Anyone still using the Steam 99s?

Keoni068

Rookie
Hello all,

A few years ago there was a ton of hype surrounding the Steam 99s and its overwhelming power and topspin. I would like to inquire if anyone has been able to control this beast long term and has stuck with this racquet. Is this racquet feasible for a 4.0/4.5 player to be competitive with?

All the best!
 

Anton

Legend
I know a junior that plays high 4.5 level with 99S

I think in the end it just eats the strings too fast and control is not very good for the spin upside to be worth it.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
I know a junior that plays high 4.5 level with 99S

I think in the end it just eats the strings too fast and control is not very good for the spin upside to be worth it.

exactly how i felt.
breaking strings hourly.
and no idea where the ball was gonna go.
 

MAPE

Rookie
Hello all,

A few years ago there was a ton of hype surrounding the Steam 99s and its overwhelming power and topspin. I would like to inquire if anyone has been able to control this beast long term and has stuck with this racquet. Is this racquet feasible for a 4.0/4.5 player to be competitive with?ed

All the best!

Yes I still play this racquet and, believe me, I've tried quite a few models over the years. I was told that this racquet would eat strings but I've never broken strings in this frame, not even once (must have a very low rhs), in fact I still play with the strings it came strung with (Wilson Enduro 1.30). I've played countless of hours so the strings should be "dead" by now but I think it still plays beautifully. And, I'm a flat hitter!!!

Everything sounds crazy but what I like most with the Steam99S is the access to spin when I need it (it's great!!) but with a surprisingly good balance of control (string it pretty high, about 57) and power for my normal flat shots (due to the launch angle I rarely hit the net). Sweet spot is also large. Just love this racquet!!!
 

darklore009

Hall of Fame
I demoed both the 99S and the 105S. Ironically I like the 105s rather than the 99S because it gives me more of a pocketing feel of the ball.
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
I have the original red/white Steam 99s and it has a very high launch angle and didn't suit my game. If you love spin and hit with a full western it definitely makes it easy and you always have to swing out for the stick to work properly and not be afraid of it going long. If you're having problems finding out, I have one with a 4 1/2 grip if anyone is looking.
 

TennisHound

Legend
This was the most freaky racquet I've ever hit with. It hit so much spin it was outrageous. I know two 4.5s who use it still, and they hit sort of flat except for the serve.
 

10shoe

Professional
I have a couple dozen customers playing this racquet. One is a string breaker. She recently purchased a third racquet (the new yellow version) because she goes through strings so fast. She brought one of the old ones and the new one in for stringing. I was impressed that the 2 racquets were the same exact weight and also had the same balance. The swingweights were different though, the new one has more swingweight. The new one has a swingweight of 327 while the old one was 316. I thought that was pretty odd. So, I checked the length of the racquet. It isn't 27". It is 27-1/8". I posted a review here at TW stating such. Did not get approved.o_O
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Those who really follow TW will know that the Steam ran out of S-team and became the Blade Team 99, albeit not the S version.

It seems the great SPIN stringing 'innovation' turned out to be yet another passing fad.
 

pico

Hall of Fame
Yes I still play this racquet and, believe me, I've tried quite a few models over the years. I was told that this racquet would eat strings but I've never broken strings in this frame, not even once (must have a very low rhs), in fact I still play with the strings it came strung with (Wilson Enduro 1.30). I've played countless of hours so the strings should be "dead" by now but I think it still plays beautifully. And, I'm a flat hitter!!!

Everything sounds crazy but what I like most with the Steam99S is the access to spin when I need it (it's great!!) but with a surprisingly good balance of control (string it pretty high, about 57) and power for my normal flat shots (due to the launch angle I rarely hit the net). Sweet spot is also large. Just love this racquet!!!

Just want to echo the comments mentioned here. I played with the STEAM 99S for the first time yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised. I play with a semi-western forehand and one handed eastern backhand. I was getting some wicked spin but alo very good control on my shots. I loved slicing. I noticed that it was hard to get a stretched squash-type forehand to come off well but that could just be me. I will give this racquet some more time for sure. I love serving with this. I actually think that you have to really have good technique to be able to play with this racquet. Cheers!
 

A_Instead

Legend
If you like the Steam 99s.. try the Tech PS300..same spin, better control, cheaper in the end as you don't have to restring every week..
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I loved it, the strings broke at warp speed though and you have to hit really thin at all times. I prefer to hit through the ball a little, even though I use an extreme SW grip. The Babolat PA is a nice compromise there, but I feel like I enjoy playing tennis more with a tighter pattern frame. Just gives me more control and accuracy on slice and drop shots.
 
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