If you like to hit with a lot of spin and power, then it may be worth checking out a new racket by Wilson. The Wilson Burn 100S has been gaining popularity in players recently, and for good reason.
Let’s check out this racket.
Table of Contents
Specs
Here are our specs for the Wilson Burn 100S.
Head Size: 100 square Inches
Length: 27 inches
Unstrung Weight: 300 grams
Balance: 4 points headlight
Swingweight: 327
String Pattern: 16 Mains/18 Crosses
General Background
This racket can be a hidden gem for some players. While it is noticeable for being the orange line of the Wilson rackets, it is not always the racket of choice among some of the pros. Now don’t let that deter you, this high-quality carbon fiber racket has some serious qualities to offer.
The first thing that any player will notice is that while the specs match some of the basic characteristics of a racket, it offers a different string pattern at 16×18 rather than 16×19. This in itself is interesting because the slighter different frame is going to provide more of a bounce and a stronger rebound in your shot. Meaning this racket will have some serious effortless power.
The reason that this is so important is that the frame itself is quite stiff. So these two really counter each other, offering maximum stability of a racket while also having the flex you need to create feel. This could be a deadly combo for some.
Baselining
This racket is unbelievably stiff compared to some of its friends on the market. While some may see this as a downside, you can actually embrace it because it provides amazing power for aggressive baseliners to finish off the point quickly. There is no real lack of control because the string bed provides the opportunity for the ball to be absorbed.
Wilson’s big claim to fame is their countervail technology. Countervail will be tailored within a specific racket to balance the stiffness, literal weight balance, among other things that would contribute to someone’s power and control. It seems when it comes to hitting hard, consistent groundstrokes, Wilson found the perfect balance with The Burn.
What’s great here is that you can be someone who likes to drive a flat ball or a player who insists on playing with spin. In the best cases, you will change based on who you are playing. This racket, because of the string bed, allows you to do both.
Net Game
This racket isn’t the worst in the market for the net game, but it definitely is not the best either. Usually, when a racket dominates so well from the baseline, it can be hard to have a solid follow-up to the net. While this racket does fine from volleys that are quick and off the sweet spot, you may struggle with touch or lunging for a return down the line.
- WILSON BURN 100S v4 TENNIS RACKET - A baseliners dream racquet for those looking for added spin and plow through.
This racket, in theory then, would not be good for those who either rely on coming in often or are big serve and volleys. It would require an extra level of skill in your hands to be able to master the volleys and volley placement.
Serving
While the racket will certainly perform better off the serve than the volleys, the groundstrokes still take the win. While you have access to pop, the stiffness may offer a lack of feel that comes easier from the baseline than it would off the serve. The great news is because of the ability to hit flat or spin, the same can be said for the serve. Kicks are no issue, as well as bigger bombs down the T.
Oddly while there is a lot of stability for the groundstrokes, the lack of the serve can be troubling for players who rely on their serves to win points. And because you have to serve 50 percent of the match, this can be a really big deal to a lot of people.
Where this racket will do fine is if you have an unbelievable feel for the serve and know how to manage your own refinements while being able to put some pace on the ball.
Final Thoughts
That last point may have seemed like a bummer. Some people may not recognize that it may not be the best for match play, they may find it unbelievably comfortable and fun to hit with from a practice standpoint.
Players who rely on the forehands and backhands all day long will really love this racket because it gets the job done from the back. This is because of its amazing specs and balance with its countervail technology and the frame bed. It’s almost like it’s the perfect racket with just a few missing pieces when it comes to volleys and serve. However, if you score great in that area already, this racket may just be the perfect fit.
- WILSON BURN 100S v4 TENNIS RACQUET - A baseliners dream racquet for those looking for added spin and plow through.
- SPIN EFFECT TECHNOLOGY: Using fewer cross strings than main strings, this technology allows the main strings to deflect more for maximum snapback. The result is massive spin punctuated by balls that dive very sharply. This is the first racquet system that increases ball RPM without players needing to radically change their swing speed.
- COMPOSITION - Made with Carbon Fiber Graphite, the Burn 100 will feel smooth and powerful with every groundstroke and net shot.
- TENNIS RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS - Head Size: 100 in²/645.16 cm²; Length: 27 in/68.5cm; Strung Weight: 11.2oz/318g; Balance: 13.1in/33.27cm/3 pts HL; Swingweight: 326; Stiffness: 72; Beam Width: 23.5mm; Composition: Graphite/Countervail; Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance; String Pattern: 18 Mains/16 Crosses; String Tension: 50-60 pounds.
The Burn, for this reason, may not be seen at the highest levels but can still be a great option for beginner to intermediate players who will be predominantly playing from the back in the first place.
