For Mark Boone: Steam 99S

[richardshirley]

Hi Mark, I read your informative and detailed reply to CROCODILE about switching over to the Steam 99S and how the string pattern really made a difference in your swing pattern(follow through mostly) Really nice that you went into such detail. I wanted to follow up in a couple of aspects.

I am a 4.5 control baseliner with good power that comes into the net when given the chance. I hit with moderate topspin I would say.

In trying to add more topspin and power to keep up with others, I have tried modifying my forehand "some" and it did add some topspin but also added sore arm pain in my forearm. So, scratch that. I want the racquet to add the topspin, not twisting myself in a pretzel.LOL

Since I want to switch from my K factor 6.1 95" anyway to a slightly lighter racquet and maybe to a 100" frame, I have briefly hit with the Babolat APD. I then tried briefly the Wilson 95 S.(**I know Chris E. switched to this and he gave his thoughts on those 2 racquets in a very nice reply)

Questions for you Mark and THANKS in advance. After this, I am definitely going to order some demos and do some thorough hitting with the racquets. I am just trying to narrow down my choices to no more than 3.

1. Comparisons between the 95 S and the 99 S and the APD??
2. Any other recommendations?

 

[richardshirley]

Readers are also welcomed to respond

Just meant to say that if any of you fellow tennis players want to respond, please do. Thanks

 

[TW Staff]

Hi richardshirley,

Thanks for writing in and paying the conversation forward, so to speak, in terms the difference in performance/ feel between the traditionally open, and the new, "S" string patterned configurations.

You mentioned that you are a pretty advanced level of player, who uses a moderate amount of spin in your game, and are wondering if a switch to a frame like the Aero Pro Drive, Wilson 95S, or the 99S may be an equipment choice that could enhance spin potential a bit.

Spin is primarily a function of swing pattern, so if you exhibit the modern, loopy swing style, then you will produce spin off of a trash can lid. That said, equipment options like poly strings, frames similar to the Aero Pro Drive, and the new, "S" patterned frames, from Wilson, are definitely going to enhance your access to spin. With most of the newer spin friendly frames, I do not believe I am producing more RPM's, but I do notice that less effort is required to develop it.

In terms of which is the best overall frame for spin, and the rest of it; this again, is where it gets subjective. I feel that I can take any of the three frames mentioned, along with several more like them, and after some tinkering with the string/ tension; eventually convert it into the standard by which all else is compared. It is almost as though each frame has its own special characteristics, and is up to the player to find out how to unlock them with a particular string/ tension configuration that best
complements the frame/ player.

The Wilson BLX six.one 95S has the 18x16 pattern, and along with the 16x19 pattern on the Aero Pro Drive, I like them both with either a full set of the low tensioned poly, or the hybrid. The 16x15 pattern on the 99S provides so much gap in between the strings, which results in lots of string movement; that it quickly saws any string, except the full set of a poly. In the 99S, I mostly prefer the stiff, round varieties, around 55 pounds, since they slide around freely, then snap back into place in between shots.

Out of the three, I can get the most out of the BLX Steam 99S, and the Aero Pro Drive. I also want to mention the BLX Steam 99, which I may prefer over them all. I go back and forth from my 99S, to the 99, and I consider it an extremely under rated frame option, due to the, "S" version getting so much attention. The 16x18 pattern, and the rest of its specifications, have benefited more than a few local players around here. I have loaned out my 99S, and the 99 to some friends in the past, thinking they were going to fall in love with the 99S, and more times than not, they liked both, but preferred the standard 99. The 99 will play/ feel a little closer to the Aero Pro Drive, which I think is due to the string patterns being close (along with most other aspects), and the ball comes off the string bed at a similar angle on the Aero Pro Drive as the 99.

It used to be that you had to switch frames to get a different feel/ performance from a racquet, as all the strings were constructed to mimic the traits of natural gut (elastic unless the tension is increased). Now with the advent, and popularity of the poly string material, you can change the way any frame will play in racquet form. Add to this, frame recipe's that seem to pair best with poly's, along with string patterns that have further increased the compatibility of the poly with the frame, and player; you now can incrementally dial in the power/ control levels of any frame.

Many Mahalo's,

Mark, TW

 

[richardshirley]

Thanks Mark for a thorough and intelligent reply. I agree with you that topspin is still mainly about the swing pattern but that the new rackets and strings can help. Getting a little extra spin and power with less effort than I have to expend now is what I am looking for in a new set-up. I will demo the Blx Steam 99(regular version)as you suggest along with a couple of others. I basically have never played around much with string selection as I have mostly used a multifilament for years but will do so as you suggest as well as experiment with the tension.