Wilson Steam 99s vs 105s

prayingd

New User
Although an older thread exists on this topic, I need additional input from those who have owned either; especially from those who have used both extensively.

I was surprised that in a previous thread it appeared as if the Steam 105s was preferred over the 99s. Although I expected that might be the case for 3.0 - 3.5 rated players & seniors, numerous 4.0-5.0 players also preferred the 105s.

I had previously assumed that the only advantage of the 105s was additional power and a slightly larger sweet spot. Yet several users commented that the 105s is more comfortable AND just as accurate as the 99. (In comments from another website, several users indicated that adding weight to the handle of the 105s makes it more stable and controlled than a stock 99s!)

That kind of blew me away, is it makes the 105s appear to be the more favorable of the two.

On the other hand, racquet reviews from the retailers indicate that the 105s is almost overpowered and definitely lacks the control of the 99s. Which obviously swings things in favor of the 99s for those seeking control over power.

So I'm somewhat confused. Although there seems to be no question that the 105s has more power, there seems to be a lack of consensus concerning comfort & control.

Unless I misunderstand, it sounds as if adding some weight to the handle of the 105s may transform it into a preferable racquet. Increasing string tension or using a less lively string may help harness the extra the power.

The bottom line is that I'm now leaning toward the Steam 105s. Can anyone convince me otherwise? Any input from past or current users is greatly appreciated!

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Alien

Hall of Fame
This is a thread that should be placed in 2012, not now. They havent been sold for ages. 16x15 was replaced mostly by 18x16 because of lack of control even if there are still some sticks like the Ultra. Get into your DeLorean, get back to present and choose a weapon here.
 

g4driver

Legend
I know three 4.0 guys and four 3:5 guys still using Steam 99S frames. I don't recall every seeing a Steam 105S at any Southern Sectional or SC State Championship venue.

The Steam 99S served me well for three years. The only issue I had with the 99S wasn't control of groundstrokes, but rather volleys vs 4.5 guys playing 8.5 combo. Just harder to stick volleys with only 15 crosses.

My 99S were 12.2 oz (342 grams), and 7.5 points HL just like my other frames. I won over 75% of my USTA matches as a 4.0 with my frames from 2013 to 2016 so I was happy with my results from the 99S, but I needed more crosses for the volleyed. So I switched frames this spring after our men's team finished our season at State.
 

g4driver

Legend
This is a thread that should be placed in 2012, not now. They havent been sold for ages. 16x15 was replaced mostly by 18x16 because of lack of control even if there are still some sticks like the Ultra. Get into your DeLorean, get back to present and choose a weapon here.

The Steam 99S and 105 were first sold in Jan 2013, not 2012. [emoji6] The Steam 99S is still being sold.
 

g4driver

Legend
Right you are on the year. Maybe still being sold, but not on tennis warehouse or online...

The other three big US retailers all still sell Steam 99S frames. The ones in Texas, Ohio, and Baltimore.

but right you are on the OP picking a better more updated frame. The 18x16 frames, or 16x18 like I use, or one of the Babolat Frames, a Pure Aero or The Project One Pure Strike 16x19 come to mind as better options.
 

prayingd

New User
Perhaps a more in-depth explanation of my original query is in order. I am not seeking a replacement go-to frame because I'm still happy with my "old school" Volkl C10 Pro and Babolat Pure Strike 16x18. (When my arm grows weary after 60-80 minutes of play with the C10, I switch to the Babolat.)

Although I am an aging player, I'm still capable of producing an impressive amount of topspin with the Pure Strike. My only issue is that after another 30 minutes of play, my arm tires to the point that my "wiper" or "buggy whip" forehands tend to stall out.

At least a half a dozen of my regular tennis buddies use some version of the original Wilson spin racquets with varying degrees of success. A few have suggested that I try a Steam 99s or 105s to see if I can produce comparable topspin (to my Babolat) with less than ideal technique, as I tire. Thus my original question.

I suppose Alien is correct about my getting into a DeLorean and catching up with the present. But it's amazing how some old technology racquets are still viable weapons. Despite its age and weight I still can hit a decent serve, volley and forehand with my antiquated Volkl. 38 years ago I was able to beat some decent college players with my trusty Dunlop Maxply Fort, long after the majority of tennis players in the United States had abandoned wooden racquets. I began using the Dunlop Max 200g more than 5 years after most players had given it up for something "modern". I went undefeated in local tournaments one year with that "antique".

Sorry about the reminiscing.

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g4driver

Legend
IMO, the Steam 105S offers much less control for a 3.5 to 4.0 level player than a Steam 99S. I have only known of one 4.5 player using a Steam 99S. I beat a 4.0 with my Steam 99S in singles last year. He was bumped to 4.5 but I wasn't.

I think your original theory that more players preferred the 105S over the 99S is backwards. I am sure TW wouldn't mind telling you how many 99S frames they sold for every 105S frame. I have a friend who own a tennis shop. He has no problem telling anyone Babolat outsells all over manufactures in his store 4 to 1. That is right. For every 25K worth of Wilson, Head, Prince, Yonex he sells 100K worth of Babolat frames.

My guess is the 99s outsold the 105S at least 3 to 1 if not more.

I have never seen a 4.0 with a 105S, much less a 4.5 or 5.0 and I play tennis in the one of the cities with largest USTA memberships city in the USA. I can try to find the chart. But Charleston was either 9th or 10th in the US with USTA memberships. So maybe if your skill level is below 3.5, knock yourself out. But as an earlier adopter of the 99S, who has seven teammates switch to that frame, I would recommend you figure out what your trying to improve before just picking a frame. I picked the Steam 99S because I hit too flat and sent too many balls in the net. The 99S worked for me. I got bumped to 4.0 then beat players who got bumped to 4.5. I have refused to play up at 4.5 for the longest time, but now in my third year with winning roughly 75% of my 4.0 matches I like playing against 4.5 player and wanted to improve my volleys.

Because the 99S only has 15 cross strings, it isn't the best frame to volley with and that is why I switched to a 16X18 frame.

Figure out what you want to improve and pick a frame that helps that. My .02

Best wishes to you-
 

Alien

Hall of Fame
but right you are on the OP picking a better more updated frame. The 18x16 frames, or 16x18 like I use, or one of the Babolat Frames, a Pure Aero or The Project One Pure Strike 16x19 come to mind as better options.

I second this. I used to use 2015 Blade 98s after Juice 100s which gave me TE after 99s which never really felt great.

Now switching to Project One after more control.
 

rlau

Hall of Fame
My only issue is that after another 30 minutes of play, my arm tires to the point that my "wiper" or "buggy whip" forehands tend to stall out.
That will also happen with the Steam 99S or 105S: if you don't fully commit to your shots (e.g. because you're getting tired), your shots will sail.
 

prayingd

New User
Thanks for the input. I "bit" on a Steam 99s for $89 using a discount coupon. It may be a waste of money, and will not be the last time I waste money on a useless racquet purchase. But I could've done worse and opted for the Steam 105s. Happy and safe holidays to everyone. [emoji4]

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ricardo

Hall of Fame
Wilson Steam 99S VS 105S

  1. Spin - 105S is significantly more spinny
  2. Power - 105S is significantly more powerful
  3. Comfort - 105S is significantly more comfortable
  4. Feel - I like 105S better
  5. Control - Similar
  6. Favorite - I use 105S more because I am a baseliner/attacker and prefer spin and power.
 
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