Wilson

Steam 100 BLX review

A discontinued power-spin icon. Easy depth and a heavy, jumping ball.

Racquet product shot
Recommended
Head 100 100S BLX: 100
Weight 300g 100S BLX: 295g
Pattern 16×19 100S BLX: 18×16
Stiffness 67 RA 100S BLX: 65 RA
Swingwt 318 100S BLX: 303
Balance HL 100S BLX: HL
Full specsSteam 100 BLX · Steam 100S BLX
Steam 100 BLXSteam 100S BLX
Head size100 sq in100 sq in
Weight (unstrung)300 g295 g
Weight (strung)325 g320 g
Swingweight318303
Stiffness67 RA65 RA
String pattern16×1918×16
BalanceHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Easy power and heavy spin for an aggressive baseline game.

    Performance

    Steam 100 BLX Steam 100S BLX

    Playtest

    Easy depth, heavy spin.
    Full notes

    The 100 sq in head and firm platform launch the ball with easy pace, and the open bed gives plenty of spin. Commit to topspin to keep it in.

    + Pros

    • Easy power, heavy ball
    • Plenty of spin
    • Forgiving 100 sq in sweet spot
    • Free, potent serve

    − Cons

    • Stiff: firm if strung hard
    • Lively rather than soft feel
    • Discontinued
    • Easy power can launch long

    String for

    52–56 lbs 23.6–25.4 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Luxilon ALU Power

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Luxilon ALU Power Precision poly Firm control for a stiff power frame.
      52–56 lbs 23.6–25.4 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Babolat RPM Blast Spin poly Power plus heavy topspin.
      51–55 lbs 23.1–25 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Tecnifibre Black Code Soft poly The most comfortable setup for this frame.
      50–54 lbs 22.7–24.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Mirra AndreevaDefensive Baseline
      WTA #5 · Luxilon Alu Power
    • Amanda AnisimovaAggressive Baseline
      WTA #11 · Luxilon Alu Power · 23.6 kg
    • Diane ParryAll-Court
      WTA #31 · 24 kgOne of very few pros still using a frame more than a decade out of production.

    Also on tour Jelena Ostapenko

    Verdict: 8.2

    A discontinued power-spin icon: a stiff, lively 100 sq in frame with easy depth and heavy spin that still has a loyal following. Modern equivalent: Ultra 100. Softer: Clash 100.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Wilson Steam 100 BLX good for beginners?

    It is forgiving and powerful, but stiff, so string it softly. It is also hard to obtain.

    Who is the Wilson Steam 100 BLX best for?

    Aggressive baseliners who want easy power and heavy spin, especially those who already love the BLX Steam feel.

    Is the Wilson Steam 100 BLX arm-friendly?

    It can be firm on sensitive arms. Use a soft poly at a lower tension or a poly/multi hybrid.

    What string and tension is best for the Wilson Steam 100 BLX?

    A soft co-poly in the low 50s lbs. Tighter for control, shaped for spin.

    Is the Wilson Steam 100 BLX a power or control racquet?

    Power and spin, rather than pinpoint control.

    Is the Wilson Steam 100 still available?

    No, it is discontinued and only found used. The Ultra 100 is the closest current Wilson.