Any thoughts on the Wilson Blade Team 99 racquet? I'm currently playing with a Blade 98S (2015 version), and like it, but looking for something just a little more forgiving with a same comfortable feel. There's not many review of the Team 99, so wanted to see what people thought, and what it's like compared to the regular Blade.
Wilson Blade Team 99
- Thread starter Brad1981
- Start date
RoarTT
Semi-Pro
As i understand, the blade team 99 is essentially the same racket as the old Steam 99. I haven’t tried it, but it seems to be more of a Pure Drive/tweener type racket. So i think the blade team 99 has fairly little to do with rest of the blade line. Just like the Ultra Tour has little to do with rest of the Ultras.
Anyways here is the review for the Steam 99
Anyways here is the review for the Steam 99
I bought Blade Team 99 new from Mid-west Sport. Yesterday I restrung my racquet and I asked my stinger to check if he could modify to suit my style. He checked inside the handle and there were some silicone already poured. I emailed Mid-west Sport Reps and they said it's how the Blade Team manufactured by Wilson.
Does anyone has the same experience where you have silicone poured inside the handle by manufacturer? Thanks.
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Wilson adds silicone to rackets all along their line to get them close to advertised specs... normal for Wilson.
On a related note, having a ton of fun with this racket... Was looking for a similarly weighted and balanced blade but with more power and spin... this is it. Not sure what the disadvantages are of having the "hairpin?" directly molded to the grip size vs the usual foam handles though... I can't imagine what they could be, but I haven't seen any manufacturer do this with their top end rackets.
On a related note, having a ton of fun with this racket... Was looking for a similarly weighted and balanced blade but with more power and spin... this is it. Not sure what the disadvantages are of having the "hairpin?" directly molded to the grip size vs the usual foam handles though... I can't imagine what they could be, but I haven't seen any manufacturer do this with their top end rackets.
TennisHound
Legend
How are you getting along with this one?
TennisHound
Legend
I ended up getting one of these brand new for $50. I’ve tried it before but I didn’t give it a full test.
TennisHound
Legend
I played tonight with my Blade Team 99 (lead under headguard) and I was surprised at how good it was considering the lightweight. Anyone else try this one? Mine is a V7
I played with a couple of the Blade Team 99 racquets for a while last year along with an original Steam 99 and couldn't feel a difference. I added a little tail-weight and probably served as well with these as anything I've tried. The Team/Steam 99 has lots of power and seemed to be Wilson's answer to Babolat's stiff offerings. In the end these were a little too firm for me and my old bones. I've since sold the Teams and need to list the Steam. The Steam 100 used by Raducanu and others under a Blade v8 pj is a whole different animal and I don't know why they don't sell this racquet. Did Wilson make a Team replacement for the Steam 100 too?
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TennisHound
Legend
I think the Blade 101L is similar to the Steam 100. The only mod I’ve made to mine is lead almost the length of the headguard. Yes it’s a lot, but it still feels lighter and packs a little more punch than my PD. Plus it’s faster through the air. Granted it’s a little harsher at the very tip of the hoop, but it’s not a deal breaker. I’m going to restring it with Hyper G around 52 pounds and see how it plays.
TennisHound
Legend
I gotta say, this Blade Team (with a little lead) has made me rethink using sub 11oz racquet. Mine comes in right at 11.0oz and maybe 1/2 pt HL. It’s powerful and quick, and semi stable.
I’ve always used heavier racquets, but this is changing my mind. I wonder how long the honeymoon period will last. It’s been about 3 weeks so far.
I’ve always used heavier racquets, but this is changing my mind. I wonder how long the honeymoon period will last. It’s been about 3 weeks so far.
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TennisHound
Legend
Picked up a V8 Blade Team at a sporting goods store. I got $40 off just for applying for their credit card. So I only spent $119 for the racquet grips and vibe damps. I had it strung up with Hyper G .16 at 51lbs and added a Wilson Pro OG, added the lead under the headguard and it’s ready to roll.
TennisHound
Legend
Just played a practice match and won. It does everything a little faster than my PD. I like the serve better with the Blade Team. The weight up top gets the ball through the wind a little better, yet it’s faster through the air than the PD or weighted FX 500.
TennisHound
Legend
Just won a tough mixed doubles match with the Blade Team in a 9.0 Mixed match. It was a team that I thought we would lose to for sure, but we pulled it out 6-2 6-4.
I actually prefer the V7 to the V8, even though it’s only a paint job. I’ve purchased another V7. What a crazy sleeper racquet. Lol
I actually prefer the V7 to the V8, even though it’s only a paint job. I’ve purchased another V7. What a crazy sleeper racquet. Lol
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TennisHound
Legend
Fwiw, the lack of a molded grip (also on the Blade 101L) doesn’t affect play. It’s a little different feel, but the racquet plays fine. Of course IMO it needs weight up top.
The biggest benefit of this one is the no-nonsense string pattern (16x18) which has an excellent blend of power, spin, and control. I wish other manufacturers would learn from Wilson’s example (ala Dunlop SX FX, Head Extreme, PA and other “too” open string patterns).
The biggest benefit of this one is the no-nonsense string pattern (16x18) which has an excellent blend of power, spin, and control. I wish other manufacturers would learn from Wilson’s example (ala Dunlop SX FX, Head Extreme, PA and other “too” open string patterns).
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Thanks for your share. I shortly played with team v7 and had only one dislike: the handle without foam made it feel low end. This year I just rebought one because I really like the 1618 pattern. It's a pity that B H Y and W have rejected this string pattern on serious models.
TennisHound
Legend
Yep, it’s a shame that Wilson doesn’t add a molded handle and sell it through regular outlets. I’ve been using mine for about a year and it’s such a good racquet. I’ve added lead the length of the headguard and a slightly heavier grip and it packs a punch. This string pattern and head size are perfect. It comes around faster than the PD or PA.
Fortunately, this one has a little more power than the Steam 99. The frame looks to be the same shape but it’s more powerful.
g4driver
Legend
Thanks for the message above.
@TennishHound,
for new under 50 year old 3.0/3.5 guys or for 12 /13 year kids looking to start tennis any thoughts about the Blade 99 Team 16x18 vs The Head Graphene XT Speed MP? The 2013 Head Graphene Speed MP was my go to frame for new players due to it's 66 RDC and the price. It's was a great frame
Tennis Warehouse - Head YOUTEK Graphene Speed MP Racquet Review
www.tennis-warehouse.com
Head Graphene XT Speed MP Racquet | Tennis Warehouse
www.tennis-warehouse.com
I can get bummer guards and grommets for the Head XT Speed MP still which I don't see as an option for the Blade 99 Team. One of my teammates is still playing with the original Steam 99 and like you, I think Wilson could do far more with the frame if they cared to do so. All the podcasts and questions are great, but when kids, adults, and clients burn through bummer guards and Wilson doesn't make them or doesn't make them for eight to twelve months after a frame is introduced, it's a problem for maybe 10-15% of my clients.
Look for a Wilson Shift Grommet.. hint don't look too long they aren't there. Blade 98 v8 16x19 grommets have been back-ordered for months. I ordered some through Wilson, and a week later Wilson emails me to cancel my order. So frustrating as a stringer.
Wilson Grommets | Tennis Warehouse
www.tennis-warehouse.com
TennisHound
Legend
In this situation it makes sense to go with what you can get access to, like the Speed MPs, even though the Blade Team would be a perfect fit for 12/13yos and is very reasonable. Even so, it won’t matter that much if you went with the Speed.Thanks for the message above.
@TennishHound,
for new under 50 year old 3.0/3.5 guys or for 12 /13 year kids looking to start tennis any thoughts about the Blade 99 Team 16x18 vs The Head Graphene XT Speed MP? The 2013 Head Graphene Speed MP was my go to frame for new players due to it's 66 RDC and the price. It's was a great frame
Tennis Warehouse - Head YOUTEK Graphene Speed MP Racquet Review
Head Graphene XT Speed MP Racquet | Tennis Warehouse
I can get bummer guards and grommets for the Head XT Speed MP still which I don't see as an option for the Blade 99 Team. One of my teammates is still playing with the original Steam 99 and like you, I think Wilson could do far more with the frame if they cared to do so. All the podcasts and questions are great, but when kids, adults, and clients burn through bummer guards and Wilson doesn't make them or doesn't make them for eight to twelve months after a frame is introduced, it's a problem for maybe 10-15% of my clients.
Look for a Wilson Shift Grommet.. hint don't look too long they aren't there. Blade 98 v8 16x19 grommets have been back-ordered for months. I ordered some through Wilson, and a week later Wilson emails me to cancel my order. So frustrating as a stringer.
Wilson Grommets | Tennis Warehouse
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TennisHound
Legend
Here’s my current racquet, and I just won a hard fought 3 set match against some really high level players (around 4.5, the girl I played with was a 5.0). In photo #3 you can see the edge of the lead which runs the length of the headguard (almost) and just a little more at 12. I’m pretty sure DeMinaur and Halep use this same racquet (maybe a little heavier to to start out).
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austintennis2005
Professional
What string is that?
TennisHound
Legend
Its Diadem Solstice Power .16L. It’s a real edgey poly and it’s pretty reasonable.
TennisHound
Legend
Neither of these frames, Steam 99 and Blade Team 99 did not play very well. Both were too heavy, 10.8 oz and a little dead. The Blade Team Lite (which now is the Blade Team) is a completely different story.As i understand, the blade team 99 is essentially the same racket as the old Steam 99. I haven’t tried it, but it seems to be more of a Pure Drive/tweener type racket. So i think the blade team 99 has fairly little to do with rest of the blade line. Just like the Ultra Tour has little to do with rest of the Ultras.
Anyways here is the review for the Steam 99
TennisCanada1
Professional
What do you mean? I thought the Steam 99, Blade Team 99, and Blade Team Lite are all the identical racquet with different PJs.
TennisHound
Legend
They’re different. The Steam 99 plays different from the Blade Team 99 (discontinued) even though they were both 10.8oz. The Blade Team is lighter than these 9.9oz. I prefer a weighted Team since I can get more power at a lighter weight. I would have to check back, but I think the Steam may have had a molded handle.
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seems on sale online: https://www.wilson.com/en-us/product/blade-team-v8-0-wr07980#covertype=52592
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