Wilson Hits Homerun with Wilson Steam 99S (mini review)

[drakulie]

Agree, with Fuji.

I tried revolve in this frame when it was called rip spin ???, and it was fairly nice and seemed to more durable than other 16 g strings. The string is used was the white version, although the newer colors seem to feel nicer.

I've been stringing quite a few of these frames as well as the 105's at the shop with a lot of the revolve string (16 and 15 gauge).

 

[g4driver]

Agree, with Fuji.

I tried revolve in this frame when it was called rip spin ???, and it was fairly nice and seemed to more durable than other 16 g strings. The string is used was the white version, although the newer colors seem to feel nicer.

I've been stringing quite a few of these frames as well as the 105's at the shop with a lot of the revolve string (16 and 15 gauge).

Drakulie and Fugi,

Did Wilson turn Ripspin into Revolve by making it softer with better tension maintenance ?

Any difference between the white, black and that Halloween/Florida /Clemson/Auburn motif ?

 

[Fuji]

Drakulie and Fugi,

Did Wilson turn Ripspin into Revolve by making it softer with better tension maintenance ?

Any difference between the white, black and that Halloween/Florida /Clemson/Auburn motif ?

No idea honestly. As far as I know, Ripspin was just turned into revolve and made a bit more slippery. Not too sure on the tension maintenance. Different dyes will always play differently. I hate black dyed strings with a passion, they always are different IME and the playability is not the same.

-Fuji

 

[g4driver]

No idea honestly. As far as I know, Ripspin was just turned into revolve and made a bit more slippery. Not too sure on the tension maintenance. Different dyes will always play differently. I hate black dyed strings with a passion, they always are different IME and the playability is not the same.

-Fuji

It seems softer with better tension maintenance in both the white and black.

I hate Orange period. Just a nasty, ugly color, with no intended purpose. Orange is the sandspur of the color wheel.

 

[stingstang]

I've been trying the 99S recently. I've hit shots which I have no business playing and shocked myself but also experienced frustration with control on basic groundstrokes. Spin serves incredible but flats have gone totally AWOL.

My conclusion is that its actually quite demanding, you need the technique to use the spin potential otherwise the power can launch balls long. In the right hands its probably phenomenal.

The strings do break quickly but the string goes dead even quicker. Even with SPPP at high 50's.

 

[drakulie]

Drakulie and Fugi,

Did Wilson turn Ripspin into Revolve by making it softer with better tension maintenance ?

Any difference between the white, black and that Halloween/Florida /Clemson/Auburn motif ?

my understanding of the change in name is due to a threat of lawsuit. As for the colors, I believe the dark color plays and feels better.

 

[seekay]

Did Wilson turn Ripspin into Revolve by making it softer with better tension maintenance?

My Wilson rep claims that Revolve uses a slightly tweaked formula that was designed to maintain playability better than RipSpin.

I just got a few reels to replace the RipSpin I sold out of, but I haven't yet strung up one of my frames to evaluate whether there's a noticeable practical difference.

Any difference between the white, black and that Halloween/Florida/Clemson/Auburn motif?

I've never noticed a difference between the white and the "black" RipSpin. I never tried the orange, since I can't imagine it looking right in the new Pro Staff line.

 

[Fuji]

My Wilson rep claims that Revolve uses a slightly tweaked formula that was designed to maintain playability better than RipSpin.

I just got a few reels to replace the RipSpin I sold out of, but I haven't yet strung up one of my frames to evaluate whether there's a noticeable practical difference.



I've never noticed a difference between the white and the "black" RipSpin. I never tried the orange, since I can't imagine it looking right in the new Pro Staff line.

But it will look awesome in the Burn line!

-Fuji

 

[Graf1stClass]

I'm legitimately shocked that this thread is still alive.

 

[g4driver]

I'm legitimately shocked that this thread is still alive.

Kinda of like my opponent (a PD user) was shocked last night when he took his second list of the year. Breadsticks.

 

[rk_sports]

Kinda of like my opponent (a PD user) was shocked last night when he took his second list of the year. Breadsticks.

You still use 15g Revolve or Cyclone as in your signature?
Also what tension are you stringing at?

 

[g4driver]

You still use 15g Revolve or Cyclone as in your signature?

Also what tension are you stringing at?

Cyclone Tour 16g 60 M / 57 X on my Alpha Apex 2

But I drop to 57 M / 54X on a constant Pull (Wilson Baiardo, Gamma ELS 8800)

I have five 99S frames and am experimenting with Revolve 16g and 15g mains/ Revolve 16g crosses.

Cyclone Tour 16g is a phenomenal string IMO. I have found nothing that compares to so far.

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

Cyclone Tour 16g 60 M / 57 X on my Alpha Apex 2

But I drop to 57 M / 54X on a constant Pull (Wilson Baiardo, Gamma ELS 8800)

I have five 99S frames and am experimenting with Revolve 16g and 15g mains/ Revolve 16g crosses.

Cyclone Tour 16g is a phenomenal string IMO. I have found nothing that compares to so far.

I have just started stringing my own rackets, I have completed 5 jobs so far. I have the steam 99s' and am going to try out your recommendation of the Cyclone Tour 16 guage. My question is, what us the benefit of stringing the crosses a few pounds lighter than the mains? Thanks for any responses!

 

[v-verb]

I have just started stringing my own rackets, I have completed 5 jobs so far. I have the steam 99s' and am going to try out your recommendation of the Cyclone Tour 16 guage. My question is, what us the benefit of stringing the crosses a few pounds lighter than the mains? Thanks for any responses!

Allows the mains to move more hence more spin. But will also allow the mains to wear faster

 

[A_Instead]

I just been using Goson Polylon 16g at 59 lbs and just got used to stringing more often and keep 4 rackets in rotation.
I cant see wasting anything over $10 per string job as most strings break sooner than later in the Steam 99s.
A reel of Goson Polylon goes for under $40. Cant beat it...

 

[v-verb]

Polylon is nice. I've used Pros Pro Devil Spin 16l and it is really durable and super spin friendly. Devil Spin is very reasonable as well.

Devil Spin in the mains and Polylon crosses is a nice inexpensive combo.

 

[g4driver]

I just been using Goson Polylon 16g at 59 lbs and just got used to stringing more often and keep 4 rackets in rotation.
I cant see wasting anything over $10 per string job as most strings break sooner than later in the Steam 99s.
A reel of Goson Polylon goes for under $40. Cant beat it...

CT isn't $40 a reel so it can't compete at the price, but I don't pay retail for it, and I use 31' feet to string my 99S frames, so 660' / 31 = 21 string jobs in a 99S. It cost me less than $5.50 a frame strung and that is well worth the performance it delivers IMO.

Would I pay $9 a pack if I had to ? Yep, since $9x 5 packs = $45 to string 6 frames, still just $7.50 a frame with no discount.

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

Allows the mains to move more hence more spin. But will also allow the mains to wear faster

Ahh... makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Cengusiento]

I played the Steam 99s 18 months ago and found the Solinco tour bite works the best in therms of control and spin. Durability was average, and the only complaint was comfort, this is a stiff string in a already stiff racquet.

Now I'm testing the Wilson Steam 99LS and find the TB perfect in almost every category. It last me 5-6 hours of intensive play

 

[seekay]

Would I pay $9 a pack if I had to ? Yep, since $9x 5 packs = $45 to string 6 frames, still just $7.50 a frame with no discount.

I'm curious about this. How would you string that sixth 99S with five 9-foot segments of string? Is it a 10-knot pattern?

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

I'm curious about this. How would you string that sixth 99S with five 9-foot segments of string?

Just tie them together man

 

[g4driver]

I'm curious about this. How would you string that sixth 99S with five 9-foot segments of string? Is it a 10-knot pattern?

The 99S only needs 12' 8" per cross. 13'4" gives anyone overkill on the tieoff. It works on a Wilson Bairado, a Babolat Star 5, a Prince 6000, a Gamma ELS 8800 and my Alpha Apex 2 at home.

I've been doing this for nearly two years-

3 packs of string cut into halves = 6 sets of mains.

2 packs of string cut into equal thirds = 13' 4 " per = 6 sets of crosses.

Five packs of string will string six 99S frames easily if you cut the strings into equal halves and equal thirds as I described above. It works with every poly I have tried, including Lux 4G, Solinco TB, Wilson Revolve among the many I have tried.

Off of a reel, I cut 18' and 13'. I could probably use 17.5' on the mains if tried.

 

[seekay]

The 99S only needs 12' 8" per cross. 13'4" gives anyone overkill on the tieoff. It works on a Wilson Bairado, a Babolat Star 5, a Prince 6000, a Gamma ELS 8800 and my Alpha Apex 2 at home.

I've been doing this for nearly two years-

3 packs of string cut into halves = 6 sets of mains.

2 packs of string cut into equal thirds = 13' 4 " per = 6 sets of crosses.

Five packs of string will string six 99S frames easily if you cut the strings into equal halves and equal thirds as I described above. It works with every poly I have tried, including Lux 4G, Solinco TB, Wilson Revolve among the many I have tried.

Off of a reel, I cut 18' and 13'. I could probably use 17.5' on the mains if tried.

That makes sense, thanks.

If I'm honest, I'm a little disappointed that the explanation is so reasonable. I was hoping for something crazy.

 

[g4driver]

That makes sense, thanks.

If I'm honest, I'm a little disappointed that the explanation is so reasonable. I was hoping for something crazy.

Hope this helps also:

Off of a reel, 18' is 8 racquet lengths. 18' x12" is 216 inches // 216 inches / 27 inch (standard racquet length ) = 8 lengths

The crosses are simple as well - 6 racquet lengths gives you 13.5 feet. I tend to cut the string inside the hoop about 6 inches shorter as I know 13.5' is overkill.

 

[4-string]

The 99S only needs 12' 8" per cross. 13'4" gives anyone overkill on the tieoff. It works on a Wilson Bairado, a Babolat Star 5, a Prince 6000, a Gamma ELS 8800 and my Alpha Apex 2 at home.

I've been doing this for nearly two years-

3 packs of string cut into halves = 6 sets of mains.

2 packs of string cut into equal thirds = 13' 4 " per = 6 sets of crosses.

Five packs of string will string six 99S frames easily if you cut the strings into equal halves and equal thirds as I described above. It works with every poly I have tried, including Lux 4G, Solinco TB, Wilson Revolve among the many I have tried.

Off of a reel, I cut 18' and 13'. I could probably use 17.5' on the mains if tried.

Do you use a starting knot for the crosses, or is there enough string to use a starting clamp?

 

[g4driver]

Do you use a starting knot for the crosses, or is there enough string to use a starting clamp?

Yes, I use a starting knot on my 99S frames. I could probably use a starting clamp, but it takes more string and time, so it is counterproductive to do so.

The starting knot I use is a very simple fishing knot that tightens on itself. I learned it from an USTA 5.0 Rated player, who is an MRT, and owns several stores. I have never seen anyone else use it this knot. The rest of his stringing staff use the traditional starting knots, but his starting knot + Parnell Knots is like a signature for me.

http://www.keohi.com/tennis/misc/knots.htm

He and I use the same "unique" starting knot, and I finish all my mains and the last cross with a Parnell Knot. He ties his mains and last crosses with a double-half hitch. His stringers or I can look a customer's racquet and tell if I stung it by looking the knots.

I use a starting clamp on the Donnay Pro One 97, and quite a few Babolat's (Storms and a few others that aren't what I consider "normal"). I prefer to not string those frames from the throat. Just my preference.

 

[4-string]

Thanks!

 

[Nostradamus]

SW is too high with this racket. is there a way to take off about 12 points off SW

 

[g4driver]

SW is too high with this racket. is there a way to take off about 12 points off SW

Use the poor quality control of Wilson, Head and Babolat to your advantage by using TW's matched racquet service, and custom ordering - order frames like I do -

I order my frames at 281 unstrung Swing Weight. Just add leather grips and some lead tape and the 99S frames comes in at 325 swingweight and 342 grams with an Wilson Pro Overgrip and no dampener.

 

[Cengusiento]

Or take the 99LS and lead up... I've mines at 295g-32,6cm-315kg/cm2 and they work pretty well

 

[dct693]

g4driver: just wanted to say thanks for the suggestion to try Cyclone Tour in this racquet. I'd been using Cyclone and happy with it, but Tour is a bit more "grabby" on the ball and I like the feel better. My second 99S just got strung with 15g Revolve. I'm excited try that out. The strings really seem to move quite freely.

 

[Hoot]

I am switching to the 99S from the Prince EXO3 Black. Loved the feel of this racquet. Very solid and a lot of spin. Does anybody have any experience using Gensis True Grit in the 99S? This is my go to string in the EXO3 and will give it a go in the 99S. I am going to start at 55LBs. Not sure if I need to go higher or lower on the tension.

 

[g4driver]

dct693,

you are most welcome. I prefer 16g CT personally over Revolve and if they made a 16g Hawk Touch, you might like it.

 

[dct693]

dct693,

you are most welcome. I prefer 16g CT personally over Revolve and if they made a 16g Hawk Touch, you might like it.

I got to hit with the 15g Revolve for just a few minutes today. Not bad. Didn't feel as spinny as the 16g CT, but maybe I should have strung it looser. I have it at 55. My CT 99S was strung at 53. I'm hoping the Revolve will hold tension as long as they claim it will, and that the 15g will be durable.

 

[g4driver]

I got to hit with the 15g Revolve for just a few minutes today. Not bad. Didn't feel as spinny as the 16g CT, but maybe I should have strung it looser. I have it at 55. My CT 99S was strung at 53. I'm hoping the Revolve will hold tension as long as they claim it will, and that the 15g will be durable.

If you break the CT too quickly for your wallet, you might consider4G or 4G Soft by Lux. My arm can't take stiff strings, so they are a no-go for me. I get about 2-3 weeks (12-15 hours) per frame before the CT starts moving and sticking out of place.

The 5 packs of string for 6 frames trick will help with cost of strings with the 99S. Just remember 6 racquet lengths from a standard 27 inch frame is plenty for the 99S crosses, and it the easiest method to cut a pack of string into equal thirds, by simply cutting the string 1" short of the sixth length.

If you find a string you like for the 99S, a reel is a better deal.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

broke strings on the 99s yesterday in record time: 50min. entire time spent bashing the ball as hard as I could in every shot. (eg. overload training)

kirschbaum super spikey 17g @ 40lbs

best durability and playability for me so far has been:
klippermate burst mains at 54 klippermate syn gut crosses 64
lasted 3-4hrs

 

[quest01]

I used Wilson 99s for almost a year before selling them online. They were great racquets with a ton of spin but I didn't like that I could only use 15g strings with them. If I tried 16g and 17g strings they would snap after a few matches. The 15g were the only gauge that would actually last a little while before breaking. I have to say the 99s were one of the best racquets I've used.

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

I used Wilson 99s for almost a year before selling them online. They were great racquets with a ton of spin but I didn't like that I could only use 15g strings with them. If I tried 16g and 17g strings they would snap after a few matches. The 15g were the only gauge that would actually last a little while before breaking. I have to say the 99s were one of the best racquets I've used.

Best racquets I've ever hit with. That's why I'm playing them, but you are right, snap strings like crazy. But I string racquets so it's not as big of a deal. I use 16 guage polys.

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

I played the Steam 99s 18 months ago and found the Solinco tour bite works the best in therms of control and spin. Durability was average, and the only complaint was comfort, this is a stiff string in a already stiff racquet.

Now I'm testing the Wilson Steam 99LS and find the TB perfect in almost every category. It last me 5-6 hours of intensive play

Stringing up the 99s with 16 guage Solinco Tour Bite tonight on your recommendation. What tension do you prefer?

 

[Cengusiento]

55lbs.

 

[legacyinvestor]

GOAT Frame.

I played with this when it first came out and foolishly left it for many other non-Goat racquets. I strung it up to sell it last week with Iso-Control Mains at 64 and Revolve crosses at 52. I also modded it by adding a babolat butt cap to make it almost 1/2 inch longer. 1 strip of lead tape on each side from 11-7 and 2-5. I also scuff the string bed with 80 grit sandpaper so I get snap back AND string texture. Decided to hit with it real quick before I sold it.

Wow. Sick spin, great control and very comfortable. Yes, with the ridiculous spin it can end up short, but that's why you aim farther towards the baseline. Some of my slices made the ball into a spinning OVAL of destruction. Drop shots can't be touched, literally, because they come back over the net.

My flat hard first serve is not quite up to my Roddick+ level of quality but I think with practice the 1st serve will be almost as great. Second serve is actually better and more consistent with the Steam.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

GOAT Frame.

I played with this when it first came out and foolishly left it for many other non-Goat racquets. I strung it up to sell it last week with Iso-Control Mains at 64 and Revolve crosses at 52. I also modded it by adding a babolat butt cap to make it almost 1/2 inch longer. 1 strip of lead tape on each side from 11-7 and 2-5. I also scuff the string bed with 80 grit sandpaper so I get snap back AND string texture. Decided to hit with it real quick before I sold it.

Wow. Sick spin, great control and very comfortable. Yes, with the ridiculous spin it can end up short, but that's why you aim farther towards the baseline. Some of my slices made the ball into a spinning OVAL of destruction. Drop shots can't be touched, literally, because they come back over the net.

My flat hard first serve is not quite up to my Roddick+ level of quality but I think with practice the 1st serve will be almost as great. Second serve is actually better and more consistent with the Steam.

So did you end up selling it still?

I gotta admit, I'm addicted to the spin the racquet makes... particularly on my serve (kick & slice), as well as the bite I get on my bh slice. yes the racquet does make you aim deeper in the court, but I love that i can more consistently hit side-T shots particular on wide or low short balls.

 

[legacyinvestor]

So did you end up selling it still?

I gotta admit, I'm addicted to the spin the racquet makes... particularly on my serve (kick & slice), as well as the bite I get on my bh slice. yes the racquet does make you aim deeper in the court, but I love that i can more consistently hit side-T shots particular on wide or low short balls.

Nope- I kept it and just got a second! Love it. Especially with a poly/gut hybrid- so much spin.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

I absolutely love it for the spin on the serve (eg. breaks more)... but for everything else, i'd rather play my radicals... conundrum

 

[Deleted member 23235]

broke strings on the 99s yesterday in record time: 50min. entire time spent bashing the ball as hard as I could in every shot. (eg. overload training)

kirschbaum super spikey 17g @ 40lbs

best durability and playability for me so far has been:
klippermate burst mains at 54 klippermate syn gut crosses 64
lasted 3-4hrs

new record. broke strings in 25 min (cooperative rally 10-15 ball hard hitting rallies with another top spinner), using kirschbaum super spikey @50lbs.

felt great while it lasted. takes me longer to string than it takes to break them.

what the heck are other folks using? maybe I need to switch to Kevlar?

 

[rlau]

new record. broke strings in 25 min (cooperative rally 10-15 ball hard hitting rallies with another top spinner), using kirschbaum super spikey @50lbs.

felt great while it lasted. takes me longer to string than it takes to break them.

what the heck are other folks using? maybe I need to switch to Kevlar?

Try strings that were developed for this type of racquets, e.g. Wilson Revolve, Lux 4G or Prince Tour XC

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

Try strings that were developed for this type of racquets, e.g. Wilson Revolve, Lux 4G or Prince Tour XC

I agree. I have Lux 4G 16 in one of mine and Solinco tour bite 16 in another. Been hitting hard with both for quite a while. Very pleased.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Thanks guys, I ordered
4x Solinco TB 15L
4x Wilson Revolve 15
4x Prince Tour XC 15

the Lux 4g was too expensive for me,... generally break strings too fast, so want to keep strings to $10 or less per set

 

[Ethan Atkinson]

Thanks guys, I ordered
4x Solinco TB 15L
4x Wilson Revolve 15
4x Prince Tour XC 15

the Lux 4g was too expensive for me,... generally break strings too fast, so want to keep strings to $10 or less per set

I don't blame you at all breaking strings that often. Heck Lux 4G are expensive to me and I don't even break them that often

 

[grip]

A great low cost cross string for spin effect rackets is Isospeed's Baseline LongLife 15L. I have this with Wilson Ripspin 15L and it makes for a good combo.