Modern Racket like Steam 100
- Thread starter Rvansmith
- Start date
TennisHound
Legend
There’s just nothing close. It’s 27.25 with a wide throat and thin(ish) beam hoop that is slightly more oval than it is round. A weighted up Blade Team is close, but it’s 5oz lighter, 1sq in smaller head size, .25” shorter.
This is where I am landing. It is a nice frame, good power, nice plow through, so why is it gone I will never understand !
TennisHound
Legend
It’s a mystery with Wilson. At least it’s common with the pros so maybe it will make a return at some point.
With the Steam 100’s Blade shaped hoop, a Yonex 100 might be the closest.
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R_Gasquet
New User
What is a Yonex 100?
Vicious49
Legend
It wasn't popular when released. If you watch the old TW reviews and read the comments, the TW staff recommends the Juice over the Steam. I'm guessing it's because it requires a lot of customization. I've added a leather grip and a decent amount of lead in the hoop on mine to get the SW up around 325 strung. It has a ton of spin but still lacks stability and plow. It's like it's begging for more weight to be added. More than I've had to add to any other frame I've owned.
WacTennis2017
Semi-Pro
I agree - my guess is the Steam 100 falls somewhere between an Ultra 100 and Blade 100. However, those racquets are not 27.25 long or have 16 X 20.
I was excited when the shift 16x20 was released but I have not tried it to compare.
Given the popularity of the steam 100 16x20 on WTA tour, I hope Wilson would release it similar to what they did with Blade Pro and Ultra Pro. I think there is a niche market for it.
Alternatively, they could release a limited edition. Either option would be viable with limited risk because they would not have the initial massive production like the Clash and now Shift. I give Wilson a lot of credit for trying new models with those releases. Clash V1 was very successful…..too early to determine if Shift will be as successful.
(I’m planning to buy a a shift 16x20 at some point…..maybe upcoming Roland Garros version or I’ll save money and buy a demo labs version)
R_Gasquet
New User
Don't think Wilson is still selling the Steam series...There were two generations though. First was BLX models roughly from 2012-2014, then second non-BLX models from 2014-2016 IIRC. Many WTA pros are suspected to be using the BLX Steam 100 and Non-BLX Steam 99 pro stocks painted as Blade.
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R_Gasquet
New User
Some reviews mentioned that the labs version Shift 16x20 has lower swing weight and different flex than the retail version. Don't know if the info is accurate but I would be cautious if planning to buy a second or more of them later on to match.
I really like the Roland Garros paint job. I personally also quite like the special edition they released in China for Shanghai Masters last year with an off-white eggshell paint job.
WacTennis2017
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the information on the shift “labs” vs “retail” version. Makes sense Wilson might slightly change specs based on QR code feedback they received from the Labs version. I am currently playing with a steam 100 so am really curious to compare to the shift 16x20. I also love the new Roland Garros version but do not want to pay 269 for a racquet.
I got my Steam 100 for $79 from a reused equipment/sports store……Great deal for hard to find racquet in nice condition (only some marks on bumper guard which is expected)
WacTennis2017
Semi-Pro
I directly compared a Shift Labs version to my Steam 100. I know Shift is 99 and Steam is a 100 so they are close in overall hoop size but they are much different in hoop shape. The hoop on the Shift is wider and shorter compared to the Steam. Interesting the hoop shape on the Steam 100 is very close to a Solinco whiteout 305 16x19 with the steam slightly longer (which is probably the 100 vs 98 difference). Solinco should have made it 16x20 and it might have been a close Steam 100 clone.
Can someone compare Steam 100 hoop to a Blade 98/100 hoop?
I’m just on the never ending quest to find a Steam 100 clone…..
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R_Gasquet
New User
Remember someone mentioned somewhere that an Ultra Pro 100, a Steam 100 mold in the Ultra painjob, would be among the Ultra V5 lineup next year. Fingers crossed for that to be true.I directly compared a Shift Labs version to my Steam 100. I know Shift is 99 and Steam is a 100 so they are close in overall hoop size but they are much different in hoop shape. The hoop on the Shift is wider and shorter compared to the Steam. Interesting the hoop shape on the Steam 100 is very close to a Solinco whiteout 305 16x19 with the steam slightly longer (which is probably the 100 vs 98 difference). Solinco should have made it 16x20 and it might have been a close Steam 100 clone.
Can someone compare Steam 100 hoop to a Blade 98/100 hoop?
I’m just on the never ending quest to find a Steam 100 clone…..
WacTennis2017
Semi-Pro
Yes- I read that here and on some comments from steam pro stock you tube videos. The ultra is due for an update in 2025 so it would be great timing to add steam 100 like version but what would they call it - ultra pro already exists.
Try replacing the grip with a thinner replacement grip.
My wife is actually a grip size 1, maybe even 0. So even with the size 2, I have a thin grip on it. Size 3 was just too big.
Understood.
I'm wondering if those racquets even come in those sizes.
Probably not anymore, prostock would probably be tough to find any of the less common sizes. They are also fully graphite grips, so can’t even cut the foam off and resize.
The Vitamin L
Semi-Pro
@Rvansmith Hi! May I know where you found the pro stocks in the 3 grip size? That's my grip size and I'd like to check it out if there are anymore left in stock. Thank you!
