We had to wait a long time, but the Wilson Burn FST racket line is finally here! This new racket line from Wilson offers the best combination of speed and control. The Wilson Burn FST 99S that we are reviewing today also offers extra (controlled) ) spinning potential due to the 18/17 stringing pattern.
Brand: Wilson
Model: Burn FST 99S
Blade size: 99 sq/inch
Weight: 299 gr
Balance: 30.5 cm
Stringing pattern: 18/17
Length: 27 inches
RA: 72
The Wilson Burn FST line is made for the Baseliner. The addition FST stands for Fast Speed Technology. A new 8-sided frame construction with less air resistance for faster swings should ensure this. High performance carbon fiber ensures stiffer shafts and therefore more power. With the X2 Ergo handle the shape of the handle can be adjusted. This is ideal for the modern player with a double-handed backhand. The figurehead for this line is, provided he has recovered from his wrist injury, the Argentinian hard hitter Juan Martin del Potro.
Is the Burn FST series an addition to the current/regular Burn line?
No, that's not the Wilson Burn FST line! The Wilson Burn FST line clearly has a different build and feel, which makes you wonder why Wilson has attached the name Burn to these 'Fast Speed Technology' frames. Yes, there is power in the Burn FST series just like in the regular Burn line, but it is much more controllable. The series is more control oriented, made for players who generate enough ball speed themselves with a big swing, offers a bit more flex and is a bit more forgiving.
How does this Wilson Burn FST 99S play?
The Wilson Burn FST 99S is a very agile, fast racket due to the octagonal aerodynamic frame construction in combination with a very low 30.5 balance point. The racket has the addition S which stands for the Wilson Spin Effect Technology. Due to a slightly more open stringing pattern, the ball can easily be 'grabbed' in the strings for extra ball rotation and therefore spin and slice. Just like in the Pro Staff 97S, this is a more compact, control-oriented stringing pattern, not as open as the 16/15 stringing pattern of, for example, the Juice 100S , which gives more power and trampoline effect.
The Wilson Burn FST 99S is a racket with more ball feel than the name (Burn) would suggest. The frame is a bit more low-powered, so you will have to put the speed into the ball yourself. If you have the right technique and swing for this, the Burn FST 99S offers a lot of precision and control, but also good spin and power. In short: this racket is excellently balanced!