Wilson Steam 100 (vs The Juice) - Thoughts & Pictures

[Hominator]

Originally Posted by couch

That seems a little light compared to Wilson's strung specs. I would assume strung, with an overgrip, and a dampener the Juice should come in around 11.4/11.5 oz. I won't mind the lower swingweight but sure hope/wish the weight is just a bit higher.

I sure hope the Steam doesn't come in under 11 oz. strung with a dampener and overgrip. I guess I can always slap a little lead on it.

Castalia- I haven't hit with the Steam yet but I think the Steam just might be a slightly less demanding Blade 98. It seems to have a very similar mold to the blades. Especially the feel in the throat. Kind of like a straight-beamed "players" tweener/Pure Drive.

The static weight along with the balance makes the racquet feel really light. It doesn't suffer any lack of plow on groundstrokes, though. It's a pretty impressive frame, but probably not for me. We'll see...

[couch]

Originally Posted by Hominator

The static weight along with the balance makes the racquet feel really light. It doesn't suffer any lack of plow on groundstrokes, though. It's a pretty impressive frame, but probably not for me. We'll see...

I've never quite understood the whole "lack of plow through" thing myself. I think any racquet around 11 oz., with good swing speed and hitting the sweet spot consistently, will have good plow through. I've used a racquet that's 9 years old, around 11 oz., and haven't had issues playing against other 5.0 players. I would think the racquets today would have even better plow through given some of the advances in materials/technology. I'm not saying there is a huge difference year-to-year but over nine years there's probably been some advancements in racquet technology. I think the big advancement has been in strings though.

[El Diablo]

^^ the larger issue with plow is on shots where a well executed swing isn't always feasible. I increased the lead on my racquet recently and find groundstrokes to be not very different, BUT return of serve and reflex volleys are now vastly improved as a result of the greater "plow." That, and serve, are where the greater mass really tells. I've never been able to return or volley consistently well with an 11 ounce setup.

[srvnvly]

Originally Posted by couch

I've never quite understood the whole "lack of plow through" thing myself. I think any racquet around 11 oz., with good swing speed and hitting the sweet spot consistently, will have good plow through. I've used a racquet that's 9 years old, around 11 oz., and haven't had issues playing against other 5.0 players. I would think the racquets today would have even better plow through given some of the advances in materials/technology. I'm not saying there is a huge difference year-to-year but over nine years there's probably been some advancements in racquet technology. I think the big advancement has been in strings though.

I think the BAPDGT and BLX Blade 98 have good plow through, tho the BLX Blade 98 was a bit tough on my arm; conversely, the Kobra Tour and Dunlop 400 Tour have good static weight, but not good plow through

[couch]

Originally Posted by El Diablo

^^ the larger issue with plow is on shots where a well executed swing isn't always feasible. I increased the lead on my racquet recently and find groundstrokes to be not very different, BUT return of serve and reflex volleys are now vastly improved as a result of the greater "plow." That, and serve, are where the greater mass really tells. I've never been able to return or volley consistently well with an 11 ounce setup.

I'm sure a lot of it depends on what you are used to and your style of play. I think guys with faster swings and hit with lot's of topspin can get away with a lighter racquet. I think stiffness also plays a part in that. My racquet is lighter but it's fairly stiff and is 27.5" long too. Lot's of variables involved.

Anyway, how bout that Steam???

[roundiesee]

Sorry to resurrect this thread. Thought I would just add my 2 cents and say that the OP was absolutely spot on with these 2 rackets! Just tested the juice 100 and the steam, and ugly paint jobs notwithstanding, they absolutely played very well indeed. The juice was strung with full poly and the steam had nxt. Both very comfortable and I had no pain after playing. Strangely they both played very similarly and I would challenge anyone to say which was better. My friend who loaned me the sticks came to a great decision and got both of them because they played so well. Would encourage those who like tweeners to give these 2 a play test ,

[colababy]

I found the steam to feel a lot more solid than the juice. The juice felt very hollow and empty...for lack of a better description.

However, neither felt as solid or as heavy as my k pro open, which should be almost the same specs

[darklore009]

The Wilson Steam 100 isn't a bad racket. It's a friendly racket and get the most out of it. I love it's maneuverability and spin. I didn"t care about it's paintjob. Though many people hates it.

[PowerPlay]

Originally Posted by Agent Orynge

That stick looks like somebody gave it a Cosby Sweater.

Best line of the day....lol.

[Relinquis]

This is my new racquet. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

I bought the Wilson Steam 100 four weeks ago, after doing no research or testing. I was travelling and needed to play tennis so walked into a sports store and asked for something that I can use as I get better, use control and that is within my budget. It's light, it's powerful*, it feels good and the paint job is, for lack of a better expression, 'character building'...

I've just returned to tennis after playing it in my early teens for a couple of years. The first thing I noticed was how light these new racquets are, compared to what I played with as a skinny teenager in the 90s. Then I hit a ball with it; So much power!

The biggest surprise for me was how large the sweat spot feels. I guess this is the major improvement in design in the past 20 years. It is also a bit larger than my old stick. It feels very headlight to me** which feels good at the net. Yes, I still play that kind of tennis. It's not like Nadal is on the other side of the net to counter with passing shots and topspin lobs on the run. Anyway, I feel like I can volley deep and change direction quickly with this stick.

I have a one-handed backhand and this racquet feels great one both slice and topspin backhands from the baseline to various angles.

I can't comment much on the serve, as it is the weakest part of my game. There seems to be a lot of power on tap, but my accuracy is lacking. This is due to my natural abilities / technique. I'm working on it with my coach, so don't hold it against the racquet.

All in all, I'm happy with this stick. Will probably try natural gut when I restring. I think if you are an intermediate player or returning to the game you should demo it. If you get it, make sure you buy the flashiest fluorescent over-grips. Might as well embrace the look.

* Wilson Sensation 16g string
** 32.0cm / 8Pts HL is written on the throat, whatever that means

[zapvor]

ok. its real simple. so many people are getting jucie because azarenka and whoever is using it. real simple: the steam is WAY better than the juice. go demo for yourself and if you still think juice is a better racket,well....you suck at tennis:P

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by roundiesee

Sorry to resurrect this thread. Thought I would just add my 2 cents and say that the OP was absolutely spot on with these 2 rackets! Just tested the juice 100 and the steam, and ugly paint jobs notwithstanding, they absolutely played very well indeed. The juice was strung with full poly and the steam had nxt. Both very comfortable and I had no pain after playing. Strangely they both played very similarly and I would challenge anyone to say which was better. My friend who loaned me the sticks came to a great decision and got both of them because they played so well. Would encourage those who like tweeners to give these 2 a play test ,

Never played this steam (though want to look at the new 99s), but have been very impressed with the J100. Definitely for someone wanting a slight variation or two on the APD or PD.

That stick looks like somebody gave it a Cosby Sweater.

Agree with poster above about this... great line!... BTW, it's ironic I now use this frame given how I was scathing about pj, marketing, whatever at the start of this thread.

[mxmx]

Originally Posted by BagelMe

Blehhhh....that thing is hideous!

I like it :S
Except for the inside of the hoop at 12 like someone stated looking chipped....

[zapvor]

whats with all the juice love? weird.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by zapvor

whats with all the juice love? weird.

What's weird about it? It's one of the top selling racquets for 2012.
It's a great tweener. Like a PD but more comfortable.

[zapvor]

because the steam is way better. so many people just buy into the hype. like they do with the babolats. marketing dollars at work

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by zapvor

because the steam is way better. so many people just buy into the hype. like they do with the babolats. marketing dollars at work

Your argument doesn't hold water because Wilson has marketed the Steam and Juice equally as much. If you like the Steam "way better" than use it. I just got ahold of one so I can do my own comparison. I did notice right off the bat, the Steam feels lighter so I will need to add about 10 grams to get it to match up with my Juice. It's also .25 longer, so maybe that scares some people away? Azarenka did very well with the Juice and that also gave it a lot of positive exposure. The Steam doesn't seem as visible among the Pros as the Juice.

Either way, I think once the new Steam 99 and 99s come out, the Steam 100 will fade into the night.

Zapvor, I don't know how old you actually are, but comments like this one you made above, make you appear very immature...
" real simple: the steam is WAY better than the juice. go demo for yourself and if you still think juice is a better racket,well....you suck at tennis"

I guess Gulbis, Nishikori and Kvitova all "suck at tennis" ?

[thecrusher956]

^^ That would be true, but they aren't using a real steam.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by thecrusher956

^^ That would be true, but they aren't using a real steam.

Of course we all know that Pro's just use paintjobs for the most part.
I was just poking fun at Zap's remark.

[zapvor]

Originally Posted by thecrusher956

^^ That would be true, but they aren't using a real steam.

Originally Posted by JackB1

Your argument doesn't hold water because Wilson has marketed the Steam and Juice equally as much. If you like the Steam "way better" than use it. I just got ahold of one so I can do my own comparison. I did notice right off the bat, the Steam feels lighter so I will need to add about 10 grams to get it to match up with my Juice. It's also .25 longer, so maybe that scares some people away? Azarenka did very well with the Juice and that also gave it a lot of positive exposure. The Steam doesn't seem as visible among the Pros as the Juice.

Either way, I think once the new Steam 99 and 99s come out, the Steam 100 will fade into the night.

Zapvor, I don't know how old you actually are, but comments like this one you made above, make you appear very immature...
" real simple: the steam is WAY better than the juice. go demo for yourself and if you still think juice is a better racket,well....you suck at tennis"

I guess Gulbis, Nishikori and Kvitova all "suck at tennis" ?

lol so you are poking fun at me, yet point out what the pros use? good job....

and yea my comment was obviously loaded. guess you took the bait literally.

anyways let me know what you think of the steam. but you are adding lead to it....whatever suits you