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

[Jackson Heights]

Wilson is coming out with the Steam 99 and the Steam 99S.
Is the first one anything like the second one?

[Dgdavid]

Originally Posted by Jackson Heights

Wilson is coming out with the Steam 99 and the Steam 99S.
Is the first one anything like the second one?

Same frame but different string pattern. 99 is a normal pattern, S is the 16x15. According to the TW reviews, they are noticeable different to hit with.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Jackson Heights

Wilson is coming out with the Steam 99 and the Steam 99S.
Is the first one anything like the second one?

they are already out. And there are hundreds of posts on these racquets.

[D-money]

So I got my 99s and strung it up with pro hurricane tour 16. Went for a hit today and I'm thoroughly impressed. I've don't normally buy rackets without a demo or two but I figured I'd have no problem getting rid of it if I didn't like it. As others have said the launch angle is noticeably different and the topspin is incredible. It's definitely going to take a long time to get used to on serve because it swings much lighter than the club I have been hitting with and as of now it's a little tough to control. I also don't notice much more kick than normal but once I get it dialed in I'm sure I'll be getting some launch off the court. I'm not sure about the hurricane as a string for it I'm thinking 4G might be a great string for this stick even though my initial review of it for the playtest was t necessarily glowing.
What are some full poly jobs that people have used with this and how were they?

[wmilas]

I noticed that Wilson doesn't have the recommended string patterns up for the 99s. Anyone have a clue as to how to string this thing 2 piece? Mine will be here Thursdayish and I want to string it before I play on Friday

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by corners

Drak, have you tried the flat/rectangular polys from Gosen, Polymater I & II in the crosses? I haven't had the chance to, but the flat surfaces of those string might not cut into the gut mains at all, or not for a while.

Haven't tried that set up. Mostly gut/poly set-ups, and id hit with full bed of 4G and full bed of black magic 15L.

Originally Posted by Johnny-Cage

The steams are so stiff. I suffer from arm problems, would you recommend this? Or should I just stick with the more flexible BLX Tour?

They don't play/feel as stiff as the rating would indicate.

Originally Posted by crosbydog

Drak -
My 11 y.o. demo'd a 99S tonight and liked it. What do you recommend string wise for a kid with this racket? She got more pace than usual and her high top spins dropped in more easily.
Thanks!

If you are going full poly, string it low,,,,,,,, like in the high 40's, low 50's.

Good luck, and have fun.

Originally Posted by D-money

So I got my 99s and strung it up with pro hurricane tour 16. Went for a hit today and I'm thoroughly impressed. I've don't normally buy rackets without a demo or two but I figured I'd have no problem getting rid of it if I didn't like it. As others have said the launch angle is noticeably different and the topspin is incredible. It's definitely going to take a long time to get used to on serve because it swings much lighter than the club I have been hitting with and as of now it's a little tough to control. I also don't notice much more kick than normal but once I get it dialed in I'm sure I'll be getting some launch off the court. I'm not sure about the hurricane as a string for it I'm thinking 4G might be a great string for this stick even though my initial review of it for the playtest was t necessarily glowing.
What are some full poly jobs that people have used with this and how were they?

Try Black Magic 15l. Will solve the durability issue, and also adds some control. Still powerful, comfortable, and the spin is still there.

Originally Posted by wmilas

I noticed that Wilson doesn't have the recommended string patterns up for the 99s. Anyone have a clue as to how to string this thing 2 piece? Mine will be here Thursdayish and I want to string it before I play on Friday

Just string it normal. No special stringing is required. have fun and let us know your feedback.

[TroutSc]

A friend had one this weekend as a demo. He played it and decided that it pretty much needed full poly. It hit good but with a hybrid the strings moved a lot and didn't snap back right. He cut em out and was using full poly instead. I passed up hitting it due to the high stiffness rating and full poly. (I'm going through and elbow phase so being careful). Looking forward to see what else follows regarding the open string patterns.

[D-money]

I had a match today and the problems I had on serve are still there but I'm getting the feel for volleys and overheads. My groundstrokes, however, are fantastic with this this stick. The net clearance like everyone has said is noticeably higher and the kick off of the court and late movement on the ball is like no other racket I've hit with. The babolat pro hurricane tour 1.30 is not playing like I'd like. In a string pattern this open it seems the PHT has a plasticky feel. No loud thwack that I usually get from that string. I'm thinking I might try Drak's suggestion with the genesis or maybe I'll try 4G in this. I was speaking with a Wilson rep that suggested 4G as well. She said that the frame was designed to work with it and in the context of our conversation I doubt she'd make give me a bunch of marketing bs. Also the 4GS might be worth a hit when it's available.

[dmcb101]

Originally Posted by D-money

I had a match today and the problems I had on serve are still there but I'm getting the feel for volleys and overheads. My groundstrokes, however, are fantastic with this this stick. The net clearance like everyone has said is noticeably higher and the kick off of the court and late movement on the ball is like no other racket I've hit with. The babolat pro hurricane tour 1.30 is not playing like I'd like. In a string pattern this open it seems the PHT has a plasticky feel. No loud thwack that I usually get from that string. I'm thinking I might try Drak's suggestion with the genesis or maybe I'll try 4G in this. I was speaking with a Wilson rep that suggested 4G as well. She said that the frame was designed to work with it and in the context of our conversation I doubt she'd make give me a bunch of marketing bs. Also the 4GS might be worth a hit when it's available.

I think its available now...

[racertempo]

Originally Posted by TroutSc

A friend had one this weekend as a demo. He played it and decided that it pretty much needed full poly. It hit good but with a hybrid the strings moved a lot and didn't snap back right. He cut em out and was using full poly instead. I passed up hitting it due to the high stiffness rating and full poly. (I'm going through and elbow phase so being careful). Looking forward to see what else follows regarding the open string patterns.

My demo experience with a hybrid setup was the exact same, after just 1 set the multi was not snapping back properly and I ended up moving a lot of string after every point. Full poly for sure.

[drak]

Originally Posted by racertempo

My demo experience with a hybrid setup was the exact same, after just 1 set the multi was not snapping back properly and I ended up moving a lot of string after every point. Full poly for sure.

Drakulie? what's your experience with your different string combos? U probably have more experience with this frame than just about anyone here. How are the gut combos working - give us a string review.

Thx in advance

[srvnvly]

Originally Posted by drak

Drakulie? what's your experience with your different string combos? U probably have more experience with this frame than just about anyone here. How are the gut combos working - give us a string review.

Thx in advance

Drakulie, will you also comment on multi's, for both the 99 and 99S? I keep reading full polly is the way to go, but there is so much non-agreement as to which should be used, plus I have been using full-bed X1B 17 for the past few years that I'm leery of going to a polly. I appreciate your feedback, thanks.

[D-money]

Originally Posted by dmcb101

I think its available now...

Where is 4GS available now?

[Mongolmike]

Originally Posted by D-money

Where is 4GS available now?

I think there is only the 4G 16 and 16L. Wasn't aware that there is a Luxilon 4GS.

By the way, I have 4G 16 in my new Steam 105s. It is the recommended string for that stick too... I strung it at 62#... I'm going to cut it and try it at 59#.

Even tho the 99s and the 105s are similiar, I don't think they are THAT similiar to compare the same string/same tension between the two sticks.... so I can't help you there other than I think full poly in either stick is the way to go for most people.

[D-money]

The S is specifically for the Wilson "S" rackets like the 99s and 105s I'll go with the regular 4G though I really don't think durability is going to be an issue for with such a durable poly. The S is a 1.43 or something crazy. I only break 18g polys in 16x19 patterns I've never broken a 17 or 16g poly before it was time to cut it out anyway.

[ChicagoJack]

Originally Posted by Mongolmike

Nice post ChicagoJack! There's my post throwing out opinion, and you are throwing down sources and links and pics! Remind me not to get into an online debate with you!

Ha Ha, No worries Mongolmike. No big wacky matches for me in quite a while. I have decided to use my superpowers as a force for good and not evil. --Jack

[ChicagoJack]

deleted double post

[wmilas]

Originally Posted by drakulie

Just string it normal. No special stringing is required. have fun and let us know your feedback.

I only string for myself and friends, I don't have the experience with the number of racquets you do. I'm guessing by "normal" you mean tie mains off at 6T, start cross at 8H tie start at 5H?! and tie cross end at 10T or 11T.. I'm guessing 10T? Skip 8's.

I guess is the cross start tie and end tie that are confusing. 5H looks reasonable for start but I'd guess 11T for end as that's the traditional 3rd cross tie off but its SOOOO far up the side of the frame. 10T looks more sane but that's only 1 cross up.

[racertempo]

Originally Posted by wmilas

I only string for myself and friends, I don't have the experience with the number of racquets you do. I'm guessing by "normal" you mean tie mains off at 6T, start cross at 8H tie start at 5H?! and tie cross end at 10T or 11T.. I'm guessing 10T? Skip 8's.

I guess is the cross start tie and end tie that are confusing. 5H looks reasonable for start but I'd guess 11T for end as that's the traditional 3rd cross tie off but its SOOOO far up the side of the frame. 10T looks more sane but that's only 1 cross up.

The TW Specification section does states to skip 8s

[Mongolmike]

Originally Posted by wmilas

I only string for myself and friends, I don't have the experience with the number of racquets you do. I'm guessing by "normal" you mean tie mains off at 6T, start cross at 8H tie start at 5H?! and tie cross end at 10T or 11T.. I'm guessing 10T? Skip 8's.

I guess is the cross start tie and end tie that are confusing. 5H looks reasonable for start but I'd guess 11T for end as that's the traditional 3rd cross tie off but its SOOOO far up the side of the frame. 10T looks more sane but that's only 1 cross up.

Post #1085 is my experience with stringing a 105s with the G4... isn't the 99s recommended to be a 1 pc also? Why did you go 2 pc?