Wilson Steam 99 S Review

Price

€

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Upsides

Power
Spin
More Spin
Even more spin!

Downsides

Not super maneuverable
Loss of control on flat shots and volleys

Summary

We were all very excited to hit this revolutionary offering from Wilson. The new Steam 99S was consistently described as "crazy", "a game changer" and "unlike anything I've ever hit before." The super open Spin Effect 16x15 string pattern allows you to unleash a whole new level of spin. On topspin groundstrokes the ball leaves the stringbed at a slightly higher trajectory than normal, but it dives down at the court with tons of action and backs your opponent off the baseline. We also found the racquet to perform well in other aspects. Power was there when needed, and there was more control than we expected. The crazy spin and easy pace means going from all out defense to full on offense is often just one swing away with the Steam 99S. This racquet has become a craze among the playtest team here at TW, and we highly recommend giving this spin monster a try.

Overall - Score: 82/100

Groundstrokes – Score 90/100

Hitting with the Steam 99 S from the baseline is truly a unique experience, and all of our playtesters agreed that they could generate more spin with this racket than any other racket they’ve tried. They could take big cuts at the ball, generate comfortable power and the spin would help the ball curve, hook and stay in. Incredible!

Volleys – Score 77/100

Our team enjoyed the Steam 99 S around the net and especially like the stability it offered on volleys. After a brief adjustment period, they became dialed in and while it may have lacked feel sometimes, the maneuverability and stability made it a solid frame.

Serve – Score 80/100

Our playtest team had mixed feelings when it came to serving with the new Steam 99 S. They found good power and spin, but wished for a little more control. The added spin was enjoyable, but a little more weight in the hoop would have added some extra pace for the team members who wanted to pound some big serves.

Returns – Score 83/100

Once again, it was mixed emotions for our playtesters when it came to returns. Some had issues with the maneuverability, while others were looking for more control, with one thing apparent: the spin was easy to find! It was also easy to rip the ball for big returns that dropped inside the lines.

Likes:

Chris - "I absolutely loved the spin. It was addictive. The stringbed completely overshadowed the frame, and I loved this racquet even though the weight and balance are not perfect for me. This feels like a giant leap forward and is the perfect match for today's monofilament poly strings. I was also impressed with the comfort and the easy power on flat shots, defensive shots and half volleys."

Andy - "I loved the crazy spin potential and was surprised at how much control I had on my groundstrokes and volleys. I also liked the maneuverability and stability of the frame, and the enlarged sweetspot from the string pattern."

Jason - "Ridiculous access to spin, stability, and the ridiculous access to spin."

Siobhan - "The spin; it's noticeably better and it provides more kick off the court."

Dislikes:

Chris - "None really. Not my ideal spec and I'd likely add some weight, but that is all."

Andy - "As strange as it might sound, I liked the string pattern but disliked the frame. It's not the most natural feeling racquet to swing, and I think it's due to the way the weight is distributed in the frame. I'd like to see the 16x15 string pattern introduced into other Wilson frames."

Jason - "I could feel the stiffness after my hits but not during, thanks to the large sweetspot. The higher swingweight was an issue when I was tired out."

Siobhan - "Despite being sold on the spin, I didn't enjoy the feel of the Steam racquet."

Comparing it to other racquets they've used, our testers said:

Chris - "Nothing currently available compares to this racquet. When I tested the Prince EXO3 Silver I was getting lots of spin, but this racquet takes it to another level. I was hitting shots I don't own and have no business hitting. I'll say it again, this one is a game changer."

Andy - "This racquet is tough to compare with anything else, because it really is in a realm of its own in terms of spin potential. This racquet really is a game changer, and I think a lot of people will fall in love with how heavy they can hit the ball with it. You can maybe put it in the same group as the AeroPro Drive, but it's a little more stable and has way more spin potential. This one is unlike anything I've ever hit, and I highly suggest you give it a try!"

Jason - "The stiffness and feel sort of reminded me of the BLX Juice 100, but the spin is incomparable. I feel like this version offers everything the regular Steam 99 did, but with more spin."

Siobhan - "I would compare the muted feel to the Wilson BLX Tour, but the level of spin is just different from other spin racquets I've hit. As far as the spin goes, this racquet is a unique experience."

Playtester Profiles:

Chris: All-court player currently using the Volkl C10 Pro 2012. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swinging style and hits a one-handed backhand.

Andy: All-court player with a semi-western forehand grip and a two-handed backhand. Andy currently uses a Yonex RDiS 100 Mid.

Jason: Baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a Boris Becker Delta Core London.

Siobhan: Baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 2013.

Review date: January 2013. If you found this review interesting or have further questions of comments please contact us. information.en@tenniswarehouse-europe.com.