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

[Anton]

Here we go!



http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Luxi...LUX4GS141.html

Now things could get interesting

[chunlimeyers]

Ok, just a warning to those who think they might be having arm problems with the 99s. I got to demo it and the stringer said he strung it to 58 lbs with Luxilon 4G (mains and crosses). So, as you all know, that is relatively high for a poly string. Well, I first was exited and hit outside with it on a 45 degree day. I could feel the vibration through the frame when I was hitting big. So, i blamed it on hitting in the cold and then got to hit it indoors with newer balls. Same thing, just could feel the whole frame vibrate. I thought this was cool, until I realized that is the definition of tennis elbow, and about 3 months ago, I just got over a bout of that as i was experimenting with different string tensions/patterns. However, a number of you guys probably don't hit as hard as me and just use a window washer motion and probably will never even feel this. Also, I am thinking, that the racket was simply strung too high with all poly, further showing the hollowness of the frame. I am also spoiled, as my main racket is the head microgel mp, which, the "microgel" is just a fancy word for silicone injected in the frame, which gives it this rock solid feel and no vibration to it(plus its way less stiff, also). I also have a pure drive gt, which is very similar to this frame in stiffness, but again did not notice any vibration on my frame. If you hit anything in the top third of the racquet hard enough you will feel what I am describing(unless I got just a bad demo model). I don't have tennis elbow anymore so i didn't have any pain hitting with this, but was wary and didn't use it too much.
As for the spin? Well, I was experimenting with a new combo of strings in my babolat, and thought it made more or as much spin as the 99s! Though, compared to the babolat, the 99s was smaller(i was pleasantly surprised, as I don't really like how large the head is on the babolat) and more shaped like my 98square inch head microgel(which is more like a 95 compared to other company specs), which i liked. I had decent control/accuracy with it and overall, felt almost like hitting with the most powerful wood racquet because of this give and vibration through the frame. This caused me to return it quicker just in order to keep my arm in 100 percent shape that it is now. Oh, and I almost forgot, all rackets had the same dampener in that I always use, so that was not a factor. So, for now, until or if they make a more solid players racket version of this, I am going to put my new string combo in my microgel and then decide if I am going to use my babolat or head or both for the summer.

[sundaypunch]

Lux. 4G at 58 lbs. makes me cringe let alone playing it in 45 degree weather.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by drak

nice review Rabbit, I'll play some dubs Tu and Thurs and I'll have more to add.

I did a TW search and Black Widow has a 15L Poly, but I thins it's only a 1.32. I loved the gut mains with the 4G crosses the first time out so I will see how it lasts. Interesting you found the serve to be good, I did not hit serves my first time so I'll look forward to that tomorrow.

Drak

Please do let us know how the gut setup holds up as that could be sweet!

[drak]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Please do let us know how the gut setup holds up as that could be sweet!

I will, I also got some 15L tonic 1.35 I will try after the current setup breaks.BTW I was wrong on the Poly, it's Tech Black code in a 15L, not Black widow.

[couch]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Probably not a bad idea.

I hit with the 99S yesterday. At the request of its owner, I strung it at 58.5 mains and 55.5 crosses. It was strung with MSV Focus Hex 17L. First, I think it was strung a little too tight for my tastes, but I was really amazed at how well it played strung with poly at what I consider too high a tension for me. Three of us, 2 4.5s and 1 5.0, hit for two hours and played some Canadian doubles.

Overall
The thing that really struck me was, as others have said, how much more clearance you get over the net. Once you get used to the frame, you can keep the ball lower for times when your opponent is at net. The other striking thing about this racquet was how the ball "dove" at the end of well hit strokes. This caused the 5.0 on the other side of the net (ProKennex about 15 years old) to mishit ball after ball. He remarked more than once about how cleanly I was hitting the ball.

Comfort, especially considering an all poly string job at 58, was excellent. Control was great and touch was as good as any other frame save possibly the C10 that I've hit with of late.

Serves
I was really impressed with serves. I arrived earlier than the other two and took some serves. I started off just limbering up, hitting some easy kick serves. I then hit a couple of harder serves. I was able to hit the corners, and with more pace than I've been getting with my Prince frames. This frame is much firmer playing than the O3's, but not necessarily in a bad way. Serves were definitely a plus with this frame.

Forehand
If struck properly, the ball really has a nice trajectory. Crosscourt forehands were for the most part unreturnable if I made it a point to step into them. On all shots, it seemed that the ball was coming down into the court much faster and at a steeper angle.

Backhand
One-handed backhand here and it was sublime. I hit a couple of balls that had so much spin on them they literally shot off the court after hitting it. And the really good news is that slices were effortless and "dug" into the court more. I was able to really hit the ball without worrying about this being a new frame. It was like I had played with the frame before.

Net
This frame is nice and fast around the net. Proper technique is rewarded with some good stick on volleys. Touch was great with half-volleys going back and angled volleys were pretty good too. I think my net game was a little off due to the all-poly string job and I did club a few.

Service Returns
The one thing to keep in mind with this frame is "swing". You really need to give the ball a good cut to get the proper response out of it. This is really most true for service returns at least 1st hit. I may, after some time with this frame, figure out how to hit a softer return, but out of the gate, if you swung aggressively, you were rewarded with a great return.

Downsides
The 5.0 who owns the frame called me to check on how I liked it. I basically loved it. He said there is a downside. He had the other one and strung it with ALU 16L. He said that he broke strings right after the 1st set. I took a look at the MSV in my frame and it was notched about a quarter through. I think a soft, cheap, thick poly may be in order here. That said, I'm probably going to string mine with Lux Ace or Pacific PF 18 or Isospeed Pulse 17 when they come in. I know for sure that I'll string it at 54 or 55 and the crosses at 52 or 53. I suspect from previous experience the BB Original may be a good candidate for this frame as well.

From my experience, this frame plays great right out of the gate. I didn't have to make any big adjustments.

And, I'm going to try a few hybrids in this frame ----- Draulike?

But this is a great frame. Maybe Mark Woodforde and Felix Mantilla did know something none of the rest of us did!

Great review Rabbit. I agree with you on all accounts. The only downside like you said is the string durability. I had the same issue with BB Alu Power. After about an hour of hitting and playing points it broke on me. I wish I could have seen the look on my face because it was both disbelief and concern at the same time. I have used 4G 16g and it lasted about 3-4 hours the first go around of mostly hitting. The second go around I got a little extra out of the strings. Going to hit with Black Code 15L tonight and will see how that goes.

I definitely think a thicker, maybe cheaper, poly is in order for this racquet if you play at a somewhat high level. I don't think tension maintenance will be as important with this racquet because of the durability issues. They just won't last as long. You still want to make sure you're getting that snap back however. Will be interesting to see what people settle in with string wise.

[couch]

Originally Posted by drak

I will, I also got some 15L tonic 1.35 I will try after the current setup breaks.BTW I was wrong on the Poly, it's Tech Black code in a 15L, not Black widow.

I have one of mine strung with 15L Black Code and will hit with it tonight and give some feedback.

[Stroke]

Is anyone using vibration dampners with this racquet?

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Probably not a bad idea.

I hit with the 99S yesterday. At the request of its owner, I strung it at 58.5 mains and 55.5 crosses. It was strung with MSV Focus Hex 17L. First, I think it was strung a little too tight for my tastes, but I was really amazed at how well it played strung with poly at what I consider too high a tension for me. Three of us, 2 4.5s and 1 5.0, hit for two hours and played some Canadian doubles.

Overall
The thing that really struck me was, as others have said, how much more clearance you get over the net. Once you get used to the frame, you can keep the ball lower for times when your opponent is at net. The other striking thing about this racquet was how the ball "dove" at the end of well hit strokes. This caused the 5.0 on the other side of the net (ProKennex about 15 years old) to mishit ball after ball. He remarked more than once about how cleanly I was hitting the ball.

Comfort, especially considering an all poly string job at 58, was excellent. Control was great and touch was as good as any other frame save possibly the C10 that I've hit with of late.

Serves
I was really impressed with serves. I arrived earlier than the other two and took some serves. I started off just limbering up, hitting some easy kick serves. I then hit a couple of harder serves. I was able to hit the corners, and with more pace than I've been getting with my Prince frames. This frame is much firmer playing than the O3's, but not necessarily in a bad way. Serves were definitely a plus with this frame.

Forehand
If struck properly, the ball really has a nice trajectory. Crosscourt forehands were for the most part unreturnable if I made it a point to step into them. On all shots, it seemed that the ball was coming down into the court much faster and at a steeper angle.

Backhand
One-handed backhand here and it was sublime. I hit a couple of balls that had so much spin on them they literally shot off the court after hitting it. And the really good news is that slices were effortless and "dug" into the court more. I was able to really hit the ball without worrying about this being a new frame. It was like I had played with the frame before.

Net
This frame is nice and fast around the net. Proper technique is rewarded with some good stick on volleys. Touch was great with half-volleys going back and angled volleys were pretty good too. I think my net game was a little off due to the all-poly string job and I did club a few.

Service Returns
The one thing to keep in mind with this frame is "swing". You really need to give the ball a good cut to get the proper response out of it. This is really most true for service returns at least 1st hit. I may, after some time with this frame, figure out how to hit a softer return, but out of the gate, if you swung aggressively, you were rewarded with a great return.

Downsides
The 5.0 who owns the frame called me to check on how I liked it. I basically loved it. He said there is a downside. He had the other one and strung it with ALU 16L. He said that he broke strings right after the 1st set. I took a look at the MSV in my frame and it was notched about a quarter through. I think a soft, cheap, thick poly may be in order here. That said, I'm probably going to string mine with Lux Ace or Pacific PF 18 or Isospeed Pulse 17 when they come in. I know for sure that I'll string it at 54 or 55 and the crosses at 52 or 53. I suspect from previous experience the BB Original may be a good candidate for this frame as well.

From my experience, this frame plays great right out of the gate. I didn't have to make any big adjustments.

And, I'm going to try a few hybrids in this frame ----- Draulike?

But this is a great frame. Maybe Mark Woodforde and Felix Mantilla did know something none of the rest of us did!

Exciting to see more than a few of us definitely catching the bug now or whatever. Specially interesting re the serve aspect as I haven't even served properly with mine yet. Noted too the soft, cheap, thick poly observation, plus the touch/C10 comment (still, even during these racketaholic wilderness years, the C10 does have a certain habit of being taken out of my bag every now and then lol). Very nice review, Rabbit.

Will be interesting to see what people settle in with string wise.

QFT couch... I'm taking copious notes of the reports starting to arrive back. Lots of curiosity here certainly re the likes of 4G, 4GS, gut/poly, TB, Poly Pro Tour, and a host of other options. I'm awaiting the disappearance of the snowy weather that has struck the UK lately, a bit of freeing up of time too, but hope to be checking out the 4G soonish.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by drak

I will, I also got some 15L tonic 1.35 I will try after the current setup breaks.BTW I was wrong on the Poly, it's Tech Black code in a 15L, not Black widow.

Yes, I couldn't resist and bought a set of Klip 15 gauge when TW carried it. I think it may be an excellent candidate in this frame.

Originally Posted by couch

Great review Rabbit. I agree with you on all accounts. The only downside like you said is the string durability. I had the same issue with BB Alu Power. After about an hour of hitting and playing points it broke on me. I wish I could have seen the look on my face because it was both disbelief and concern at the same time. I have used 4G 16g and it lasted about 3-4 hours the first go around of mostly hitting. The second go around I got a little extra out of the strings. Going to hit with Black Code 15L tonight and will see how that goes.

I definitely think a thicker, maybe cheaper, poly is in order for this racquet if you play at a somewhat high level. I don't think tension maintenance will be as important with this racquet because of the durability issues. They just won't last as long. You still want to make sure you're getting that snap back however. Will be interesting to see what people settle in with string wise.

Thanks, always appreciated. Yeah, the 5.0 who broke the set of ALU said "you know, I just don't like stringing that much". He wasn't overjoyed that the strings broke that soon. Who knows, there may be a wave of them 2nd hand still like new for sale from the guys who eat strings.

Originally Posted by Stroke

Is anyone using vibration dampners with this racquet?

Yes, I did with mine. It made a difference in the feel, from metal-ish to wood-ish.

Originally Posted by Ross K

Exciting to see more than a few of us definitely catching the bug now or whatever. Specially interesting re the serve aspect as I haven't even served properly with mine yet. Noted too the soft, cheap, thick poly observation, plus the touch/C10 comment (still, even during these racketaholic wilderness years, the C10 does have a certain habit of being taken out of my bag every now and then lol). Very nice review, Rabbit.

Roger that!


I do think that while poly is an excellent choice in this frame, there are other strings which will work as well. I'm looking forward to a gut/poly combination. Either that or a thin poly/multi cross. I've always said I love stringing...

[MesQueUnClub]

Any suggestion on adding weight to the racquet ? I would definitely want to add some weight and bring the static weight up to 12 oz as well as make it a bit more HL.

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by MesQueUnClub

Any suggestion on adding weight to the racquet ? I would definitely want to add some weight and bring the static weight up to 12 oz as well as make it a bit more HL.

Just need a little lead tape under the grip. The handle is foam filled so you can't add it under the buttcap.

[MesQueUnClub]

I gave in and ordered one. Should have it by wednesday. Plan to string it with TB 18g at 50/46 which is what I play with these days.

[Anton]

Originally Posted by MesQueUnClub

I gave in and ordered one. Should have it by wednesday. Plan to string it with TB 18g at 50/46 which is what I play with these days.

18g? for one of the most open rackets ever?

Racket that pops 16g strings in a few hours?

[PhotoBlue]

Originally Posted by MesQueUnClub

I gave in and ordered one. Should have it by wednesday. Plan to string it with TB 18g at 50/46 which is what I play with these days.

AAAAHHHH. I want one so bad. But everybody's all like "you need to stick with this racquet, blah blah blah blah."

[AlfaAce]

Just got a 99S demo. Still has the clear plastic on the grip .

[MesQueUnClub]

Originally Posted by Anton

18g? for one of the most open rackets ever?

Racket that pops 16g strings in a few hours?

It just so happens that I have 2 reels of tb and nothing else. Need to order strings as well, I guess. First let me see how this goes. I am in no hurry.

[aimr75]

Originally Posted by MesQueUnClub

It just so happens that I have 2 reels of tb and nothing else. Need to order strings as well, I guess. First let me see how this goes. I am in no hurry.

not such a bad thing to try what you know as a point of reference either

[tlm]

Just got back from my first hit with a full poly job, big improvement. I put a full job of 16 gauge poly at 64 lbs in and it was way better than the junk TNT that came in it.

I would like to try it with the new 15 g. 4G, now that could really work well. This racket can pull off some crazy shots, my forehand which I use a lot of top spin anyway was popping up big time. And my opponent came in a lot and my cross court passes were excellent.

The serve is very solid with good bite off the court, and pretty easy to control. My opponent has a big serve and I was pretty impressed with the way I was able to control the returns.

I slice a lot on the backhand side and I hit some really nasty biting slices. My opponent is better than me and he dictates play the majority of the time, but I was still able to play good defense and my lobs were landing in consistently.

That is pretty good considering that this racket is quite a bit more powerful than I am used to and I will still knock some more of the power out of it with a different string job.

For players that are more used to rackets with some power in them this racket will fit them nicely. The other thing I noticed is that it seems really comfy, I felt no shock of any kind. Plus it swings very easily and could easily have some weight added to it.

I will have to give this racket some more time with some different string jobs and see what happens.

[Anton]

Originally Posted by tlm

I put a full job of 16 gauge poly at 64 lbs in

There we go, that's what I'm talking about.