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

[PED]

Originally Posted by Ross K

PED - Yes, I'm waiting to hear some feedback from others re TB in the 99s. I thought I'd play safer by initially going for the 4G as so many like it in the 99s and it's Wilson's designated string for it. Dare say it won't be long before I see if TB's a good fit though.

Ross, mine is coming strung with tb 16l so I can get a baseline reference. I'm going with 45/44 tension wise as I've been playing with the prestige s at 42/41 for the last four months and really dig the lower tension.

I'll try out the 16g tb as well to see how it goes as it lasts a good deal longer.

I'm done with string testing, lol, only tb for me. 4g sounds good but tb is only 7.5 per set off the reel and I get the feeling the steam is going to out a new wing on my stringers house

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by drak

I got mine Thursday and had only one hit, I strung it with pacific Classic at 58 and 4G coosses at 55, both 1.30 gauge, I thought it played great with excellent spin.

Hey man, it has been a while. Today is my first day back on court since I tore my calf on October 29th. I too have noted our affinity for the same frame over the decades (??????? ) now.

I'll post a review in this thread after I've hit today. But based on everything I've preordered two without even hitting (damn dumbass me)

Hope you are well.

[couch]

Originally Posted by Ross K

couch - just to say I've been following/liking your posts on the 99s. Anyhow, unlike on that other 99s thread where any discussion of string/tensions is strictly "verboten" - I'll ask this here: how do you think 4G @ about 50 lbs would perform in this frame? Am about to get 99s strung with full 4G 16 but have never used it previously and TBH don't know a whole lot about it. Straight 50 was like my reference tension for a while, though more recently I've gone down into the 40's... btw, interested to hear about the Black Code test.

Thanks for the nice words.

4G, at least to me, seems to be somewhat low-powered and holds tension extremely well. I normally string my frames with full poly around 54-55lbs (50-60 reference range). Since the 99S has such an open string pattern I decided to go up a few pounds to compensate. Also, the rec. tension is 54-64 so I just strung 1lb below mid tension like usual.

I would start with your reference tension and maybe add 2-3 pounds given the open string pattern. 4G, even strung at 58lbs, feels comfortable to me so I wouldn't worry about the comfort level too much if you string a little higher than normal. I think it's just the open pattern that gives the extra comfort of this frame.

Will give a Black Code update when I get a chance.

[g4driver]

Originally Posted by couch

4G, at least to me, seems to be somewhat low-powered and holds tension extremely well.

Couch, thanks for all your posts. I am no where near your level of player, but would love to find a softer poly that holds tension and performs great in the 99S. I know my elbow can't take 4G so I didn't even try it. I have had bouts of TE off and on all my life and can't hit with stiff frames like PDGTs, so settled in with a Wilson BLX Pro Open (RDC measurement of 66) for the past 2.5 years. I have no issues with TE if I hybrid the Pro Opens with X-One Bi-Phase, or NRG2.

I prefer poly/multi hybrids, but the 99S isn't designed for this type of hybrid, so I have one with a full bed of Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125 (stiffness from TW University is roughly 200), and another one with Babolat Tonic / Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125. The Gut / Yonex is softer but I like the way the full poly hits.

Love any thoughts or suggestions? Now at 4.0 level, playing singles and doubles, putting about 10-12 hours a week on the courts. I break X-One Bi-Phase crosses in about 12 hours in my Pro Opens, so durability isn't really a factor.

Priorities:

1)Comfort
2)Cost
3)Power
4)Durability

The Tonic 16 / Poly Pro Tour 125 is better for my arm, but would love to find a softer poly that my elbow can manage. I love the Steam 99S but would love to see a more flexible version of a midsize with the same 16x15 pattern soon.

I played five days with it now putting in 21 sets. My arm is a little sore as I generally hit Sat-Sun-Mon then leave town for work on Tuesdays back on Friday afternoons.

Thanks for any help you might offer.

[wmilas]

Originally Posted by tlm

Sorry but any main other than poly or kevlar is not going to last very long in this racket.

And you know this because you've gone through how many gut mains? Exactly. I'll let you know what really happens after I play with the stick and wear through the gut.

[wmilas]

Originally Posted by marosmith

I wonder what this will do to wrists, elbows, and shoulders in the long run.

The stick hits pretty soft. I felt no difference between it and the RDiS. In fact, it felt softer. On the other hand the RDiS is pretty firm.

[wmilas]

Originally Posted by tlm

I agree this racket is made for pretty much poly only, I do need to give it a try with 16 gauge 4g at high tension. Where is the proof that this racket is not over hyped? I have used the vortex racket and if you want super spin it will beat the 99s easily.

And again, How many times have you hit with the 99s? Yea. Exactly.

[wmilas]

Originally Posted by g4driver

I prefer poly/multi hybrids, but the 99S isn't designed for this type of hybrid, so I have one with a full bed of Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125 (stiffness from TW University is roughly 200), and another one with Babolat Tonic / Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125. The Gut / Yonex is softer but I like the way the full poly hits.

Love any thoughts or suggestions? Now at 4.0 level, playing singles and doubles, putting about 10-12 hours a week on the courts. I break X-One Bi-Phase crosses in about 12 hours in my Pro Opens, so durability isn't really a factor.

Priorities:

1)Comfort
2)Cost
3)Power
4)Durability

I'm not couch, but I have had bouts of TE in the past. I found the following to be softer polys and still ok with tension. I'm assuming you will brealk or cut them in 8-12 hours. Use the string size that lets you break it in 8-12 hours. I've played with all of these:

MSV CoFocus
MSV Hex
PolyFibre TCS
Gosen Sidewinder
Topspin Cyberflash
Polystar Turbo (Loses tension fast, high power)
Mantis Power poly

[tlm]

Originally Posted by wmilas

And you know this because you've gone through how many gut mains? Exactly. I'll let you know what really happens after I play with the stick and wear through the gut.

Maybe for you it will last, but I had a brand new set of TNT ready to break and moving all over after a half hour. This racket is already to powerful so good luck with nat. gut, but it depends on if you take big cuts at the ball or short pusher swings. Any player that really swings out with a lot of spin is going to eat through strings quickly with this racket.

[drak]

Originally Posted by tlm

Maybe for you it will last, but I had a brand new set of TNT ready to break and moving all over after a half hour. This racket is already to powerful so good luck with nat. gut, but it depends on if you take big cuts at the ball or short pusher swings. Any player that really swings out with a lot of spin is going to eat through strings quickly with this racket.

I do not agree, I am a 4.5 who hits pretty hard, did gut Pacific classic mains with 4G Poly cross and strings looked great after 1.5 hrs, and not too much power at all int eh 1.30 gauge

[drak]

Originally Posted by tlm

Maybe for you it will last, but I had a brand new set of TNT ready to break and moving all over after a half hour. This racket is already to powerful so good luck with nat. gut, but it depends on if you take big cuts at the ball or short pusher swings. Any player that really swings out with a lot of spin is going to eat through strings quickly with this racket.

I think using syn is a "sin" for this frame

[tlm]

Originally Posted by wmilas

And again, How many times have you hit with the 99s? Yea. Exactly.

Look I play 5 days a week all year long, and I try a lot of different sticks. It does not take me numerous hours to know what a racket can do. I do want to give this racket another try with thick poly at high tension because then I will know for sure if this stick could work for me.

[tlm]

Originally Posted by drak

I think using syn is a "sin" for this frame

Ya I agree that is what the demo came with. But TNT is a multi, but not a very good one.

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by tlm

Maybe for you it will last, but I had a brand new set of TNT ready to break and moving all over after a half hour. This racket is already to powerful so good luck with nat. gut, but it depends on if you take big cuts at the ball or short pusher swings. Any player that really swings out with a lot of spin is going to eat through strings quickly with this racket.

TNT does that in every racket I've tried it in. It's a horrible string to have by itself IMO. So the 99s is only going to amplify how bad that string is. Other soft strings are much better and much more durable.

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by tlm

Ya I agree that is what the demo came with. But TNT is a multi, but not a very good one.

Sorry but TNT is a syn gut with multifilament layers.

[tlm]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

Sorry but TNT is a syn gut with multifilament layers.

Okay it is like a half multi, but like you mentioned it does not compliment the 99s. I will try something else but it sure won't be a soft string, more like a stiff and low powered string.

[g4driver]

Originally Posted by wmilas

I'm not couch, but I have had bouts of TE in the past. I found the following to be softer polys and still ok with tension. I'm assuming you will brealk or cut them in 8-12 hours. Use the string size that lets you break it in 8-12 hours. I've played with all of these:

MSV CoFocus
MSV Hex
PolyFibre TCS
Gosen Sidewinder
Topspin Cyberflash
Polystar Turbo (Loses tension fast, high power)
Mantis Power poly

Thanks wmilas.

I see there is a new MSV Soft Hex out now also.

Gosen Sidewinder 17 seems to be pretty soft and descent tension stability.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by g4driver

Thanks wmilas.

I see there is a new MSV Soft Hex out now also.

Gosen Sidewinder 17 seems to be pretty soft and descent tension stability.

Tour Bite Soft comes out soon too.

[couch]

Originally Posted by g4driver

Couch, thanks for all your posts. I am no where near your level of player, but would love to find a softer poly that holds tension and performs great in the 99S. I know my elbow can't take 4G so I didn't even try it. I have had bouts of TE off and on all my life and can't hit with stiff frames like PDGTs, so settled in with a Wilson BLX Pro Open (RDC measurement of 66) for the past 2.5 years. I have no issues with TE if I hybrid the Pro Opens with X-One Bi-Phase, or NRG2.

I prefer poly/multi hybrids, but the 99S isn't designed for this type of hybrid, so I have one with a full bed of Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125 (stiffness from TW University is roughly 200), and another one with Babolat Tonic / Yonex Poly Pro Tour 125. The Gut / Yonex is softer but I like the way the full poly hits.

Love any thoughts or suggestions? Now at 4.0 level, playing singles and doubles, putting about 10-12 hours a week on the courts. I break X-One Bi-Phase crosses in about 12 hours in my Pro Opens, so durability isn't really a factor.

Priorities:

1)Comfort
2)Cost
3)Power
4)Durability

The Tonic 16 / Poly Pro Tour 125 is better for my arm, but would love to find a softer poly that my elbow can manage. I love the Steam 99S but would love to see a more flexible version of a midsize with the same 16x15 pattern soon.

I played five days with it now putting in 21 sets. My arm is a little sore as I generally hit Sat-Sun-Mon then leave town for work on Tuesdays back on Friday afternoons.

Thanks for any help you might offer.

I have played a Signum Pro Tornado/Syn Gut hybrid for the last several years so I haven't really tried too many polys but these would be on my short list for soft polys to try:

Signum Pro Tornado- since it's shaped and twisted not sure how well it would do in the 99S. Does hold tension well.
Signum Pro Hyperion- fairly soft and good tension maintenance.
Signum Pro Poly Plasma- another softer poly that holds tension really well.
Weisscannon Black5edge- have played with this a couple times and I believe people talk about its softness.
Yonex Poly Pro Tour- hit with it once in the yellow and this one seemed like a pretty soft and elastic/powerful poly so it might be a good option

I just strung up the Black Code and hope to bit with it tomorrow so I'll give my feedback then.

Also, not sure what gauges you are using but you may try a 16L string. 4G has 16L and that may soften the stringbed up a bit. Just throwing out some options.

Any one else have any ideas as I am trying to find the right combo of power, spin, and durability in a string for this racquet.

On a side note- won my usta doubles match today 6-3, 6-2 using the steam. Probably served better than anything.

[ChicagoJack]

Originally Posted by tlm

The racket I demoed had TNT in it and it was moving all over, this stick is made for poly. A multi will not last long, the way the new string was moving on me it had huge gaps between the mains from hitting top spin. This racket is definitely over hyped, it is not that special.

Originally Posted by tlm

Where is the proof that this racket is not over hyped? I have used the vortex racket and if you want super spin it will beat the 99s easily.

Hi TLM - You are the umpteenth person to come into the thread, comparing the racquet to a Vortex, then wondering what all the hype is about. Anybody who puts a full bed of nylon in this frame clearly has no idea what the 99s is designed to do. Fewer crosses than mains (something none of the vortex frames have) reduces string on string friction, and promotes the sliding and snapping back of the mains as the ball exits the string bed. The extra spin comes from string movement. You need to put slippery strings in there or it defeats the whole purpose. Your full bed of TNT is sliding, which is good, but they are too sticky to snap back into place, like a Gut/Poly or full poly bed. If you want to know more about this you can check my post #1000 a few pages back.

Low string to string friction, (which promotes string movement) is far more important to spin production than high ball to string friction, or "ball bite". There is nothing to believe or dis-believe about that statement. It is, simply said, an observational fact. It has been observed, confirmed, re-confirmed, and re-confirmed again.

These four independent confirmations took place starting in 2005, by two Physicists working in Japan, by the International Tennis Federation circa 2006-07, followed by Crawford Lindsey's studies which can be found right here in the TW university which occured 2009-2011. Wilson's in house R&D studies are only the final confirmation.

There are dozens of high speed film studies available to show exactly how this happens. The net is littered with these videos like broken dreams at a redneck bar, they are everywhere. I will provide a link to Joshua Speckman's article published in the Atlantic, because the online version contains excellent video illustrating very clearly ( see 2:50 - 5:50 ) how the mains sliding and snapping back creates additional spin.

The New Physics Of Tennis
By Joshua Speckman, The Atlantic Magazine
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...tennis/308339/

It's wicked ironic, that for a very long time, (especially following the University Of Sheffield Studies) the brainiacs in the white lab coats were telling us that string makes no difference at all with regards to spin. Zero, Zip, Nada. Around 1999-2003, as poly began hitting the pro tour in quantity, that idea seemed down right goofy. Now we have clear evidence from the lab explaining why poly is so spinny, and lots of us simply don't want to accept the explanation.

This is old news. Old thinking dies hard. This information has been available since somewhere in 2005-2008, yet the board continues to be pounded with questions about how to increase "ball bite" with the regularity of waves crashing into the beach.

Bite is dead. Slide is the new King. Get over it.

-Jack