Simona Halep is a former world number 1 and two time grand slam title winner on the WTA Tour, but what tennis racket does she play with in 2023?
What Racket Does Simona Halep play with in 2023?
Simona Halep currently endorses the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 but actually plays with the Wilson Steam 99, which is painted to look like the latest version of the Blade 98.
Unfortunately, this is common practice in the tennis racket industry as pro players don’t like to change their rackets once they have found one that works for their game.
However, tennis racket manufacturers like to release a new model every one-two years, so they paint the rackets used by the pros to look like the latest version of the racket they are selling to recreational players.
You can’t buy a Wilson Steam 99 in your local pro shop or online tennis store as the product line has been discontinued by Wilson.
However, you may be able to find a second-hand Steam 99 on eBay or on sites like Pro Stock Tennis.
The Blade 98 is much easier to obtain as you pick one up at most good tennis shops or online through sites like Amazon.
Wilson Blade 98 16×19 VS Wilson Steam 99
Below are the specs for the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 and the Wilson Steam 99 so that you can see how they compare to each other.
| Name: | Blade 98 | Steam 99 |
|---|---|---|
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 | 16 x 18 |
| Racket: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98 Inches | 99 Inches |
| Length: | 27 Inches | 27 Inches |
| Strung Weight: | 320 Grams | 320 Grams |
| Swingweight: | 317 Grams | 328 Grams |
| Stiffness: | 61 RA | 70 RA |
| Balance: | 7 pts HL | 3 pts HL |
| Beam Width: | 21.0 mm | 22.5mm / 24mm / 23.5mm |
| Power Level: | Low | Low-Medium |
Both rackets have the exact same strung weight but the Steam 99 has a slightly higher swing weight.
The Steam 99 also has a slightly bigger head size and has a 16 x 18 string pattern rather than the standard 16 x 19 string pattern used in the Blade 98.
The Blade 98 is more head light than the Steam 99 and this combined with its lower swing weight will mean the Blade 98 is the more maneuverable of the two rackets.
The Blade 98 also has a much lower stiffness rating when compared with the Steam 99 so it will also be the more arm friendly of the two rackets.
Should you buy the Racket Endorsed by Halep or Used by Halep?
If you look at the racket specs for both rackets above, they aren’t worlds apart so I think intermediate to advanced players would be happy playing with either of these two rackets.
However, in my opinion, the Blade 98 is a better choice for most recreational players as it more arm friendly and has better control when compared with the Steam 99.
Having played with the Steam 99 in the past myself, I felt like although I got good power on my shots, but it was lacking in terms of control.
I also found it very hard on my arm so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone suffering from tennis elbow or arm issues.
If you want to buy the Blade 98 then you can get it on Amazon by clicking the button below.
By doing so, we will earn a small commission that goes towards the costs of running this site, at no extra cost to you.
What Tennis Strings does Simona Halep Use?
Simona Halep uses Luxilon Alu Power Big Banger 1.25 tennis strings to string her rackets.
Luxilon Alu Power is one of the most popular strings on tour as it offers good control, power, and spin while still providing a surprisingly good feel and comfort for a poly string.
Does Simona Halep play with a Vibration Dampener?
Yes, like many other pros, Simona Halep plays with a vibration dampener on her racket, with the vibration dampener she uses is in the shape of a heart.