Wilson Steam 99S - Preview and Playtesting

Wilson Steam 99S + Wilson Blade 18x20

Pictures, Videos, Feedback and Video Review

Bonus Coverage: More 2013 Racket Sneak Previews
(from Babolat, Head, etc...)

**Coming soon on our Fans Only page in Nov/Dec!**

Research and Background Info on Wilson Spin Effect Technology (SET)

TW Playtesting:
http://blog.tenniswarehouse.com/playtester-spotlight/britts-playtester-spotlight-jason-huang/

ITF Testing Lab and Wilson's TV commercial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRDkIkxqdws

Info on patented technology - 3000+ RPM averages with 4G Lux strings:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=443235

Tennis.com's interview with Wilson (TrackMan: Doppler Measurement of Spin)
http://www.tennis.com/gear/2012/09/gear-talk-wilsons-john-lyons-part-1/39374/#.UJdQeIWmCcY

My forum comments and player feedback about Wilson 99S (TalkTennis):
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/search.php?searchid=13934991

Wilson Steam 99S - *2013 Model*

• Close-up HD Pictures of 2013 Rackets
• Playtesting Videos
• Part 1 - Free Hitting
• Part 2 - Warm ups Drills
• Part 3 - Match Play

Tennis Bargains Preview of Wilson Steam 99S

Pros:

• Lots of Spin
• High Arch and Trajectory
• Well Rounded Racket with Solid Defensive/Offense
• Designed for 3.5-4.0+ players
• For Flat hitters, racket adds safety with extra net clearance
• Moon-ballers' dream; Ground stroke nirvana

Cons:

• Less control in general, Open patterns typically are less precise than Closed pattern rackets
• Steam 16x15 (open) vs Blade 18x20 (closed)
• Must generate racket head speed for Spin to get control (requires moderate to fast swing speed)
• Racket will break strings faster, requiring thicker gauge strings (15g or 16g)
• Poly Luxilon 4G recommended
• 1-Hand Backhanders' nightmare (for the opponent) :)

Tennis Bargains Score Card for Steam 99S (A-)

• Volleys (4/5) - crisp on contact; moderate feel
• Groundstrokes (4.5/5) - topspin, slice, side-spin (3x checks); biggest strength
• Returns (4/5) - gets balls back; even against hard servers, the ball finds the court often
• Overheads / Serves (4/5) - surprisingly similar to other 100 headsize (MP) rackets I've used

Summary

Wilson has a new star here. Hopefully they will branch out to include the heavier 6.1 rackets soon too. We really appreciate the opportunity to play test and hope you will get a chance to demo it soon too! For those looking for less spin but a heavier Wilson frame, take a look at the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) - our review here.

How to Pre-Order

If you're interested in getting one on Day 1, we have been told that Tennis Topia will offer free stringing if you pre-order the new Wilson Steam 99S from them today *while supplies last*. They also have a great demo program available in the DC area.

Check out all our tennis coupons and discounts here.

Our Next Tennis Playtest Review

• Babolat Aero Pro Drive 2013 Edition

Is this Nadal's next racket for next year? Check back for our preview, coming soon...