I was just wondering if anyone is still using any of the Wilson Steam rackets, which had a lot of Clash-like hype back around 2013, though maybe a little less hype than the Clash.
Anyway, back around 2013, I bought both the Steam 99S and Steam 99 (non-S). I mainly tried playing with the 99S back then, but found my spin shots were mostly just sitting up after hitting the ground, rather than kicking. I also didn't like restringing often, so I sold it. The 99 non-S has been in my closet until a couple of days ago. I never tried the 105S back then.
Fast forward to recently. A couple of weeks ago, I played doubles against someone using the 99S and unlike my experience with it, his ball had a lot of action, and was really kicking/exploding after hitting the ground. He could also flatten shots out when needed. I was very impressed.
Then last week, I hit with a friend who regularly plays with the Steam 105S. Unfortunately, he's older now and doesn't move well, so he's not often in position to strike the ball cleanly. However, the few times he does hit cleanly, he gets tremendous action on the ball.
During that session with him, he let me hit with one of his 105S backups. I really liked the easy power and spin, but control was lacking. He then let me borrow it for awhile.
Since then, I've drilled with it with a very consistent player and learned how to mostly control the power. After that, I played singles with a friend and had very good results. My friend had a very hard time handling my deep shots that would dip and jump near the baseline. Overall, it's a very fun racket to play with.
So, yesterday I bought one on the auction site and should get it within the next week or so.
Anyone still hitting with any of the Steams ?
Anyway, back around 2013, I bought both the Steam 99S and Steam 99 (non-S). I mainly tried playing with the 99S back then, but found my spin shots were mostly just sitting up after hitting the ground, rather than kicking. I also didn't like restringing often, so I sold it. The 99 non-S has been in my closet until a couple of days ago. I never tried the 105S back then.
Fast forward to recently. A couple of weeks ago, I played doubles against someone using the 99S and unlike my experience with it, his ball had a lot of action, and was really kicking/exploding after hitting the ground. He could also flatten shots out when needed. I was very impressed.
Then last week, I hit with a friend who regularly plays with the Steam 105S. Unfortunately, he's older now and doesn't move well, so he's not often in position to strike the ball cleanly. However, the few times he does hit cleanly, he gets tremendous action on the ball.
During that session with him, he let me hit with one of his 105S backups. I really liked the easy power and spin, but control was lacking. He then let me borrow it for awhile.
Since then, I've drilled with it with a very consistent player and learned how to mostly control the power. After that, I played singles with a friend and had very good results. My friend had a very hard time handling my deep shots that would dip and jump near the baseline. Overall, it's a very fun racket to play with.
So, yesterday I bought one on the auction site and should get it within the next week or so.
Anyone still hitting with any of the Steams ?
