TW Reviews: Wilson Steam 99S, 105S, 99 and 96

[NLBwell]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

@NLBwell,

The point is that you play your normal tennis and the spin is increased without you having to try and produce more spin consciously or by changing your strokes (although yes, it does play on your mind more).

As we mentioned in the review, this is more cohesive to some techniques than others - for example, those that have western or semi western grips. Something to note is that it's not necessarily about the technology - some of us loved the S technology, but didn't enjoy the frame itself so that may have some influence as to why everyone isn't switching to this racquet. I, for one, loved the spin created, but didn't like the Steam itself as much as I like others such as my APD. Food for thought.

Siobhan, TW

With the string technology opening up even wider angles from being able to drop the ball in with even sharper angled cross-court passes and, as Chris said, being able to hook the ball in crossing the net even a foot or two or three outside the line and still get the ball in, it will become impossible for anyone at the pro level to be at the net and win a point with any regularity. It will turn tennis back into a grinding marathon like the 70's and 80's clay matches. There will be more emphasis on speed and defense, since the players will have to cover so much court.

That said, for myself, I can't play with a stiff racket because of the tear in my elbow tendon, so the Steam itself wouldn't be a choice for me. I hit most of my shots flat, so I like a controlled string bed, but benefit from additional spin on many of my shots.
I could really see something like a 93" POG with a 14x12 string pattern, strung with stiff poly, being a game changer for me.

[drak]

Originally Posted by NLBwell

Drak -
I thought there was some rule about string spacing - that it couldn't be wider in spots in the middle than the outside. Am I wrong?

It isn't this way, start from the top and ship every 5th cross. it is consistent and is not wider in the middle. If that is an issue leave out the top cross (and/or botom) which is no big deal.

[NLBwell]

Originally Posted by drak

It isn't this way, start from the top amd ship every 5th cross. it is consistent and is not wider in the middle. If that is an issue leave out the top cross (and/or botom) which is no big deal.

Cool, Thanks

[drak]

Originally Posted by NLBwell

Cool, Thanks

Note that I think my interpretation is correct, but am not 100% sure

Drak

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by carlosoki

98 in topspin the 99s and only 88 in topspin the 105s which has the same 15x16 but in bigger head???????

I thought the 105s will generate best spin.

carolosoki,

I wouldn't compare the scores of the two reviews. Those are two completely different sets of playtesters so it's not going to be an apples to apples comparison. Personally, though I found loads of topspin with the 105S, the lack of maneuverability for me limited its spin potential. I'm sure someone who can more effectively swing it could produce more spin than I could. The point is, though, even though I had difficulties maintaining my usual swing speed due to the higher swingweight, I was able to create more spin than usual.

Tiffani, TW

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by Mongolmike

I would doubt they return them. Why would Wilson even want them? I would guess (curious to know) that TW has a certain number of sticks they have exclusively for demo, and after a while they sell them as used sticks? If they did return them, there might be a close inspection, then they are probably offered to employees or destroyed.

We mostly keep our hitters in our playtesting racquet vault so we can compare them to future versions. For instance on our recent AeroPro Drive review, our testers had the chance to hit with every version so they could feel the evolution of the line.

Chris, TW

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

We mostly keep our hitters in our playtesting racquet vault so we can compare them to future versions. For instance on our recent AeroPro Drive review, our testers had the chance to hit with every version so they could feel the evolution of the line.

Chris, TW

That is a great idea.

[carlosoki]

Originally Posted by TW Staff

carolosoki,

I wouldn't compare the scores of the two reviews. Those are two completely different sets of playtesters so it's not going to be an apples to apples comparison. Personally, though I found loads of topspin with the 105S, the lack of maneuverability for me limited its spin potential. I'm sure someone who can more effectively swing it could produce more spin than I could. The point is, though, even though I had difficulties maintaining my usual swing speed due to the higher swingweight, I was able to create more spin than usual.

Tiffani, TW

Thank you very much.

I want to take 99s or 105s. Level 4,5 5,0. Flat Groundstrokes. Very Very agressive. I´m looking something very easy to generate spin in clay court because my flat play is not so effective in clay than in hard court.

Power in clay (in my level) is not such important because flat winners are not so agressive than in hard court. I´m thinking that the steam spin could help my game, but I dont know if better 105s or 99s.

[fibonacci888]

i have a similar question. can't decide which one to test. 105s or 99s.
Power is important to me, but also control. The rackets need to be strung with full poly and that brings less power. Perhaps the 99s with a more powerful poly?