speed (because the few times I swung all out I sailed it... which I'm sure I could correct with more time with the stick and a stringing tension adjustment).

I was not able to check the string tension, so I imagine it was strung around 56 (with the 4G in 2 piece). Anyone know if 2 piece is the recommendation? The 4G felt nice, but I'm curious to try some of my current spin favs too(Dunlop Juice, Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, or BHB7).

For groundstrokes, I didn't see the ball jump any more than usual, but I did play a regular opponent (more on this later) and there were groundies that he whiffed on as the ball jumped past him a few times, and when we played doubles I hit a defensive lob that landed deep and not only jumped over the opponent, but also jumped over the back curtain completely out of play. Odd thing was, I didn't think I put excessive spin on the lob since I was pure on the defense on the shot. BH defensive slices were good. Like I said, I wasn't swinging all out, so even with an easy swing I was getting good bite and drive with slicers.

I have good side to side control on groundies, and even with a new racquet I had the same decent control, maybe a touch more.

Volleys got progressively better as I got more used to the stick... its longer, a bit heavier, bigger head, so I did frame a few, but those I hit solid had good drive and control. I did not have the chance to try any drop shots.

Serves were noticeably better and I adjusted pretty quick to the extra length. My serve and my FH are my strengths, and the extra inch seemed to help with my 1st serve "flat" serve, and the open pattern really helped with my 1st serve slice. I think I actually had more aces with the slice. And with my 2nd serve kicker, it looked like I was getting a touch more kick.

Now (for me at least) the really interesting part. I played singles against a regular friend, then we played doubles against others. Most of the time we play doubles together or against each other, but on occasion we play singles. I've been keeping track of my matches, and I had played this friend in singles in early July and we split sets 4-6 6-3. Two weeks later I beat him 6-2. I played him last Saturday Dec 8 one set of singles and beat him 6-3.... so 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Looks pretty consistent.

Played him today with the new stick that I'd never touched before, not even swinging out 100%.... I beat him 6-0 and it wasn't even that close.

He felt he was playing fine (after we played singles we beat another doubles team 6-0, then beat a third team 6-4... so he more than held his own) but like I indicated, without it being real obvious, I think the little extra spin, the little extra control, the little extra length and bigger head size allowing me to get more solid returns, and the little extra + on the serves seemed to make a pretty big difference in the score.

Like I said, I'm sold. Never had a Wilson racquet before (Volkl, Prince, Babolat, Boris Becker, Dunlop)... guess I'll have a couple now!

[YesTennis]

I've now had a chance to play twice(about 1 hour each time) with my local pro with the 99S. I seem to echo the comments of most of the other posters on this forum. It was strung with full bed 4G. It was a very easy racquet to play with and no arm issues at all(I don't have injury history, but was concerned as I'm approaching 50). Played very solid, no instability noted, great spin with higher net clearance, plenty of power. Definitely going to order one when available in January.

One quick question. The thread is getting long, and I can't remember if anyone has played and compared it to the regular Steam 99. Would appreciate any thoughts comparing the two.

[Federerkblade]

DRak

Question for you. You mentioned your wife did not like the 99s even though she hit with a lot of spin. Can you expand why she did not think the racquet was for her game. That for me is interesting as well as the positive comments

[couch]

Well, I've had some experience with the 99 over the last couple hitting sessions because I've broken strings in the 99S.

I had the 99S strung with 16g 4G and I got about 3 1/2 hours out of it so I had to switch off to the 99. Today I hit for about an hour with Lux Alu BB (ran out of 4G) strung at 58 just like the 4G. The Alu BB lasted less than an hour. So this is obviously going to be an issue for me with this racquet. I think 4 hours of heavy hitting is fair and I'm able to live with that but anything under that and I may have to reconsider using this racquet.

I know there was some discussion about a 15g 4G string but I can't remember if that is actually going to happen or not. I hope it does because I may put the 15g in the mains and put 16g in the crosses- don't know. Or just go with 15g all the way through. Anyone know for sure about the 15g 4G?

I still love the 99S and prefer it over the 99 only if I can get 4 hours on a string job.

The 99 is just what you would think it would be. It's a little less powerful, hits with less spin, and feels a little more solid due to the tighter string pattern. I think the 99 is an excellent racquet in it's own right. I had mine strung with Lux Savage at 55lbs and would probably prefer 4G 16L at about 52-54lbs in this racquet. Probably 52lbs.

I have some more 4G on the way so I will continue to play test the 99S and see how it works out. I have already made up my mind that one of these is my new racquet. Hoping it's the 99S.

[drummerdan]

This is a long thread and I haven't been through every page but has anyone commented on the total length of string needed for stringing? This may help with stringing frequency from a reel.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Federerkblade

DRak

Question for you. You mentioned your wife did not like the 99s even though she hit with a lot of spin. Can you expand why she did not think the racquet was for her game. That for me is interesting as well as the positive comments

Ironically, she says the frame feels too flexy. LOL

Originally Posted by couch

Well, I've had some experience with the 99 over the last couple hitting sessions because I've broken strings in the 99S.

I had the 99S strung with 16g 4G and I got about 3 1/2 hours out of it so I had to switch off to the 99. Today I hit for about an hour with Lux Alu BB (ran out of 4G) strung at 58 just like the 4G. The Alu BB lasted less than an hour. So this is obviously going to be an issue for me with this racquet. I think 4 hours of heavy hitting is fair and I'm able to live with that but anything under that and I may have to reconsider using this racquet.

I know there was some discussion about a 15g 4G string but I can't remember if that is actually going to happen or not. I hope it does because I may put the 15g in the mains and put 16g in the crosses- don't know. Or just go with 15g all the way through. Anyone know for sure about the 15g 4G?

I still love the 99S and prefer it over the 99 only if I can get 4 hours on a string job.

The 99 is just what you would think it would be. It's a little less powerful, hits with less spin, and feels a little more solid due to the tighter string pattern. I think the 99 is an excellent racquet in it's own right. I had mine strung with Lux Savage at 55lbs and would probably prefer 4G 16L at about 52-54lbs in this racquet. Probably 52lbs.

I have some more 4G on the way so I will continue to play test the 99S and see how it works out. I have already made up my mind that one of these is my new racquet. Hoping it's the 99S.

couch, Luxilon will have a 15 gauge 4G string. I believe I heard it would be released in January 2013.

You are going thru the strings fairly quick, and I suspected this would happen at higher tensions. In my case, I've been stringing at 45, so makes sense I'm getting more durability.

Originally Posted by drummerdan

This is a long thread and I haven't been through every page but has anyone commented on the total length of string needed for stringing? This may help with stringing frequency from a reel.

I've been stringing with half sets I have, so not sure. Hopefully, someone will chime in.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Mongolmike

Not a 99s review, but 105s review, if anyone is interested.

I demo'd the 105s today for 2 hours... I focused solely on the 105 because the specs were closer in line to what I want than the 99.... I gotta say, I'm sold.

I use a lighter racquet (Dunlop Aerogel 500 light, 16x18, lead at the 3-9) so I can generate more racquethead speed and more topspin since I hit with firm FH topspin, 1H topspin BH, decent kicker 2nd serve, so like I said, the 105 was closer to my needs.

I would say the 105 does as advertised.

My control was solid, bit more useful topspin, racquet felt solid and comfortable, little more kick on the kicker.

Playing matches for only two hours wasn't enough to get everything dialed in, so I'd say I was hitting about 85% of my normal swing speed (because the few times I swung all out I sailed it... which I'm sure I could correct with more time with the stick and a stringing tension adjustment).

I was not able to check the string tension, so I imagine it was strung around 56 (with the 4G in 2 piece). Anyone know if 2 piece is the recommendation? The 4G felt nice, but I'm curious to try some of my current spin favs too(Dunlop Juice, Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, or BHB7).

For groundstrokes, I didn't see the ball jump any more than usual, but I did play a regular opponent (more on this later) and there were groundies that he whiffed on as the ball jumped past him a few times, and when we played doubles I hit a defensive lob that landed deep and not only jumped over the opponent, but also jumped over the back curtain completely out of play. Odd thing was, I didn't think I put excessive spin on the lob since I was pure on the defense on the shot. BH defensive slices were good. Like I said, I wasn't swinging all out, so even with an easy swing I was getting good bite and drive with slicers.

I have good side to side control on groundies, and even with a new racquet I had the same decent control, maybe a touch more.

Volleys got progressively better as I got more used to the stick... its longer, a bit heavier, bigger head, so I did frame a few, but those I hit solid had good drive and control. I did not have the chance to try any drop shots.

Serves were noticeably better and I adjusted pretty quick to the extra length. My serve and my FH are my strengths, and the extra inch seemed to help with my 1st serve "flat" serve, and the open pattern really helped with my 1st serve slice. I think I actually had more aces with the slice. And with my 2nd serve kicker, it looked like I was getting a touch more kick.

Now (for me at least) the really interesting part. I played singles against a regular friend, then we played doubles against others. Most of the time we play doubles together or against each other, but on occasion we play singles. I've been keeping track of my matches, and I had played this friend in singles in early July and we split sets 4-6 6-3. Two weeks later I beat him 6-2. I played him last Saturday Dec 8 one set of singles and beat him 6-3.... so 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Looks pretty consistent.

Played him today with the new stick that I'd never touched before, not even swinging out 100%.... I beat him 6-0 and it wasn't even that close.

He felt he was playing fine (after we played singles we beat another doubles team 6-0, then beat a third team 6-4... so he more than held his own) but like I indicated, without it being real obvious, I think the little extra spin, the little extra control, the little extra length and bigger head size allowing me to get more solid returns, and the little extra + on the serves seemed to make a pretty big difference in the score.

Like I said, I'm sold. Never had a Wilson racquet before (Volkl, Prince, Babolat, Boris Becker, Dunlop)... guess I'll have a couple now!

Thanks for the review. Much appreciate your feedback. I'l post a link of your review on first page.

[drummerdan]

Originally Posted by drakulie

I've been stringing with half sets I have, so not sure. Hopefully, someone will chime in.

Do you remember roughly how much you had left over after stringing?

[drakulie]

^^sorry, can't remember. But will take note to get you some measurements next time I string the frame.