Like all these Blades etc under discussion the 295 (RS version) is a great platform frame. It's characteristics - within of course this spec and range - are precision (does seem like a 99" head size), a bit of feel, really good on both flat and slice serves, it accesses spin well enough but it is on the lower trajectory side and lends itself well to hitting flatter (something I'm always looking for in a frame these days)...
After a love affair with a heavily modified TiS6, I have recently aquired a match used Petra Martic pro stock Steam in Blade paint from 2019. It started life lighter than the retail at 290 versus 295 unstrung to allow for some silicon and lead tape. I tried it with her strings that were originally at 28/27 kilos with Alu Rough, and restrung it with Alu Power 1.25 at 23 kilos. In the 100 square inch market, I prefer variable beam 27.5 inch frames like the Pure Drive Plus, especially the 2015 pro stock version, and nothing about this Steam makes me change my mind. I never hit the retail, but like a true holic felt there must be some magic in the WTA version, but, no so I think you are getting the same experience with used retail frames. It's of course highly personal, but even though this is .25 extended and 100 vs 98, this hits a lot like the Tec Iga autograph.
Interesting reading there Jack... I'm still slightly favouring the Steam 100 but there are quite a few other competitors in the running atm. Just need more time to assess and experiment with set ups etc - so, uh-ha, this could take a while! However...
The V9 Blade 101L throat piece no longer have that rubber part.
So the V9 101L is out? I didn’t see it on the Wilson site
Yes it's available in China & some other markets already.So the V9 101L is out? I didn’t see it on the Wilson site
Link?
It's listed here: https://www.wilson.com/en-gb/tennis/tennis-rackets/blade
Awesome, TY. Oddly not available on the Wilson US site
Hi，which generation of Blade 101L grommets could fit on steam 100 very well？V8 or V9？Thanks！
In my experience both V8 and V9 grommets shall do. I just put Blade 101L V9 grommets on my Steam 100 last month and they fit perfectly.
Thanks for your reply！
You are welcome! Hope it helped.
I believe Anni.Angel did post somehwere on the feeling between the pro stock vs retail but I am having a bit of trouble finding it (perhaps I was having a fever dream!!!)
You are not imagining it. I remember reading the post too. IIRC Anni.Angel said the pro stock felt softer than the retail?
These Blade Teams are really cheap and can give you an idea what a pro stock (DeMinaur type) racquet might feel like. The V7 feels a little more lively than the V8. Everything is the same though. To me, they were too light in stock form (9.8oz) so I added lead up top.
Absolutely... pretty staggering when I recall happily swinging the infinitely heftier likes of the C10 Pro, Rad TT MP (and the almighty XL version), Fischer Pro No 1, and all number of beefier incredible frames way back in the day!
@Anni.Angel has posted about Blade 101L as an option for a current steam 100 but it needs some modifications. Here is a link to one post:
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
The 101L does have the 16x20, but it is a very different racquet from the Steam 100 and Team 99. Some posters might make it work but it was just too flimsy for me.
I can confirm this. I purchased a 101L to see if I could get some 'better' quality steam 100's rather than second hand ones that may/may not be in good condition and it is just too light and doesn't feel solid. I added some lead and like TennisHound mentioned, it doesn't bode too well and became a head heavy even after adding some weight to the handle.
When I saw the new Clash a few weeks ago, I asked my rep about an Ultra Pro 100, he knew nothing and he had just returned from the national sales meeting.I can confirm this. I purchased a 101L to see if I could get some 'better' quality steam 100's rather than second hand ones that may/may not be in good condition and it is just too light and doesn't feel solid. I added some lead and like TennisHound mentioned, it doesn't bode too well and became a head heavy even after adding some weight to the handle.
Here's hoping that this rumored Ultra Pro 100 16x20 is legit.......... I don't want to be buying prostock steams for double the costs
I disagree. i modded my 101L and it plays amazing! super stable, poweful. Leather grip, 7g of lead from 11 to 1, 5g of lead at 3:9, 10g of silicone, OG, dampener.I can confirm this. I purchased a 101L to see if I could get some 'better' quality steam 100's rather than second hand ones that may/may not be in good condition and it is just too light and doesn't feel solid. I added some lead and like TennisHound mentioned, it doesn't bode too well and became a head heavy even after adding some weight to the handle.
Here's hoping that this rumored Ultra Pro 100 16x20 is legit.......... I don't want to be buying prostock steams for double the costs
Any 70+ RA rackets with 20mm beam 98 inch? You can think of? Or 95 or 97 inch but with roundish head shape like aero98I have now also received some Pro Stock for tuning.
What I also noticed is that the old buttcap from the factory is being used.
In any case, the frames had unstrung 74RA across the board.
