dr325i
G.O.A.T.
That may be one of the reasons, however, it is different from my usual stick...
Wilson Ultra Tour (Monfils)
- Thread starter mpournaras
- Start date
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Yeah, just wondering, for I notice the same when I switch sticks to different grip sizes and/or handle shapes. I still hit better backhands with head type grips for instance, something about that rectangular shape is awesome for 2h backhands I find.
Totally agree with you here! These sticks are sooo different, the only thing they have in common is the fact that you can play tennis with both. I have got both sticks. Yes the Phantom is by far the most comfortable stick out there (much much more comfortable than all the Angells for example). I kept the Phantom just for fun, I can't win matches with it. I like shotmaking, not just putting the ball back into the court. But if I ever experience Arm problems, the Phantom would be my go-to!
Imago
Hall of Fame
Is it much more comfortable than 03 White? Or the former racket of Jelena Jankovic?
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Have you ever played with microgel radical? I feel that ultra tour feels a lot like microgel radical with lead (they both need lead). It's a nice racquet but hits a flatter shot while phantom hits like rf97 in terms of trajectory but with infinite comfort even at lower weight. So phantom is great stock it's perfectly tuned from the factory and does not need mods unless of course you prefer to play with added weight in contrast to ultra tour and radical that need lead just to be playable. This is of course with my ultra tour sample of one lol so with Wilson you might have one that has 330sw for all I know and it's perfect stock.
So for my money If you want ultimate comfort and rf97 kind of higher trajectory go with phantom. If you want flatter shots go with ultra tour (or 3 microgel radicals for the same money lol)
moon shot
Hall of Fame
I find the Microgel Radical currently for sale to have a bit more resonant harshness than the Ultra Tour, though not enough to say it is uncomfortable.
The Ultra Tour is smooth and neutral, to steal another's description of fior di latte gelato it is like vanilla without the vanilla. It was the lightest racquet I've swung that cooperated with my normal strokes and didn't feel like it was working against me.
It sounds like I shouldn't try the phantom if I want to keep my perception intact.
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dgoran
Hall of Fame
Those variations are probably within wonderful qc standard these days. You might have 60ra ut and 63 radical I might have 63 for both
Mirdad
Semi-Pro
I've never hit with a microgel radical, but sure would like to give it a try. It sounds like the Phantom will be my go to racquet when playing with lesser quality of players and/or my shoulder is acting up. I'd probably just stick with the ultra tour since it needs less customization however, like you said you can get 3 microgels for the price of one ultra. It appears the perfect racquet would be to have the a 16x19 ultra tour. Darn, it appears I might have to pony up on the ultra and also keep the phantom on order. Now do I order pairs of each? This is getting expensive, the 3 microgels are calling my name...LOL
. I"ll be hitting with the ultra tomorrow and will add even more weight to see if I still need to pull the trigger on that one too.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
True, mine was 3.5g underweight from the TWE average, balanced properly, and 6 units high on swingweight. If mine is 324sw no doubt there is a 330 out there.
Honestly my arm is probably has a greater tolerance than Wilson's QC, I regularly play 6.1 Classics and 25th Anni. I'm not exactly a paragon of discernment but I do think the foam fill mutes the frame contribution to vibration felt.
Mirdad
Semi-Pro
It's my understanding that the TW has a service where they will try to pick out the heavier or lighter static weight as well as different h/l balance. I wonder if they will do the same if one asks for a lower RA?
Do you happen to know? If I order the ultra I will ask them to try to find a more flexible one.
Panquake
Rookie
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
I think Head's 2x4 feeling grip shape is good for full western and eastern grips because it's really easy to find and the 4 in the 2x4 shape is wider and offers more grip to leverage.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
They will I think it's $10
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
I have to call and ask, but I wonder if they'll check the RA for a bunch of frames for me if I paid the $10, but do not commit to buy the Ultra Tour unless they can find one that's 61RA or lower? I don't want to buy an Ultra Tour with no promises that they can find one that's that flexible and will wait until more stock comes to check again. I don't mind paying $10 for the service, but I doubt they'd do that for me without knowing I'm going to buy a racquet from them regardless of what they find.
YellowFedBetter
Hall of Fame
For the third time I will ask: @dr325i or anyone else how does this racquet play compared to Djokovic's racquet? And what frame one the regular market plays most like his?
And how does the UT play compared to the new PS 18x20? I know the Babolat is much different but I'm still curious. Is the sweet spot on it much bigger and is it more forgiving? And how is it in general?
Kudos to the previous posts giving the PA VS it's due credit btw. It is one awesome racquet that people are overlooking hugely. I guess most people either aren't smart enough or have too much of a vendetta against Babolat to give it a try. Oh well, their loss.
And how does the UT play compared to the new PS 18x20? I know the Babolat is much different but I'm still curious. Is the sweet spot on it much bigger and is it more forgiving? And how is it in general?
Kudos to the previous posts giving the PA VS it's due credit btw. It is one awesome racquet that people are overlooking hugely. I guess most people either aren't smart enough or have too much of a vendetta against Babolat to give it a try. Oh well, their loss.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
I loaned dr325i the Ultra Tour for the week, I think he is waiting until the end of the week to review and compare it.
Anton
Legend
I really do not think MG Rad compares to UT, it has softer loop and is subpar in terms of stability-per-weight to UT.
LM Radical is a lot more like UT in the way it plays, but doesn't feel as smooth even with some handle filler.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I've wondered how different the Rad MG MP and UT would really be! Have you hit both??
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Actually I'm not interested in relative comfort as much as power. I'm sure both racquets are quite comfortable enough for the vast majority of players. Phantom users seem to be reporting a lack of power, particularly on flat serves; curious - as some have noted a lack of power generally - if the UT has the same affliction in stock form. Re your comment that: 'Those two have nothing in similar' [sic.] they are both low powered platform racquets aimed at 'advanced' players, and, as we see with posters such as Mirdad and dgoran above, they are close enough for both to appeal to some individuals as options to have in their bag, and to compare and contrast.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
So, which is it: are you misguided and/or profligate enough to buy two racquets that '...have nothing in similar' [sic.] to such an extent that they can't possibly have both been good purchases with regard to your game; or are the racquets actually shall we say, 'in the same ballpark'?
Oh, I'm sorry, I failed to realise that you're such a remarkable visionary that you - presumably - purchased a racquet for an 'Arm' [sic.] ailment that you are not afflicted with at present, but that you may be afflicted with in future. Wish I had that kind of spending money...
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zalive
Hall of Fame
Yes, you're right about them both being platforms and low powered, you can make a comparison there.
As long as layup makes sense, power is just a matter of customizing/specs. I think an 16x18 100'' 100% graphite racquet should have zero issues with power when customized to appropriate specs. Why worry?
dgoran
Hall of Fame
If you set them both to play the same they will be close enough...Stock to stock ut is more complete (less lead needed to get to where I like it)
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I have been using the MG Rad MP first issue since they were introduced. It's been my only frame for about 8years until I switched (briefly) to GPP and to Angell for the last two years. I still play with my MG Rad from time to time but only for fun, if I play to win, it's the TC97 18m only.
Now, my MG Rad have a lot of weight added to them. Pretty much two layers of lead from 9 to 3 with a triple layer (another 1-2g) at 12. The MG Rad feels softer and it should. It starts its life about 5ra points under the UT and after 8years have had many string jobs and RA might be another 2pt (or more) lower.
This being said, I think the UT stock is much more stable unleaded than the MG Rad with lots of lead. I really don't know how Wilson does this as the twist weight numbers are not that high stock. So it must be something in the layup. Whatever it is, it works. Volleying is really good with that frame, dare I say comparable to my much heavier 6.1classic but without the heft. And for that reason, it is now officially my doubles frame.
Power, that is the thing most people look for in a frame. Until you hit hard enough that power screws up your game because you can't control your shots no more. If anyone looks at the UT as a way to make more powerful shots, it probably won't. It depends what frame you compare it to. It is less powerful than my TC97 18M 27,5", it is a bit lower (stock) compared to my MG Rad leaded. However, it is a platform frame and I added lead from top of one of the light blue paint to the other and also added a leather grip. It is now pretty much how I'll play with it. I am at about 344g and 344sw and it plays really well. I have all the power I need. As it sits, I have more power than with the MG Rad and a bit less than my TC97. If Wilson offered a 27,5" UT it might have the power level of my TC97. I could always add more power down the line, but for now I don't feel the need.
Control, the UT as it sits is really really good. Better than my TC97 to my surprise. Not miles better, but noticeable. When I first play with the TC97 18M I thought nothing else could ever be as precise. But the UT is. I think it might be the lower power that gives me that slight edge in control or maybe because it is 27" instead of 27,5" I'm not sure. The MG Rad is in the same ball park, great control. But if we play "hit the ball can on the other side of the court", I'd get the UT.
Spin, TC97 wins that one and the MG Rad is last. UT is good but TC97 is better. The lead that I added to the tip and grip polarized the UT quite a bit and spin is good for me. If someone needs help with spin, he/she probably isn't looking at a tight pattern <100sq.in frame anyway. The launch angle is very low which I like. If I want to really shape loopy balls, this is not a problem at all. Keep in mind though that I have 18g cyclone in for now, so this surely helps a bit.
All in all, I see the UT as a better frame than the MG Rad, mainly because the frame needs less lead to work so you can use it where you really want it. I have a ton of lead on my Rad and it is not as stable or powerful or spin friendly. The UT will easily find it's way in the hands of more advanced players looking for feel and control. It is in pretty much a class of its own. Though I still think the TC97 is a bit better, Joe Schmoe has no idea Angell even exists so Wilson pretty much has this whole niche to itself.
Is it 3 times better than the Mg Rad? No. If budget is an issue, get 3 Mg Rad instead of 1 UT. If money is no issue, get the UT or a TC97 18m, actually, the TC97 custom is probably less expensive depending on exchange rates...
Anton
Legend
Yes, and it's not that mysterious, UT is a stiffer frame (63 vs 58), specifically in the loop.
LM Radical is 64 and has about same stability with similar loop stiffness as UT.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
For me both Lm and ti radical (while better than mg overall ) feel more metallic and stiff than mg and UT.
Also just to be clear I am talking about feel not how they play.
torre_dresen
Rookie
Me aswell, I bought an Ultra based on the hyper around it and the excellent reviews (including comfort). Given my background, this racket was hard to adjust too (I'm a Pure Drive-user,30yo, probably 5.0 and above , from Europe so this crazy ranking system I'm not following).
Let me try to be as much objective as possible.
First played with it without adjustments. At the point where you don't customize the racket, it's quite a grey mouse. It does have the feeling and comfort, but VERY (and I mean VERY) low on power, combined with a quite small sweetspot (my legs are not moving as they should anymore) , this racket was never going to my new weapon of choice. I found I lacking stability on the net and swing on my serve. On the other hand, i could hit my serves where ever I wanted. Without custimizing a solid 7.
After some hours decided to add 4gr of lead above the grip and 2gr in the hoop at 12 + leather grip. The racket changed about 180°. I found an increase in power, spin and even stability, without losing the precision
Again, since I'm playing less , moving less, I was still unhappy on the size of sweetspot. (Should I be moving more intense and better, I would probably by 5 more. I just became a lazy tennis-player). Still, when hitting it like you should, this racket with customisation is a solid 8.5 .
Again, trying to mod it even further, I added about 4gr on 3 en 9 , and power dropped again, no real increase in stability/nor sweetspot, not my thing.
To conclude, 5 years ago I would have bought this beauty. For now, it will stay in my back-up bag until the day I lose weight and start playing and moving a bit more/better/...
And I just bought Strikes 16*19 :'-)
Let me try to be as much objective as possible.
First played with it without adjustments. At the point where you don't customize the racket, it's quite a grey mouse. It does have the feeling and comfort, but VERY (and I mean VERY) low on power, combined with a quite small sweetspot (my legs are not moving as they should anymore) , this racket was never going to my new weapon of choice. I found I lacking stability on the net and swing on my serve. On the other hand, i could hit my serves where ever I wanted. Without custimizing a solid 7.
After some hours decided to add 4gr of lead above the grip and 2gr in the hoop at 12 + leather grip. The racket changed about 180°. I found an increase in power, spin and even stability, without losing the precision
Again, since I'm playing less , moving less, I was still unhappy on the size of sweetspot. (Should I be moving more intense and better, I would probably by 5 more. I just became a lazy tennis-player). Still, when hitting it like you should, this racket with customisation is a solid 8.5 .
Again, trying to mod it even further, I added about 4gr on 3 en 9 , and power dropped again, no real increase in stability/nor sweetspot, not my thing.
To conclude, 5 years ago I would have bought this beauty. For now, it will stay in my back-up bag until the day I lose weight and start playing and moving a bit more/better/...
And I just bought Strikes 16*19 :'-)
pfrischmann
Professional
I'd love to see this stick in a tight 16X19.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Did you try new pure drive?Me aswell, I bought an Ultra based on the hyper around it and the excellent reviews (including comfort). Given my background, this racket was hard to adjust too (I'm a Pure Drive-user,30yo, probably 5.0 and above , from Europe so this crazy ranking system I'm not following).
Let me try to be as much objective as possible.
First played with it without adjustments. At the point where you don't customize the racket, it's quite a grey mouse. It does have the feeling and comfort, but VERY (and I mean VERY) low on power, combined with a quite small sweetspot (my legs are not moving as they should anymore) , this racket was never going to my new weapon of choice. I found I lacking stability on the net and swing on my serve. On the other hand, i could hit my serves where ever I wanted. Without custimizing a solid 7.
After some hours decided to add 4gr of lead above the grip and 2gr in the hoop at 12 + leather grip. The racket changed about 180°. I found an increase in power, spin and even stability, without losing the precision
Again, since I'm playing less , moving less, I was still unhappy on the size of sweetspot. (Should I be moving more intense and better, I would probably by 5 more. I just became a lazy tennis-player). Still, when hitting it like you should, this racket with customisation is a solid 8.5 .
Again, trying to mod it even further, I added about 4gr on 3 en 9 , and power dropped again, no real increase in stability/nor sweetspot, not my thing.
To conclude, 5 years ago I would have bought this beauty. For now, it will stay in my back-up bag until the day I lose weight and start playing and moving a bit more/better/...
And I just bought Strikes 16*19 :'-)
Anton
Legend
My 12.5oz LM Radicals with filled handle and natural gut mains feel pretty damn nice. Not metalic at all...though still not as silky smooth as UT.
naturallight
Semi-Pro
I demo’d a UT recently. Unfortunately it was strung with Sensation, not a poly, so it’s a little hard to tell on the precise differences. But it did feel like an old-school racquet—comfortable on off-center hits, good stick to rally with, nice control from the 18x20, solid on volleys, but also difficult to hit aggressive baseline shots with and tough to really kick the 2nd serves. Props to Wilson for making something different (and arm friendly). I’m not going to go with it because I think I’d win fewer matches.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Lm series was my favorite... back in a day I beefed it up to Lm radical tour specs with silicone and lead at 3 9 and 12 and probably played my best tennis beside pt630 that I also used at that time.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Me like new Pure Drive too! Much improved in all ways from the previous model!
zalive
Hall of Fame
i.Radical is helluva frame when it comes to stability, playability, control, even power.
Not when it comes to the comfort, though.
That's strange for Ti.Rad...I have two and I consider them very comfy...even comfier than i.Prestige, for example.
zalive
Hall of Fame
Perhaps it's alot about the age. When 20 no worries about anything except playing, however age and experience opens up different perspectives.
And I completely agree with you and @dgoran , changing racquet, customizing, it's about fun and about exploring the world of racquets and possibilities that they bring, without necessary expecting it will make you a better player, even with accepting it may compromise your results. But I think in the end it does pay off and eventually understanding the role and influence of a racquet can help you become a better player. I really believe in this being the truth.
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I spent a week with the Ultra Tour. It's a solid feeling, no frills frame. I tried it stock and with 6gr weight at 3 and 9. I preferred it with the added weight but it performed great for me stock. I think players that prefer this style of racquet are likely playing something a little heavier and will want to add some weight. There's no real surprises with this one. It pretty much performs as expected based on the spec. Pin point on serves and ground strokes, great on backhand slice, nice touch and feel and agile at net. As expected again, no free ride on power. Spin requires work, typical of most 18x20's but it's there is you have the strokes. This is a real nice option for a player that plays a transition game relying on well place ground strokes to get to the net to end the point. If you rely on pace and spin to do your damage, your going to need a polished game with power in reserve. If you serve and volley, you better have a live arm or a reasonably high level ability to place the ball on serve. This racquet is like a paint brush and a Pure Drive/Aero is like a paint sprayer in comparison. While the Ultra Tour is really satisfying to hit, I need more of a cannon for my baseline game. My game is more commercial painter than artist so I lean towards an Aeropro or 16x19 Blade.
I was impressed with the UT for what it is. It's just not for my game. On a related note, I think anyone that likes the Ultra Tour should also try the Yonex Duel G 310. For a control racquet with great feel, nice flex and room to customize, it's highly underrated and would be my choice of the two.
I was impressed with the UT for what it is. It's just not for my game. On a related note, I think anyone that likes the Ultra Tour should also try the Yonex Duel G 310. For a control racquet with great feel, nice flex and room to customize, it's highly underrated and would be my choice of the two.
torre_dresen
Rookie
torre_dresen
Rookie
Dgoran, I haven't. But i'll probably will
I have an absolute love/hate relationship with a Pure Drive. I've been playing with it for in/out 15 years now. It is the racket of choice for my game. A lot of spin and power, with enough control to play big shots. (control that the PA is lacking). However, when in tournament-season, I could only go on playing 3 weeks in a row before resting 1-2 weeks with a messed up elbow. I tried lowering tension, multi's and naturals. Nothing works.
That is why I'm keeping my hopes on PS 16*19 ; probably with multi's.
On-topic : because of the buttrery feel, I also needed to adjust in my arm, resulting in awkward stiffness in my elbow (after 3rd session was gone)
Zoolander
Hall of Fame
Luv the TK82 shape with a grip and 2 o/g's, rounds off the rectangular shape just a tad and feels just right.
Most other handle shapes get too round with 2 o/g's on.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Try phantom if you can it's ease of use that Babolat has with feel and thin beam of old school racquet.Dgoran, I haven't. But i'll probably will
I have an absolute love/hate relationship with a Pure Drive. I've been playing with it for in/out 15 years now. It is the racket of choice for my game. A lot of spin and power, with enough control to play big shots. (control that the PA is lacking). However, when in tournament-season, I could only go on playing 3 weeks in a row before resting 1-2 weeks with a messed up elbow. I tried lowering tension, multi's and naturals. Nothing works.
That is why I'm keeping my hopes on PS 16*19 ; probably with multi's.
On-topic : because of the buttrery feel, I also needed to adjust in my arm, resulting in awkward stiffness in my elbow (after 3rd session was gone)
torre_dresen
Rookie
So I've read, but power in same ordre as the Ultra... That scares me a bit.
Have you tried the Phantom?
YellowFedBetter
Hall of Fame
YellowFedBetter
Hall of Fame
That's the one that's 98% similar I assume? And how can I get it in the US?
mnttlrg
Professional
I got out on the court with the Ultra Tour again, this time doing shotgun groundstroke points only with a strong counter-puncher.
I did start to get a little frustrated with how hard I was working to pressure him, not really getting as much through him as I'd like.
It really is a demanding racket, but I think if I were serving to set up my attacks, I wouldn't have felt quite so frustrated.
Just remember, you buy this thing to be a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I did start to get a little frustrated with how hard I was working to pressure him, not really getting as much through him as I'd like.
It really is a demanding racket, but I think if I were serving to set up my attacks, I wouldn't have felt quite so frustrated.
Just remember, you buy this thing to be a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
YellowFedBetter
Hall of Fame
Isn't his racquet much more flexible than 69 RA or am I mistaken?
moon shot
Hall of Fame
TWE will ship it to the states unless something has changed.
I've never seen a RA measurement of his frame but the classic and hyper were more stiff. Either he is playing one of those or a flexier prostock or a ncode.
Automatix
Legend
If you do a search in the appropriate part of the forum you will find that it was concluded that this is the racquet, or rather this is an anniversary edition of the racquet Del Potro has used in the past under various paintjobs (same mold, same graphite-kevlar layup, different paintjob).
Well it was available in the USA between 2015-2016 sooooo... I'm sorry that you're a bit late to purchase it from TW USA but I think you can order from TW Europe. If not, you can ask TW to move the amount you're interested from their European facility to their USA warehouse so you can purchase it... or so I think.
That is a bit contradictory... how can you know his frame at the beginning of use was flexier since you haven't seen a measurement of its flex?
Also keep in mind that due to certain factors he was forced to use old beat up frames which of course would have a lower flex but only due to wear & tear.
AFAIK the conclusion was that PSC6.1 was his frame.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
He received new frames with the new paint, but said he honestly didn't know what they were underneath.
I didn't mean to imply he was using this or that, just that the options at the start of his career were stiffer unless they were prostock.
