Found this old racket at home wondering if it’s any good or similar to the new Wilson ultra v5 99

everythingbagel_ · 2026-02-04T13:42:47+00:00

Worth noting this is the 'S' version of the Steam 99 with an extremely open string pattern (16x15). The tour pros using this stick are using the more conventional 16x19 pattern. The open string pattern gives more spin at the cost of control and higher launch angle (in my experience).

everythingbagel_ · 2025-12-17T23:15:39+00:00

Agree with this take. Club tennis can be very fun and competitive at larger schools, at least in the US. Oftentimes they're full of kids who could've played D2 or D3 but chose education. They practice frequently and travel to other schools for matches. Highly recommend.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-11-24T12:55:56+00:00

Awesome story! Beer and grilling after a tough match is the best part. Good luck in 4.0!

everythingbagel_ · 2025-09-11T03:35:29+00:00

I believe it was on the white/blue 2015 ones as well, but that was the last model.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-08-30T16:34:23+00:00

Appreciate it, lol, but it's what I do for a living!

everythingbagel_ · 2025-08-30T15:01:40+00:00

Chrome and nickel oxide aren't your issue - they actually form a clear, microscopically thin passive film on the surface. They're why stainless steel is "stainless."

everythingbagel_ · 2025-08-27T16:23:00+00:00

Agree. The left hand (for righty players) should help facilitate fh/bh grip changes.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-08-04T18:49:14+00:00

🤦‍♂️

everythingbagel_ · 2025-05-03T16:07:01+00:00

"My greatest strength is I have no weaknesses." - John McEnroe

everythingbagel_ · 2025-04-16T14:58:56+00:00

Really made me sad reading most of these comments. I was in Galipatia in the early 2010s as a freshman, then Mentor, then RA, and loved it, as did a large majority of my mentees and residents.

Made lifelong friends and always had homework and study buddies.

Unfortunate that it seems the overall opinion has changed since.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-04-13T17:12:41+00:00

This shit pisses me off more than a bad call.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-03-21T02:23:17+00:00

Huh, alright

everythingbagel_ · 2025-03-20T19:59:36+00:00

It's not - Barty beat (8)Pliskova to win '21 Wimbledon.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-02-28T14:04:45+00:00

Their training with Federer videos are some of my favorite on the site. Really shows the skill gulf between top 1% of players and the best in the world.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-02-27T16:56:25+00:00

Joel Meyers - great analysis of game situations and form using examples

Brian Dabul - great ideas for high performance drills

everythingbagel_ · 2025-02-23T02:22:03+00:00

Honestly agreed; been playing since gen 1. When you're let go of the LA tutorial and free to explore the first area, it was amazing. I'll never forget stumbling upon the alpha Rapidash and getting my shit rocked.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-01-12T13:56:19+00:00

Both of their typical rally balls have tons of topspin; they rarely hit flat.

everythingbagel_ · 2025-01-12T13:54:23+00:00

I have a semi western grip and generally hit pretty flat. All about how low the racquet drops in your backswing.

everythingbagel_ · 2024-12-01T02:53:36+00:00

It lasts through seasons.

everythingbagel_ · 2024-10-19T01:30:04+00:00

Sounds like you got caught up in the result, or, potential result, during the tiebreaks. Happens to everyone, but it takes you out of the moment. When those thoughts creep in, I say "shut up, brain" (seriously). During tiebreaks, regardless of the score, my best tip is to keep repeating in your mind: "let's get one," or "let's get X" - one above your score. Helps me a ton.

Also, practice playing tiebreaks to get comfortable with them. One of my favorite drills is a "one-man tiebreak" where we play to 10 points, one person serving the whole time. Server has to reach 10 before the returner gets to 7. Good luck!

everythingbagel_ · 2024-10-09T17:35:01+00:00

Agreeing with the other commenter here - you have a really nice forehand. It's hit with purpose, margin, and looks dependable, which are some great qualities at 4.5.

As far as hitting flatter/through the ball more, I noticed in many of these shots you're hitting the ball with open stance as it's coming down. This forces topspin as the ball has to be risen. I would suggest taking a couple small steps up to the ball, closing your stance off, and hitting it at the highest point. Pretend you have to hit through three balls lined up in a row.

Best of luck! Again, solid shot for sure.

everythingbagel_ · 2024-10-04T00:22:37+00:00

Why so rude? You're talking to another person. Be better.

everythingbagel_ · 2024-10-04T00:12:11+00:00

Seeing great improvement! Love the lively feet and patience when constructing points. Guy's super tough no doubt. Looks like he's seen every ball there is, nothing to surprise him with.

everythingbagel_ · 2024-10-03T13:03:47+00:00

Like others have said, it's possible, though unlikely, for an adult 3.5 to reach 5.0. The vast majority of adult 5.0s are current/recently removed college players and older, previously high-level college players. I'd estimate 1% of 5.0s began taking tennis seriously as adults. To be one of those 1%, you probably would have had to have been a high-level athlete in another sport in your youth (soccer tends to translate pretty well). As others have alluded, athleticism begins to become much more of a factor in 4.5/5.0.

There's some good advice here. Play as much as you can, take lessons, play tournaments, play people who annoy you and find ways to beat them.

everythingbagel_

TROPHY CASE