Steam 99S and 105s users - now the hype is dying...

[v-verb]

how do you like your racquets? Apart from the string wear issues, has the stick helped your game a lot or hindered it?

I picked up a used Steam 99s from TW (for a racquet graded "B", it was in fantastic shape!) for my league doubles matches. I used a Yamaha Secret 04 strung at 35 lbs last week to great effect, but needed to see if the Steam S reviews were accurate.

So, is the spin that pronounced? Do ground balls sit up or are they effective with the extra spin?

I sometimes tend to hit the tape when I slam a ball. Does the Steam S give that 1 or 2 inches clearance that would get those balls over?

How about serves - more power and spin?

Apologies for the questions and I have looked at the other threads and reviews, but in particular I'm looking for input from people who have stayed with the Steam 99S and 105S

Thanks in advance!

 

[v-verb]

C'mon Steam S users - any input?

 

[morandi]

I love my steam 99s. It is just ultimately a solid all around racquet. I added some weight to the handle of mine to bring it up to about 12oz and 8pts headlight.
Ive been playing some of my best tennis with it.
I run it with 4G at 62lbs.
Groundies are super effective, no problems hitting through the court. I'm very consistent with it and very effective. Serving with it is a blast. Can easily bring the heat up the T, and my kick serves have never had more action on them. My first serve percentage has easily been in the 70%-80% range.
My only complaint with the racquet is that when playing, my opponents will sometimes prematurely call balls out, that I know drop in at the last second.

 

[v-verb]

thanks Moriandi - this is very encouraging! I added 10 g of tac putty in the handle today - the removable butt cap is very handy for that.

I have it strung with Luxilon Monotec $5 string at 45 lbs - I like low tension - remains to be seen how it reacts in this racquet

Will report back tomorrow - I appreciate your insight!

 

[Rabbit]

I love my 99S's and string at 45 with 4G 1.25. The racquet plays great at 45.

 

[v-verb]

I love my 99S's and string at 45 with 4G 1.25. The racquet plays great at 45.

Hey Rabbit

That's fantastic news! Can't wait to try it out

Cheers

 

[gameboy]

105s is the best doubles racquet I have ever used.

 

[JackB1]

Everything's been said in the large 99s thread. This racquet is good if you can restring every week and can play with full poly. Otherwise forget it.

 

[v-verb]

Everything's been said in the large 99s thread. This racquet is good if you can restring every week and can play with full poly. Otherwise forget it.

JackB1

That was a honeymoon thread. I'm interested in the day after when the makeup comes off and the bloom is off the rose so to speak.

If it does all the spin stuff and serves are magical, I'm good with it. I intend to lube the crap out of the strings and hopefully they don't break a lot.

I do have a stringer and am getting a reel of Gosen Polylon, and swap sticks a lot so maybe I'll get a few weeks out of a stringing

So...it is magical like they say?

Cheers

nigel

 

[davidl7]

There are pros and cons with this racquet. There are plenty of reviews on this forum, do a search. I think it benefits beginners and intermediates more, as the improvements are more dramatic for lower level players.

Wilson's been testing this frame since beginning of last year, if its so good, why aren't the pro's switching? Wilson rep said only a handful of pros in top 100 are testing it, none in top 20. Not sure about women, didn't ask.

Best thing to do is test it and see if it improves your game.

 

[Ross K]

I love my 99S's and string at 45 with 4G 1.25. The racquet plays great at 45.

I think it's high time I went down into mid-40's territory actually. I just have to get over a mental block I have that the 99s w/low tensions = the mother of all rocket launchers!

 

[v-verb]

105s is the best doubles racquet I have ever used.

Huge praise! I'll find out how the 99S fares tomorrow

There are pros and cons with this racquet. There are plenty of reviews on this forum, do a search. I think it benefits beginners and intermediates more, as the improvements are more dramatic for lower level players.

Wilson's been testing this frame since beginning of last year, if its so good, why aren't the pro's switching? Wilson rep said only a handful of pros in top 100 are testing it, none in top 20. Not sure about women, didn't ask.

Best thing to do is test it and see if it improves your game.

Thanks! Done may searches but many of them are honeymoon reviews as I said. I think Pro's have lots of power and spin so I guess they don't need this stick?

I think it's high time I went down into mid-40's territory actually. I just have to get over a mental block I have that the 99s w/low tensions = the mother of all rocket launchers!

Poly and low tension sometimes = magic. Can't wait til I try the stick

 

[lostinamerica]

I think this racquet is unreal. After demoing, I went to the 105S. I already had a very formidable kick serve and now it is more effective. I've never had a very good hard flat serve but it has not got any worse. I still don't get aces but I am getting a few more mishit returns.

It volleys much better than I expected. I already had a good return of serve but now my weaker wing (forehand) is no longer routinely floating long. I can drive it with authority and keep it in the court.

One thing you have to remember is you need to take a very big cut at the ball. When I try to guide it, I will float it. I've had a problem with people calling my ball out and then watch it dip and fall in. Most correct their calls but a few have went on to take the point.

I am using Solinco Tour Bite. I am getting basically one match per set of strings. When I am at sectionals later this summer, I am going to have to go with 6 freshly strung racquets as well as bring extra string.

The string cost and need for so many racquets is the only draw back. Like the person said earlier, it is a great doubles racquet.

 

[Marcus2137]

JackB1

That was a honeymoon thread. I'm interested in the day after when the makeup comes off and the bloom is off the rose so to speak.

If it does all the spin stuff and serves are magical, I'm good with it. I intend to lube the crap out of the strings and hopefully they don't break a lot.

I do have a stringer and am getting a reel of Gosen Polylon, and swap sticks a lot so maybe I'll get a few weeks out of a stringing

So...it is magical like they say?

Cheers

nigel

A little off topic, but unless you've tried and love Gosen Polylon, I strongly recommend looking at other options. I bought a reel of it because it was the cheapest on Tennis Warehouse, and I really regret the purchase. I've been testing out some Pros Pro strings lately and they are MUCH MUCH better quality polys than Gosen (which for me feels good for about 20-30 minutes before it starts getting boardy and strings lock together and stop moving back (snapping back). The Pros Pro reels are about the same prices as the Gosen, and I can't recommend them enough.

 

[schenkelini]

The Vortex rackets are far better.

 

[v-verb]

A little off topic, but unless you've tried and love Gosen Polylon, I strongly recommend looking at other options. I bought a reel of it because it was the cheapest on Tennis Warehouse, and I really regret the purchase. I've been testing out some Pros Pro strings lately and they are MUCH MUCH better quality polys than Gosen (which for me feels good for about 20-30 minutes before it starts getting boardy and strings lock together and stop moving back (snapping back). The Pros Pro reels are about the same prices as the Gosen, and I can't recommend them enough.

Thanks Marcus - I was going to order but hadn't yet. Turns out I may be doing a string/racquet trade so no Polylon for me.

I appreciate the post Marcus2137!

 

[Rabbit]

Everything's been said in the large 99s thread. This racquet is good if you can restring every week and can play with full poly. Otherwise forget it.

I restring every two weeks. The poly is notched about 3/4 way through by then, but even if it weren't, I'd still restring. Rabbit scared of old poly.

I think it's high time I went down into mid-40's territory actually. I just have to get over a mental block I have that the 99s w/low tensions = the mother of all rocket launchers!

I really think you'll be shocked. Low tensions, I'm at 45, turns poly into a multi on steroids. It really is sweet. Around the net, it's fantastic. The 99S is the most solid racquet I've hit with around the net. It just builds confidence.

 

[v-verb]

The Vortex rackets are far better.

Could be - but I'll likely never get one.

I'll be messing with my string patterns on some of my other racquets to see if I can get Steam S spin from some of my other sticks.

E.g. from a 14 x 18 POG mid by skipping the top and bottom crosses. Who knows if it will work but it's worth a try - and I need the Steam S as a control.

 

[racertempo]

I think this racquet is unreal. After demoing, I went to the 105S. I already had a very formidable kick serve and now it is more effective. I've never had a very good hard flat serve but it has not got any worse. I still don't get aces but I am getting a few more mishit returns.

It volleys much better than I expected. I already had a good return of serve but now my weaker wing (forehand) is no longer routinely floating long. I can drive it with authority and keep it in the court.

One thing you have to remember is you need to take a very big cut at the ball. When I try to guide it, I will float it. I've had a problem with people calling my ball out and then watch it dip and fall in. Most correct their calls but a few have went on to take the point.

I am using Solinco Tour Bite. I am getting basically one match per set of strings. When I am at sectionals later this summer, I am going to have to go with 6 freshly strung racquets as well as bring extra string.

The string cost and need for so many racquets is the only draw back. Like the person said earlier, it is a great doubles racquet.

Several people on here have given the 105s a try and I have yet to meet someone who does not LOVE IT. I have met several people locally who did not like the 99s but love the 105s, myself included. And i am talking about 4.5 players.....I am going to keep preaching it because other people like Gameboy above, gave it an honest try and are loving it.

 

[ollinger]

^^ we haven't met, but I hated the 105s. Far less control than the 105 Angell (11.2 ounce, weighted to 11.6) I've been using

 

[racertempo]

^^ we haven't met, but I hated the 105s. Far less control than the 105 Angell (11.2 ounce, weighted to 11.6) I've been using

Do you like the 99s?

There are plenty of people who hate the 105s due to "control" issues who have posted on here, but I see far more on courts then I seen 99s, that was my only point there.....and the 2 local shops are selling far more 105s frames.....maybe my area is biased towards a 105.

 

[v-verb]

I haven't seen any up here near Toronto - hope that's a good thing:<)

 

[ollinger]

^^ haven't tried the 99s; I'm a firm believer in larger frames.

 

[v-verb]

So I had a couple of hits with my 99S. strung with Luxilon Monotec 16L at 45 lbs.

If you use proper strokes, it's unreal. I was hitting forehand winners from 1 ft above the court.

Haven't been able to have the ball drop that much and rail it back for a winner, but I was able to do it consistently with the 99S.

One other thing. I've played 3 sets with the racquet and the Lux string. I also lube the strings with Armour All. Virtually Zero string wear so far. No notching.

 

[BLiND]

I've been playing with the Steam 99s for about 3 months now and I do think this is an excellent frame...

In stock form its pretty light feeling (but I am use to 370g) but surprisingly stable for such a light frame with so little string in it, Wilson have done a great job of stabilising the string-bed. I found power to be decent for the weight but nothing in the Babolat league, this is a mid-power racquet, control is very good. It came strung stock with Luxilon 4G 1.25mm, I had no idea of on the tension at the time as my normal racquet is 18x20 95" 370g and I string it at the mid 40's lbs.

Clearly it felt really light to me so I added 18g to the handle and 6g to the head to bring the racquet upto 350g strung (with 1x overgrip and dampener) then had it re-strung with my favourite string RPM Team 1.25mm, I was guessing on the tension as I normally string mid-40's, but I knew I needed to go higher, so opted for 56lbs/52lbs (mains/cross)... BIG PROBLEM, I couldn't control the ball at all!

So I changed it for the 4G 1.25mm which was in the original frame when I got it, I strung it @58lbs/56lbs, still I struggled with control... so I changed it for another set of 4G strung at 64lbs/62lbs and it played wonderfully, bags of power, bags of control, really a fantastic all-round racquet.

Next I will likely try 4G 1.30mm at 66lbs/64lbs with my next string job... or possible try my beloved RPM Team again, but at a much higher tension.

p.s. I don't personally get the mad spin with this frame, yes on the slower-swings it does give you a little extra spin, but on normal big-cuts top-spin shots spin is the same as my 18x20 racquet... but it also hits flat as well as any frame I've played with, another testament to its all-round ability.

 

[v-verb]

Thanks BLiND!

Good report! I do seem to get extra spin when hit spin shots, but I find it hits flat really well too.

My next string job - if my present strings ever break - is either klip gut 17 ga and a smooth poly cross, or Spiky Shark 17 with a smooth poly cross.

How did you find string wear on yours?

Cheers

 

[BLiND]

I actually don't find string wear an issue though I only play doubles, also I've not played more than 15 sets with any one string-set... they start moving around after about 6 sets (@64lbs) but its not an issue.

 

[coyote]

Several people on here have given the 105s a try and I have yet to meet someone who does not LOVE IT. I have met several people locally who did not like the 99s but love the 105s, myself included. And i am talking about 4.5 players.....I am going to keep preaching it because other people like Gameboy above, gave it an honest try and are loving it.

This is me, I tried both and like the 105 better. My doubles partner has the 99 but used one of mine and now wants to change. I am really impressed with the net play. I expected it to be poor at net but it is great. I am considering telling others it is awful. I like the almost unfair advantage I have.

 

[Sander001]

What makes the 105s better over the 99s? More power but more spin too?

 

[v-verb]

... I expected it to be poor at net but it is great. I am considering telling others it is awful. I like the almost unfair advantage I have.

LOL too funny!!! I'll be on the lookout for a 105S

 

[v-verb]

What makes the 105s better over the 99s? More power but more spin too?

I would think so with the same string pattern but 6 more sq ins. so the pattern is even more open

But I'll let those who have tried it reply

 

[coyote]

What makes the 105s better over the 99s? More power but more spin too?

It is a little more headlight but it is just better around the net. It may be a preference thing but I liked it better.m also, since it is a little bit of a wide body, the extra room helps on spin serves.

Really, I just lied it better. Try them and see what you like better.

 

[dknotty]

Several people on here have given the 105s a try and I have yet to meet someone who does not LOVE IT. I have met several people locally who did not like the 99s but love the 105s, myself included. And i am talking about 4.5 players.....I am going to keep preaching it because other people like Gameboy above, gave it an honest try and are loving it.

I didn't like the 105s at all. Tried out the APD and the 105s and it was clear the APD is an infinitely superior racket.

 

[comeback]

I tried the 99s but didn't like it probably because i was demoing the 105s at the same time .The 99s had a little too much vibration for me but it could have been old dead poly and maybe some with lead it would help it .I simply loved the 105s and the 1/4 extra length from the first hit. Great looking and doesn't look like an oversize if you have that PRO ego. After 6 days of practice and easy doubles with a 105 demo with 4g 55lbs. I finally bought my own 105s and strung 46lbs with Golden Set Power Cord. I also put on a Wilson Shock Replacement grip and Gamma gel worm like shock absorber (which added approx 20 grams) as insurance for past arm problems. Yesterday i had a very tough league match on slow red clay in damp weather against an almost 5.0 losing 4-6, 7-5, 4-6. I played him twice before losing straight sets 6-3,6-1 and 6-2,6-4. He was ranked top 5 in his USTA age group and does everything a little better than me but with the 105s i was able to stay with him only losing by a thin margin. The great spin on the serve and forehand are apparent but my forehand didn't hurt him as much as my slice backhand. Slices with the 105s are biting and effortless which kept me in the match . Volleys are ok, not great but not bad. I have had carpel tunnel, forearm problems in the past and a terrible case of TE only 18 months ago that took a year to rehab. I have never used poly so i waited a day to post this to see if my arm would be sore. I can't believe it but no soreness at all . i thought the future of my old school McEnroe game with gut/multi was playing more doubles. Little did i ever think i would be using poly and could park myself on the baseline and launch topspin forehands that land deep in my opponents court and develop a winning game strategy. I can always still serve and volley and with a better spin serve it added another dimension. Another slight negative is that i am now seldom hitting a OH topspin backhand since i concentrate on hitting more forehands with a SW grip. Also I tend to aim for safer margins well within the lines as the 105s does not have the pinpoint accuracy of some other player sticks. Another shot that amazed me is the topspin lob. I very rarely was able to leave someone flatfooted hopelessly looking at topspin sail over their head and land several feet inside the baseline as i have done several times already. As i stated on the other Steam thread, the 105s is a great racket up to 5.0.

 

[ttwarrior1]

hype isn't dying where i live, its growing. Love the rackets.

 

[v-verb]

hype isn't dying where i live, its growing. Love the rackets.

Could be true - haven't seen one in my club and no one is talking about it but the season is early here

 

[racertempo]

Could be true - haven't seen one in my club and no one is talking about it but the season is early here

Not dying in my area either, but growing still.

 

[v-verb]

What I meant is the hype dying on this forum, but I could and am probably wrong.

That said I think I figured out how to get Steam S like spin from non Steam S sticks.

It's very simple but I want to try it out first. I.E fewer cross strings equal less pressure on mains thereby allowing the mains to slide more.

So...reduce the tension on crosses. Will it work? not sure but I'll give it a try

 

[racertempo]

What I meant is the hype dying on this forum, but I could and am probably wrong.

That said I think I figured out how to get Steam S like spin from non Steam S sticks.

It's very simple but I want to try it out first. I.E fewer cross strings equal less pressure on mains thereby allowing the mains to slide more.

So...reduce the tension on crosses. Will it work? not sure but I'll give it a try

I think you are right that hype has slowed down on the forum for sure.....but the 100+ page thread is only alive thanks to 4-5 guys sharing tension and string ideas.....and yelling at each other in large bold font over the technology and "snap-back" effect. It is my belief that most forum people will try stuff very very early on since it is now and they can get feedback and share their thoughts.

I think the use out there has been increasing from seeing the number of frames in my area for sure though.

 

[comeback]

What I meant is the hype dying on this forum, but I could and am probably wrong.

That said I think I figured out how to get Steam S like spin from non Steam S sticks.

It's very simple but I want to try it out first. I.E fewer cross strings equal less pressure on mains thereby allowing the mains to slide more.

So...reduce the tension on crosses. Will it work? not sure but I'll give it a try

Hi V, I'm sure players can get the same spin from other rackets. I know for me it's the less effort it takes with the 105s that helps my hand/wrist/forearm/elbow

 

[JackB1]

There's an unbelievable amount of 99s's in the classified's section right now. It's like everyone decided to dump them all at once or something. Weird.

 

[v-verb]

Hi V, I'm sure players can get the same spin from other rackets. I know for me it's the less effort it takes with the 105s that helps my hand/wrist/forearm/elbow

I'll let you know how the experiment works out!

There's an unbelievable amount of 99s's in the classified's section right now. It's like everyone decided to dump them all at once or something. Weird.

Yep I was tempted but I'll wait for a 105S at a good price