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

[teamprovan]

We are at the Center Court Academy in Chatham NJ. The full time Academy is new this year for the 2 and a half years before this year she was the only full time JR. at the club. The club owner told me she had a lot of talent soon after she changed sports to tennis at age 10 so we went full time 1/2 way thru 5th grade because with the late start we had some catching up to do. Now just starting her second year in the 14s she is top 3 in the East. I geuss she has cought up but now it is time to see if she can go to that next level.

[dmcb101]

Originally Posted by teamprovan

We are at the Center Court Academy in Chatham NJ. The full time Academy is new this year for the 2 and a half years before this year she was the only full time JR. at the club. The club owner told me she had a lot of talent soon after she changed sports to tennis at age 10 so we went full time 1/2 way thru 5th grade because with the late start we had some catching up to do. Now just starting her second year in the 14s she is top 3 in the East. I geuss she has cought up but now it is time to see if she can go to that next level.

Wow that's great that she could commit full time to learning tennis. 14's is still pretty early to tell the type of success someone will have in the future so I bet she has time. I teach at a regular club here in Wisconsin but aspire to work with young juniors looking to take their game to the next level. Hope all goes well with your daughter and I wish her the best of luck.

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by g4driver

Ross, sorry for the delayed reply.

This YPPT string job was strung at 56 lbs full bed. Compared to the Babolat Tonic Gut 16 / PPT, it had more power and I felt much more confident swinging with for placement or power. I was really disappointed in the gut/poly combo and this was surprising given I like the same gut / poly same combo in my Wilson Pro Opens. The YPPT did seen to drop tension much quicker as a full bed compared to the Tonic/Poly, but this biggest complaint I had was self induced. I would suggest 48-52 lbs instead of the 56 were I started.

Serves: with PPT clearly better both flat down the T, spinning anywhere, while serving wide to the Ad court is my favorite with the frame.

Backhand: both 2HBH or one handed slice. Clearly better with the Steam 99s than my Pro Opens and better with PPT Higher net clearance on the 2HBH and nice touch for the 1HS.

Forehand: lost some control with this frame compared to my Pro Opens, but better with the Yonex full bed than the other setups excluding WC B5E/Silverstring.

Drop shots:better with gut hybrid but not terrible with the YPPT

I have hit the same full bed of Yonex Poly Pro Tour in both a Yonex 98D / 100S and RDiS 200. The RDiS 200 was my favorite of those three frames. The 100S was again stiffer than my elbow liked.

Thanks, interesting stuff. One last qsn if I may: how many hours performance/life did you get here?

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by teamprovan

My 14 and under girl started play testing the 99s today. Academy is switching from Prince to Wilson Sponsorship so we are going to see if they have anything that can beat her Bab PD GTs. Tried the Prince but the frames were breaking and the frames lost power and stiffness so she went back to the BABs.

I strung with her standard string Tour Bite 17 at 51 Lbs. and OMG the ball was all over the bubble. They were playing super tie breaks when I gave it to her to try and she could only win a point on an ace but could not keep in a ground stroke to save her life. Went from top court to bottom fast. Took it away and gave back her 3 year old Bab and right back to the top court with no more losses.

I gave the 99s to one of the top pro's and asked him to try it. Same thing as my kid, balls flying long with little control. He said the thing felt like the strings were way to loose maybe 5 to 6 Lbs.

Went back and cut out the strings and put in the same at 57 Lbs. She played for 30 Min on a ball machine and said she liked it but needed to play a lot more because she said she had to be sure she turned the door knob big time or the ball would sail on her. Volley's she had to swing thru a bit more but liked what came off the racquet after making the adjustment.

Later she played with a young Pro player who is just starting lower tour events. He is a big hitter of course so it was a good test for the 99s. She like it and said she was just getting into a groove and felt like she could hold her own when snap 30 min. in the strings were gone. The 2 center mains broke dead center in the string bed.

She has always been hard on string using only one racquet per 2 set match. If a 3rd set is needed then she grabs a fresh stick. How ever 30 mins of soft hitting and 30 min of all out killing the ball and I could hear my wallet screaming in my back pocket.

Tonight I restrung with the 4G 130 that the club had and ordered some 4G 141. I also added some weight under her hand because she likes the Babs at about 6 1/2 points HL and about 11.7 oz.

She was also trying the Juice 100 but she thinks after I matched the balance and weight to her Babs and gave it the same 51 lbs. Tour Bite she said it was a lot like her Babs but not as good any where on the court.

I will update on the 99s and see how the 4G 130 after it breaks most likly before morning break.

Fascinating to read this. Do update this if you can. I wish her well too.

[Dgdavid]

Had a great first hit with the non-S 99 (3 sets) and immediately preferred it but need more time. Got a tough singles match tonight and will use it in that (not a Box or Ladder match but a tough opponent who hates losing).

Felt more penetrating and direct yet still good spin when you want it. My flatter shots improved and my consistency went up a notch. Mind you, singles is where most rackets I like fall flat so jury is still out. Will report back.
The frame is very nice.

If I win in two, will be pulling out a PB Mid 10 for a 3rd set!

ps. on the 99S, over two demo stints (one with blacked out tester, the second with retail version) I have played 11 competitive singles sets, 6 competitive doubles, three Mix-In/Club Socials (around 3 hours each) plus some general wall hitting and knock-ups. It is definitely a grower and I like it. Haven't ruled it out but got a feeling the non-S might be the one for me.

[PED]

Originally Posted by teamprovan

Tonight I restrung with the 4G 130 that the club had and ordered some 4G 141. I also added some weight under her hand because she likes the Babs at about 6 1/2 points HL and about 11.7 oz.


I will update on the 99s and see how the 4G 130 after it breaks most likly before morning break.

One thing to potentially consider, since she's a TB user, you may want to look at the 1.30mm TB. I'm a long time TB user and much preferred TB 1.30 to 4G 1.30. I had to alter my swing with the 4G to get the same lift as I do naturally with the TB.

[teamprovan]

I know she would like to stick with TB but I am not sure any 130 Co-Poly will last in this racquet. We will see today if the 130 4G will last in a normal 6 hour hitting day or not. If it can take her hittting with Pro men players for 2 to 3 hours plus 2 hours of drills and 2 hours of playing down with kids 14 to 16 years old then the TB may be an option. I would hate to change everything she trusts right in the meat of the sectional season.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

Had a great first hit with the non-S 99 (3 sets) and immediately preferred it but need more time. Got a tough singles match tonight and will use it in that (not a Box or Ladder match but a tough opponent who hates losing).

Felt more penetrating and direct yet still good spin when you want it. My flatter shots improved and my consistency went up a notch. Mind you, singles is where most rackets I like fall flat so jury is still out. Will report back.
The frame is very nice.

If I win in two, will be pulling out a PB Mid 10 for a 3rd set!

ps. on the 99S, over two demo stints (one with blacked out tester, the second with retail version) I have played 11 competitive singles sets, 6 competitive doubles, three Mix-In/Club Socials (around 3 hours each) plus some general wall hitting and knock-ups. It is definitely a grower and I like it. Haven't ruled it out but got a feeling the non-S might be the one for me.

Does the non-S feel and swing exactly like the S? It should right, since the only difference is the pattern?

[dmcb101]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Does the non-S feel and swing exactly like the S? It should right, since the only difference is the pattern?

I believe the SW is a little different. 328 for regular 99 and 333 for the S version.

[PED]

Originally Posted by teamprovan

I know she would like to stick with TB but I am not sure any 130 Co-Poly will last in this racquet. We will see today if the 130 4G will last in a normal 6 hour hitting day or not. If it can take her hittting with Pro men players for 2 to 3 hours plus 2 hours of drills and 2 hours of playing down with kids 14 to 16 years old then the TB may be an option. I would hate to change everything she trusts right in the meat of the sectional season.

It probably won't last. FWIW, I'm getting 2.5 hours from the TB 1.30mm and 2 hours from the 4G.

4G is stiffer, and has less explosive power IMO. I much prefer TB in the 99S.

After my 4G popped today, I went back to a freshie with TB 1.30mm, I could tell a big difference.

[Devilito]

i'd be interested in seeing a 16x15 pattern in something like the PS90 where the frame is a lot more stable. Interested in the string pattern, not interested in the racquet they’re using it in.

[Dgdavid]

actually, the SW feels slightly higher on the non-S despite what the TW specs say but not much in it and that could be QC. I think someone else noticed that too. I will report back after my match which starts in an hour. 16x18 is still pretty open of course.

one thing I do know is the 99S felt great in the hand to me and it was because of that I wanted to try the 99. will update in 3-4 hours or so.

[PED]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

actually, the SW feels slightly higher on the non-S despite what the TW specs say but not much in it and that could be QC. I think someone else noticed that too. I will report back after my match which starts in an hour. 16x18 is still pretty open of course.

one thing I do know is the 99S felt great in the hand to me and it was because of that I wanted to try the 99. will update in 3-4 hours or so.

FWIW, I had mine matched at TW & both of the S model came in at 321.

They mentioned that the #'s are all over the place. At least Wilson is consistently inconsistent with their specs.

[racertempo]

Originally Posted by teamprovan

They were playing super tie breaks when I gave it to her to try and she could only win a point on an ace but could not keep in a ground stroke to save her life. Went from top court to bottom fast. Took it away and gave back her 3 year old Bab and right back to the top court with no more losses.

That would occur to just about any player when you hand them a frame in the middle of a match that they have never used.....especially one like this that take a little hitting to get used to. The exact same would probably happen if you gave her a Yonex Ezone frame out of the blue.

But this is just further example that the frame is not as the cover might indicate, open it up and spend a little quality time with it and you may get a great reward. I will be interested to read how things go with it in the coming weeks......sounds like your wallet might hurt with how much of a beating she imposes on string.

[Veninga]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

actually, the SW feels slightly higher on the non-S despite what the TW specs say but not much in it and that could be QC. I think someone else noticed that too. I will report back after my match which starts in an hour. 16x18 is still pretty open of course.

one thing I do know is the 99S felt great in the hand to me and it was because of that I wanted to try the 99. will update in 3-4 hours or so.

really interested. also how arm friendly this one is.

[chris_short1]

Is it just me or does the new wilson steam 99s paintjob look very similar to the Kfactor Six one?

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Veninga

really interested. also how arm friendly this one is.

It won't be softer feeling than the more open 99s.

[Dgdavid]

well fellas, I am delighted with the non-S 99. And that is saying something because I have been very successful with various MG and IG Rads recently result wise (MP and OS), had a great hit with the Volkl PB Mid 10 (beautiful but demanding racket) and had a healthy extended interest in the 99S version. However, the non-S really is a fantastic racket and solves the short comings of the 99S for me and my style.

I knew I liked the feel and frame of the Steam 99S but have niggling issues with depth, penetration, leaving sitters if not ripping through every stroke etc. Not so with the 99, every shot was strong and finally I have a stick that is easy rallying and with a truly superb response when you pull the trigger to get the ball through the court fast. My opponent was quite taken aback by the difference in a week. Easy win against a strong player. The 99S has a marginal advantage on backhand slice but not significant.

Veninga, comfort wise it is good simply for this: You must use a poly in the 99S, full bed. IMO, you have no choice. However, with the non-S 99, I played with Wilson Sensation at mid and it felt great. Still tonnes of spin when needed, the 16x18 is already very open but I can't quite believe it myself. A really great racket and finally off Polys at the same time. 99 with Sensation is definitely softer than 99S with Poly but if they had the same strings, I would agree with Jack that the 99S would be slightly softer (or less hard!). However, you cannot put a multi in the 99S.

ps. my only concern is the QC but I have just ordered two additional ones and plan to send all three to a professional stringer I know who can perfectly match them with the one I already own as the target spec. Got to be done.

[Veninga]

Originally Posted by Dgdavid

well fellas, I am delighted with the non-S 99. And that is saying something because I have been very successful with various MG and IG Rads recently result wise (MP and OS), had a great hit with the Volkl PB Mid 10 (beautiful but demanding racket) and had a healthy extended interest in the 99S version. However, the non-S really is a fantastic racket and solves the short comings of the 99S for me and my style.

I knew I liked the feel and frame of the Steam 99S but have niggling issues with depth, penetration, leaving sitters if not ripping through every stroke etc. Not so with the 99, every shot was strong and finally I have a stick that is easy rallying and with a truly superb response when you pull the trigger to get the ball through the court fast. My opponent was quite taken aback by the difference in a week. Easy win against a strong player. The 99S has a marginal advantage on backhand slice but not significant.

Veninga, comfort wise it is good simply for this: You must use a poly in the 99S, full bed. IMO, you have no choice. However, with the non-S 99, I played with Wilson Sensation at mid and it felt great. Still tonnes of spin when needed, the 16x18 is already very open but I can't quite believe it myself. A really great racket and finally off Polys at the same time. 99 with Sensation is definitely softer than 99S with Poly but if they had the same strings, I would agree with Jack that the 99S would be slightly softer (or less hard!). However, you cannot put a multi in the 99S.

ps. my only concern is the QC but I have just ordered two additional ones and plan to send all three to a professional stringer I know who can perfectly match them with the one I already own as the target spec. Got to be done.

if you are so delighted, i have to be as well. we are both chasing same kind of rackets

one more question about feel. Stiffness is not a problem for me. But jarring/vibrating strings. I read although being stiff, the steam is pretty comfy for its stiffness. Read: not 2 vibrating?

if so, then i should get one 2. one with a SW 325 gripsize 3, so if you have one?!?

[Dgdavid]

Originally Posted by Veninga

if you are so delighted, i have to be as well. we are both chasing same kind of rackets

one more question about feel. Stiffness is not a problem for me. But jarring/vibrating strings. I read although being stiff, the steam is pretty comfy for its stiffness. Read: not 2 vibrating?

if so, then i should get one 2. one with a SW 325 gripsize 3, so if you have one?!?

lol, you know me too well but this time, I am holding on to them!
Definitely not to vibrating, I am recently pretty sensitive about comfort and solidity and this fits the bill (with a multi). Doesn't hurt that they are pretty cheap too. Just picked two new ones up for £200 including shipping.