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

[bertrevert]

Originally Posted by Rafaboy

The 99s tend to negate this exagerated(sp?) style, which would give you too much spin and be somewhat hard to control, so you get away with a more conventional modern style, and still get the spin you desire.

OK I think I get you. You just didn't need some of the flair you have with the APD. Rather with the 99S you could cruise a bit and relax and ball in, right?

Your technique is still what produces the ball out in front. We're all results-focused so to some extent style is moot. If it varies for you then no prob for that is already always secondary to the main aim - ball in.

I thought this racq's even balance encourages mucho head speed, a Western grip that on contact needed less low-to-high, that just crushed the ball, really embeds it before the snapback, with great bite for slice and volleys.

The sweetspot is diffuse or something. Hard to describe. It won't be to everyone's taste. For instance, I was wanting more plow-thru and definitely has to adjust to stop any sitters sitting up

[bertrevert]

The frame itself.

Wilson QC had silicone in only one chamber apparently, so that had to be evened out. Grip is hopeless, but overgripped. Amplifeel is that carbon strips - haven't found anything much from that, have you?

The grommets are deeply recessed at four points: at 11 and 1, and at 5 and 7. Recessed on the inside so I don't think it is for a woofer-type effect - yet that could conceivably be the aim?

The beam is not as wide as a BLX Pro Open. Bridge isn't scooped out or anything. While the BLX has crazy hotspots all over the stringbed - the 99S gave a more even response. Off-centre and top-of-hoop shots produced a few more saved balls than usual. It certainly has a lot of power in the centre.

I think strings lose tension fast..........

[nickarnold2000]

Originally Posted by DaveInBradenton

Wow, I read this whole thread in two days. Do I win a prize?

Some logical predictions based on your comments:

String technology will catch up with the 99S. New super strings suitable for this frame will be forthcoming.

Other racket manufacturers will introduce similar high-spin tech models, probably more refined.

Wilson will expand the "S" models to include more arm-friendly stiffness ratings in the low 60's. Maybe an ultra light model too.

Should be fun!

Yes, you definitely deserve a prize! Hopefully the string tech. will catch up because Lux 4G is too expense, IMO.
Other racket companies should come out with their own versions but I've heard that Wilson has "patent pending" on the 16/15 pattern. I've also read that Prince has a 16/16 version coming out this summer.
One of the reasons why I haven't bought a 99s yet is that I'm waiting for other versions (less stiff ones!)to come out; either from Wilson or other racket co.

[bertrevert]

anyone any elbow issues?

I had a fairly sore inner elbow after a first two-hour hit. Very much the feel of a poly-induced twinge top of the forearm inside of the elbow. I put it down to niggles that go with slight differences of static and swingweight, oh and an older elbow! Not a big fan of poly yet this racq virtually dictates its use...

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by nickarnold2000

Yes, you definitely deserve a prize! Hopefully the string tech. will catch up because Lux 4G is too expense, IMO.
Other racket companies should come out with their own versions but I've heard that Wilson has "patent pending" on the 16/15 pattern. I've also read that Prince has a 16/16 version coming out this summer.
One of the reasons why I haven't bought a 99s yet is that I'm waiting for other versions (less stiff ones!)to come out; either from Wilson or other racket co.

I don't know if you've hit with it, but as a former C10'er, the Steam 99S plays way softer than its RDC. No arm issues for me.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Which 15G gut? I have one set of 15G I bought on a lark and haven't used. I have been seriously thinking about putting it in the 99S... at around 60 with a poly cross, thick, at about 56.

The gut I'm alluding to is VS Tonic 15L gauge "longevity". Durability will be less though, if stringing at 60 lbs. At 45 lbs, I'm getting 6-8 hours.

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I don't know if you've hit with it, but as a former C10'er, the Steam 99S plays way softer than its RDC. No arm issues for me.

Agree, definitely plays nothing likes it RDC reading. Feels much softer, and as I have said in other posts, I would say fairly comfortable. I haven't heard of anyone at our shop demoing the frame report arm pain, or say it felt uncomfortable as it relates to stiffness. For the most part, they report the string bed feeling soft/flexy.

[SerenaSlam01]

I thought during my playtest, it was VERY comfortable. Very soft and I felt a lot of ball pocketing except for when I was really brushing up the back of the ball heavily.

Anyone feel some instability when hitting a forehand? And does the balance feel weird to anyone else? I don't know how to fix it!

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by SerenaSlam01

Anyone feel some instability when hitting a forehand? And does the balance feel weird to anyone else? I don't know how to fix it!

I personally think the frame is very stable, and surprisingly so on volleys. It is solid.

How does the balance feel "weird"?? Could you elaborate? Head-heavy? head-light?

If it's head heavy,,,, add lead to the grip. If head light, to the head.

[chain55]

I bought a Steam 99S used. When I opened up the butt cap I see some gooey/jelly like material. Just wondering if that's supposed to be there or was that added in by the previous owner?

[drakulie]

^^It's supposed to be there. Wilson decided to add some silcone inside the handle in order to possibly do two things (add weight, dampen the feel).

Many frames have silicone inside the handle.

[Rabbit]

I played last night with a poly I thought was worthless before, Volkl V-Rex 16L. I strung it up 55/52. I was really impressed. We played 3 sets of dubs and while I started off really rusty, my play came around and I played pretty dadgum well. V-Rex, discontinued, is firm, but plays pretty good. I strung my 2nd frame at 52/50 in lockout mode.

I have one other config to try, a gut/poly hybrid which I'll probably settle on.

But,the frame continues to impress and is a ton of fun to play with. last night, the guys I was playing against said the "bottom fell out" of a bunch of balls they misjudged.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I played last night with a poly I thought was worthless before, Volkl V-Rex 16L. I strung it up 55/52. I was really impressed. We played 3 sets of dubs and while I started off really rusty, my play came around and I played pretty dadgum well. V-Rex, discontinued, is firm, but plays pretty good. I strung my 2nd frame at 52/50 in lockout mode.

I have one other config to try, a gut/poly hybrid which I'll probably settle on.

But,the frame continues to impress and is a ton of fun to play with. last night, the guys I was playing against said the "bottom fell out" of a bunch of balls they misjudged.

I think it really hurts you when have 4 guys all at net hitting quick exchange volleys

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

I think it really hurts you when have 4 guys all at net hitting quick exchange volleys

Why/how? I don't have any problems with maneuverability with this frame. I find it quick around net and solid on volleys

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Why/how? I don't have any problems with maneuverability with this frame. I find it quick around net and solid on volleys

question is can you reflex shots coming at you at 90mph when a guy has a smash and hitting it right at you ? Manuverable frame can reflex this.

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

question is can you reflex shots coming at you at 90mph when a guy has a smash and hitting it right at you ? Manuverable frame can reflex this.

Let me put it this way: i can reflex a 90 mph shot coming right at me with this frame as well as any other frame.

The frame is not sluggish in the least around the net.

[DaveInBradenton]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Let me put it this way: i can reflex a 90 mph shot coming right at me with this frame as well as any other frame.

The frame is not sluggish in the least around the net.

A 90mph smash coming right at me?

MY REFLEX WOULD BE TO DUCK!

I would return the favor later..........

Dave

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by DaveInBradenton

A 90mph smash coming right at me?

MY REFLEX WOULD BE TO DUCK!

I would return the favor later..........

Dave

Ergo my comment

[bad_call]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

Let me put it this way: i can reflex a 90 mph shot coming right at me with this frame as well as any other frame.

The frame is not sluggish in the least around the net.

for this player - much easier to half volley hard struck balls landing at baseline with low powered racquet and return back deep. gets more difficult returning ball in the court when power level of racquet increases.

if u have to duck then ball is probably out... lol

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by bad_call

for this player - much easier to half volley hard struck balls landing at baseline with low powered racquet and return back deep. gets more difficult returning ball in the court when power level of racquet increases.

if u have to duck then ball is probably out... lol

Yes I agree, probably will fly long. but just in case it doesn't, I will just call it out for gunning it at me. Pay back is sweet.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Rabbit

I played last night with a poly I thought was worthless before, Volkl V-Rex 16L. I strung it up 55/52. I was really impressed. We played 3 sets of dubs and while I started off really rusty, my play came around and I played pretty dadgum well. V-Rex, discontinued, is firm, but plays pretty good. I strung my 2nd frame at 52/50 in lockout mode.

I have one other config to try, a gut/poly hybrid which I'll probably settle on.

But,the frame continues to impress and is a ton of fun to play with. last night, the guys I was playing against said the "bottom fell out" of a bunch of balls they misjudged.

Great stuff. I'm also impressed with the frame, as are some of the folks I've played with. They are amazed at how much more spin is coming off the frame.

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

I think it really hurts you when have 4 guys all at net hitting quick exchange volleys

As Rabbitt alread commented, the frame is maneuverable, and very solid on volleys. (no twisting)