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

[doctor dennis]

Originally Posted by racertempo

Actually I don't think I have read a review where anyone did not like the frame on volleys. I have always said that the feel and touch of this frame are shockingly nice and a definite strength of this frame. This was my worry about the frame when I demo'd it a month ago, but was so so please with how great it was, volley feel was 90% of why I was sold on the frame so quickly as I come to net a ton in singles and live within a foot of the net in doubles.

Great honest review and nice to read from a self-proclaimed Babolat fanbay

Your probably right. I think I may have read elsewhere on the net that it is not too great at the net.
"Feel" is one of those words used to describe a racket that you can't really explain as its different for everyone.
The "feel" on this racket is amazing As you agree. On volleys, finesse shots and slices I feel really connected to the ball. It's completely different to the APD. Don't know if that's a Wilson thing or specific to this racket but its impressive.
I think this racket will serve me well when the doubles season starts.

[couch]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Ah, nice to know this as Black Code was a contender for me. I say 'was' but what you say has got thinking it's a probably non-starter now. I like that big dip at the end thing. Plus, if 4G retains playability longer, well, I can't see much point then to BC.

So then, what's next in 'the couch poly play-tests'!?

I think it depends on your level/ability. BC felt good in the racquet but is just not as durable and playable long enough for me. Again, I think 4G is a clear winner at this point for this frame if you are an upper level player.

Not sure if there will be any additional play tests. I think I've pretty much settled in on 4G. I'd rather get more used to the frame at this point than mess around with strings. 4G performs well in this racquet for what I need. But I'll let you know if I try anything else.

[PED]

Originally Posted by couch

I think it depends on your level/ability. BC felt good in the racquet but is just not as durable and playable long enough for )

I agree, ive always found black code and Hyperion to have a good deal less longevity over the silver strings like alu and tour bite.

How much less power does 4g have compared with alu? Never tried 4g but have used loads of alu.

[srvnvly]

Originally Posted by couch

I think it depends on your level/ability. BC felt good in the racquet but is just not as durable and playable long enough for me. Again, I think 4G is a clear winner at this point for this frame if you are an upper level player.

Not sure if there will be any additional play tests. I think I've pretty much settled in on 4G. I'd rather get more used to the frame at this point than mess around with strings. 4G performs well in this racquet for what I need. But I'll let you know if I try anything else.

couch - I am a 4.0 player and have used a 17 gauge string (multi) for the last roughly 20 years. I'm reluctant to go with a 16 gauge string, but am curious about the 4G 16L.

[couch]

Originally Posted by PED

I agree, ive always found black code and Hyperion to have a good deal less longevity over the silver strings like alu and tour bite.

How much less power does 4g have compared with alu? Never tried 4g but have used loads of alu.

Not sure, maybe 10-15% less power. I think you could string 4G a few lbs lower and get similar power with better durability. Alu Power only lasted about an hour in a heavy hitting session for me so I ruled it out right away. I was actually quite concerned after that happened because I really liked the racquet but if I couldn't keep strings in it then what's the point?

Again, I think strings are going to be extremely relative to one's ability level with this racquet. I'm a 5.0 player and 4G is a good option for me. I'm using 16g at the moment and it seems to be lasting 3-4 hours depending on the type of hitting. I will experiment with 15g now that its out but I'm really liking the 16g with its combination of power, playability, and durability. Time will tell on the durability side though.

[Federerkblade]

couch this i think will decide if a racquet is a genuine real deal. If strings are lasting only 2 hrs in it for a proper hitter and the snap back effect dies then unless you have a fair bit of cash (as 4g aint cheap) and your own stringer then its not realistic no matter how good the frame and pattern is

[couch]

Originally Posted by srvnvly

couch - I am a 4.0 player and have used a 17 gauge string (multi) for the last roughly 20 years. I'm reluctant to go with a 16 gauge string, but am curious about the 4G 16L.

I would definitely try the 16L, that would be a good place to start. I typically used a 16L or 17g poly in my racquets and had no issues going to a 16g in this stick. I would probably string the 16L at the same tension you are using now due to the open string pattern plus that will give you a good reference point. Not sure if you have TE or shoulder issues. If you do, then you may want to start out a couple lbs lower than your usual tension. This racquet really is quite plush for its higher stiffness due to the open string pattern.

Good luck!

[couch]

Originally Posted by Federerkblade

couch this i think will decide if a racquet is a genuine real deal. If strings are lasting only 2 hrs in it for a proper hitter and the snap back effect dies then unless you have a fair bit of cash (as 4g aint cheap) and your own stringer then its not realistic no matter how good the frame and pattern is

Yes, that is a very valid point. That's why I was extremely concerned after alu broke after about an hour. I have settled on 16g 4G for now. If I can get 4-5 hours of hitting, singles/doubles play then I will be ok. I think that will be doable. If not, then I will start using the 15g. Just don't have the experience with the 15g to make any assessments. But I would guess an additional 2 hours with the 15g. Heavy hitting, consistent players may have to opt for the 15g to make it a feasible racquet with respect to durability and cost ratio.

Oh, and by the way, I get an extremely good deal on 4G and own my own stringer so that certainly helps. However, I don't want to go broke nor string racquets every other day.

[Centerforward71]

BTJ so far you and I are drawing the EXACT same conclusions.

Here is what I am finding so far after about 5 strings setups.

1. Tension drop is faster initially than other racquets even with good tension mtce polys

2. I am finding that there is a VERY narrow sweet range for this racquet between losing control and being to harsh. So far for me it's that 50-53 range, playing tension not stringing tension. So if you don't mind stringing often then no issue here.

3. The racquet feels greatly balanced for me and solid yet not too broomstick like although its stiff. Although I like stiff racquets so that's personal.

4. I hit with above average spin and honestly don't see the major spin difference. Others may experience more if the are not already producing spin but that factor is null for me so far

5. I'm a decent net player and cannot seem to find my range on volleys yet. I feel the racquet moves well to where I command it but range is off. This may have to do with next factor

6. Ball trajectory is definitely a little higher than normal may be affecting the above issue ?

7. Funny thou deffensive return of serve has been good for me but I believe function of strings here not racquet

After initially falling in love with this stick I am holding a bit of reservation mostly because of the inconsistent play over the hours of a string job. I will sacrifice some performance for consistency because I don't want a racquet feel I have to be chasing the way it performs over a 4-6 hour string job life. I'm gonna do some more testing with other strings and materials and see. I have not tried gut or multi but I am starting to think that a gut or multi in the mid 60s might do well here. Lets see....

[Centerforward71]

Experiment officially overrrrr

Man never have I seen a racquet that affects a string bed this much as far as change of tensions. Last setup strung at 57 First test came in at 53. 1 hr play to 47 1 more hour to 43 and 1 ,more hour to 41 and this is with a very very good tension mice poly.

Wilson I love the racquets feel, balance and some play characteristics but anyone that has any kind of power strokes cannot be chasing the change in tension. I played a match today and literally in the sets I could feel the obvious change is play. Whatever you can get from the stick farrrr outweighed by this inconsistency.

PS been having elbow discomfort which I never have. Overrrr

[tlm]

Originally Posted by Centerforward71

Experiment officially overrrrr

Man never have I seen a racquet that affects a string bed this much as far as change of tensions. Last setup strung at 57 First test came in at 53. 1 hr play to 47 1 more hour to 43 and 1 ,more hour to 41 and this is with a very very good tension mice poly.

Wilson I love the racquets feel, balance and some play characteristics but anyone that has any kind of power strokes cannot be chasing the change in tension. I played a match today and literally in the sets I could feel the obvious change is play. Whatever you can get from the stick farrrr outweighed by this inconsistency.

PS been having elbow discomfort which I never have. Overrrr

Exactly to much variance in tension and control sucks. I had no arm problems but this is a toy racket for players that have no power and can't produce spin. My friend got to test one a year ago and he told me it was way to powerful and he was right.

Like I have already mentioned I used the vortex racket a few years ago and this thing is almost identical, just has a Wilson name on it. Oh and of course the huge difference of 1 less x's according to chicagojack. Which does not mean a damn thing, it is the open pattern that creates the extra spin and the string eating and loss of control.

Some players may benefit and play good with this racket, but I think this overhyped rocket launcher is going to fade in popularity quickly. As you found out it can do some great things but the stringbed is so inconsistent not many players with full swings are going to use it.

[El Diablo]

Had a hit with a 99S on indoor Har-Tru this morning, all the pros there sponsored by Wilson (and all using 98 Blades). Agree it was awfully inconsistent, any small gain in spin really offset by control problems, can't imagine playing with one when the poly starts to lose a bit of return.

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by Centerforward71

Experiment officially overrrrr

Rats Center! I just bought another frame from TW.....I would have bought yours so you could get your dough back

I like these frames a lot....enough to deal with the crappy string life I guess.

Or, I am just a sucker for punishment. I guess we'll see which!

I am going to try another test, before going with poly again, where I use a cheap multi and string it tight. We probably know the result but it'll only be a couple of dollar experiment.

After that I am going to try a poly at like 35 and see what happens.

If all fails, I'll just keep running 55-60 lb and use a cheap poly (Gosen Polylon 16) and restring frequently. These frames are easy to string even for a non expert like me.

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by drakulie

Was invited to the Wilson SET (Spin Effect Tour) event yesterday, where the highlight of the upcoming Wilson Products for the 2013 Year was surely the Wilson Steam 99S.

Specs:
99 square inches
27 inches length
strung weight: 11.3
balance: 2 pts HL
string pattern: 16:15
cross section: 24 mm

All attendees were able to hit with all the 2013 Wilson frames, but what made this event special, was being able to demo the 99s. Not only that, but be able to actually find out if it does in fact provide more spin.

Wilson set up one court with a computerized tracking system to determine the amount of spin, pace and height hit on ground strokes.

Racquets provided for this play test were the Babolat Aero Pro Drive, Head Speed MP 315, and Steam 99S. All were strung with Luxilon 4G. And balls were fed with a ball machine.

Here are my test results:

Most pace (average):
1. Head Speed MP
2. Steam 99S
3. Aero Pro Drive

Highest Net clearance (average):
1. Steam 99S
2. Aero Pro Drive
3. Head Speed

Most Spin (average):
1. Steam 99S
2. Head Speed
3. Aero Pro Drive


My average spin on the Steam was over 2800 RPMs, reaching up to 3,300 RPMs on a few shots.

Average on the Head was 2,500 with highest being 2800 RPMs on a few shots.

Average on the Aero was 2,300 RPMs with a few shots at 2600 Rpms.

A few more notes:

Hit a few fhs with the steam a little over 80 mph (which were the fastest I recorded), and average height over the net was 63 inches.

The frame was incredibly comfortable to swing and hit with. Has a great cushiony, but very responsive feel at impact. Easy to generate power, tons of spin, and surprisingly, easy to control the shots. Great to volley with and serves were simply amazing. The heaviness of spin shots was just sick. This frame is going to be very attractive to a very wide range of players, from recreational, to mid level players, to advanced. As far as I could tell, frame really has no weaknesses.

I definitely believe this racquet is going to absolutely dominate public courts everywhere. This frame truly is a SPIN monster. Wilson absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one and Hit a Home Run.

One more note:
Every tester I saw, hit with much more spin with the 99S than with any other frame. This was backed up by the data of every playtester.

Sorry for the short review, I'll try and answer as many questions as I can.

Drakulie-

Quick question----

Do you recall during this playtest how long each of the frames was being used while the ball rpm/speed was being measured?

Specifically, did every tester start with a brand new string job or were the same frames used over and over that day and the results were remaining consistent?

I ask as many of us have noted very short string life, and how the racquet "feels" different as the strings quickly age...but I wonder if the actual performance (empirically measured quantities such as ball rpm and speed), is staying relatively constant....or at least more constant than we might be giving it credit for, even though the frame "feels" different? (I hate the word "feel" as it is non definable in a consistent manner........)

If the performance of the frame really was degrading within an hour or two....it seems as though test results would show degradation as the day wore on. In a simple scenario, player A "Drakulie" hits with frame A at 9AM for 15 minutes, results are measured, then player A "Drakulie" hits same frame A /same string job A at 1PM (after several others have whaled away with it from 915AM to 1PM), and Player A "Drakulie" results are measured again and are within measurement error, or have degraded X%, of those obtained during the 9AM test.

[Centerforward71]

Originally Posted by Buford T Justice

Drakulie-

Quick question----

Do you recall during this playtest how long each of the frames was being used while the ball rpm/speed was being measured?

Specifically, did every tester start with a brand new string job or were the same frames used over and over that day and the results were remaining consistent?

I ask as many of us have noted very short string life, and how the racquet "feels" different as the strings quickly age...but I wonder if the actual performance (empirically measured quantities such as ball rpm and speed), is staying relatively constant....or at least more constant than we might be giving it credit for, even though the frame "feels" different? (I hate the word "feel" as it is non definable in a consistent manner........)

If the performance of the frame really was degrading within an hour or two....it seems as though test results would show degradation as the day wore on. In a simple scenario, player A "Drakulie" hits with frame A at 9AM for 15 minutes, results are measured, then player A "Drakulie" hits same frame A /same string job A at 1PM (after several others have whaled away with it from 915AM to 1PM), and Player A "Drakulie" results are measured again and are within measurement error, or have degraded X%, of those obtained during the 9AM test.

I used racquettune use through out testing plus my balls launching is plenty proof then having to flip to get the star spin. Sorry but this racquet is a game improvement stick not a players stick. Period.... Is anyone I mean anyone on tour using it ? Maybe but I haven't seen

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by Centerforward71

I used racquet through out testing plus my balls launching is plenty proof then having to flip to get the star spin. Sorry but this racquet is a game improvement stick not a players stick. Period.... Is anyone I mean anyone on tour using it ? Maybe but I haven't seen

My thought process above is just to take a purely empirical approach.......I am curious as to what the actual frame is doing over time with regard to measured changes in ball velocity and rpm. That's about the only thing that I think we can put a quantifiable (numerical) value on.

Of course, in the end, each player will have to choose based on their "gut" vibe, but having " numbers" seems like it might help provide some formality to the assessment (at least to me).

[Ross K]

Judging from a few recent posts I've just caught up on on TT, seems the backlash has begun a bit eh?

Anyhow, just ordered up a few sets of Tour Bite in 16g to take a look at after 4G 16g next week. Really looking forward to that as TB is just about my fav poly - in some racs...

Wonder if the yellow Yonex poly (the Poly Pro Tour) may also be a contender?

I do fancy going gut/poly too a little down the road... Pacific Gut/MSV Co-focus?

ANYONE got any feedback on the 4GS?? Very curious to hear feedback/views on this... Q. Who exactly who is it intended for?

Away from stringing issues, how do ppl find the Wilson overgrip the frame comes with? Must say I think I like it.

[MesQueUnClub]

Has anyone tried full bed of Kevlar strings on these strings. I am wondering how a 18 g Kevlar string at 45 - 50 lbs range would feel on this racquet ?

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by Ross K

Away from stringing issues, how do ppl find the Wilson overgrip the frame comes with? Must say I think I like it.

I also like it and I believe it's called Sublime.

But, if you sweat a lot (I am a sweaty pig) it gets a little too slippery in my opinion, so I added a Super Grap on top.

[Buford T Justice]

Originally Posted by MesQueUnClub

Has anyone tried full bed of Kevlar strings on these strings. I am wondering how a 18 g Kevlar string at 45 - 50 lbs range would feel on this racquet ?

I was wondering about that as well.....I'm just a little bawk bawk ( think of the sound a chicken makes . ) to try it.