Wilson Pro Labs: Ultra Pro (16x19) Official Thread

JGads

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Pneumated1 said:
Thanks for sharing! He says the UP 16x19 is ~ 61RA. I can feel that;) Surprised he said he wasn't getting any pop on serve. That wasn't my experience, but his was stock, and mine has 2g at 12 and 6g from 2/10-5/7.

I think this is the guy I watched doing a video for the Gravity MP (have demos of it, Iga 310, and V1 Pro coming for my son), and I remember thinking this isn't the frame for me if the ball launches like that off the strings, haha. It's just him; my ball wasn't landing like butterflies the other night when I hit the UP 16x19, but as you mention, he tightened the screws during point play, and you can see the versatility of the racquet.
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Yeah, intrigued by that versatility. Can't remember if it was you or someone else recently talking about a tight angled backhand that left him in awe, a shot he'd have never been able to pull off before. Angles are just easier to carve with open patterns, and I suspect this one can put all kinds of crazy mustard on spin serves wide, kickers, etc, with that open pattern and the softness that holds onto the ball a touch longer. Very eager to read your thoughts on this and the Iga side by side. My holicing is on pause because of a stupid back strain/spasm I have to give at least a few more days to cool down. So post any and all thoughts so I can live vicariously.
 
P

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
JGads said:
Yeah, intrigued by that versatility. Can't remember if it was you or someone else recently talking about a tight angled backhand that left him in awe, a shot he'd have never been able to pull off before. Angles are just easier to carve with open patterns, and I suspect this one can put all kinds of crazy mustard on spin serves wide, kickers, etc, with that open pattern and the softness that holds onto the ball a touch longer. Very eager to read your thoughts on this and the Iga side by side. My holicing is on pause because of a stupid back strain/spasm I have to give at least a few more days to cool down. So post any and all thoughts so I can live vicariously.
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Yeah, that was me, but I've always been able to hit that shot with 16 mains, just not as well with 18, coupled with an extra cross.

My second outing with the UP got rained out but hoping to get back out in a few days. The ball just sticks to the strings on this frame. It's delightful. It just has all the right ingredients. Murray sidekick slices and all. Swiss army knife for sure.

The demos are more for my son than me, but if he twists my arm or needs a second opinion, I'll hit them ... for the cause, you know? Jokes aside, I have to find a frame this kid can hit through high school.

If I could ever consider myself a holic, I'm not sure, but whatever I've been doing for months needs to come to an end. But if you need a vicarious fix, we'll ride it off the cliff together

Hope the back pain lessens
 
JGads

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Pneumated1 said:
Yeah, that was me, but I've always been able to hit that shot with 16 mains, just not as well with 18, coupled with an extra cross.

My second outing with the UP got rained out but hoping to get back out in a few days. The ball just sticks to the strings on this frame. It's delightful. It just has all the right ingredients. Murray sidekick slices and all. Swiss army knife for sure.

The demos are more for my son than me, but if he twists my arm or needs a second opinion, I'll hit them ... for the cause, you know? Jokes aside, I have to find a frame this kid can hit through high school.

If I could ever consider myself a holic, I'm not sure, but whatever I've been doing for months needs to come to an end. But if you need a vicarious fix, we'll ride it off the cliff together

Hope the back pain lessens
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Surely you will be trying Iga...
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
JGads said:
Surely you will be trying Iga...
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Absolutely! And the Gravity MP and V1 Pro. He hit my last remaining Becker London the other night and liked it a lot, actually hit it better than his VCORE 98 305. But didn't like my UP 16x19. But hey, if I have to stockpile a bunch of retro Beckers, I'll do it and save hundreds. Btw, not to derail this thread, but his favorite frame he ever hit was the VCORE Pro 97 310 (blue/black one, not green), but man was it anemic when we hit it. I've heard that the green one is a little more powerful. Have you hit that one? How about the KI Q+ Tour? He likes these thinner, modern/classic frames more, and I'm sick of fighting it because, well, I don't blame him. Just curious if you've hit that Yonex or Pro Kennex.
 
JGads

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Pneumated1 said:
Absolutely! And the Gravity MP and V1 Pro. He hit my last remaining Becker London the other night and liked it a lot, actually hit it better than his VCORE 98 305. But didn't like my UP 16x19. But hey, if I have to stockpile a bunch of retro Beckers, I'll do it and save hundreds. Btw, not to derail this thread, but his favorite frame he ever hit was the VCORE Pro 97 310 (blue/black one, not green), but man was it anemic when we hit it. I've heard that the green one is a little more powerful. Have you hit that one? How about the KI Q+ Tour? He likes these thinner, modern/classic frames more, and I'm sick of fighting it because, well, I don't blame him. Just curious if you've hit that Yonex or Pro Kennex.
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Haven't hit that VCore (only others that were red); have tried a few but always found V throats to be too firm. Huge fan of Pro Kennex and have a few of the 16x20 100 sq inch Q sticks (7G, Q+5). Haven't played with the most recent Ki Q+Tour bit did hit with the previous version (or maybe it was two generations ago - that one was up near or at 12 oz. Solid, but other sticks just had more to offer, were easier. The lighter one I see now could be fun and snappier. Long ago I played with the Black Ace (buttery, very Ultra Tour like in fact; current version not so much, just too weak and nothing outstanding imo).

I actually remember the Becker London. Very nice, interesting stick. I remember having two epic demo days, then a few sessions where I lost all that goodness and just went away from it. But I do recall it was a feel-good frame. And popped big serves.
 
Z

zipplock

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
Absolutely! And the Gravity MP and V1 Pro. He hit my last remaining Becker London the other night and liked it a lot, actually hit it better than his VCORE 98 305. But didn't like my UP 16x19. But hey, if I have to stockpile a bunch of retro Beckers, I'll do it and save hundreds. Btw, not to derail this thread, but his favorite frame he ever hit was the VCORE Pro 97 310 (blue/black one, not green), but man was it anemic when we hit it. I've heard that the green one is a little more powerful. Have you hit that one? How about the KI Q+ Tour? He likes these thinner, modern/classic frames more, and I'm sick of fighting it because, well, I don't blame him. Just curious if you've hit that Yonex or Pro Kennex.
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I have two of the VCP97 310. They were my racquets before I switched to the Head GTPP. They are amazing racquets, except the top of the hoop is soft. That's why I switched. The GTPP is like the VCP97 310 with a stiffer upper hoop. Then there is the UP 16x19 :cool: ...
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
JGads said:
Haven't hit that VCore (only others that were red); have tried a few but always found V throats to be too firm. Huge fan of Pro Kennex and have a few of the 16x20 100 sq inch Q sticks (7G, Q+5). Haven't played with the most recent Ki Q+Tour bit did hit with the previous version (or maybe it was two generations ago - that one was up near or at 12 oz. Solid, but other sticks just had more to offer, were easier. The lighter one I see now could be fun and snappier. Long ago I played with the Black Ace (buttery, very Ultra Tour like in fact; current version not so much, just too weak and nothing outstanding imo).

I actually remember the Becker London. Very nice, interesting stick. I remember having two epic demo days, then a few sessions where I lost all that goodness and just went away from it. But I do recall it was a feel-good frame. And popped big serves.
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Same here. I was having a good run with a Duel G 310 a few years ago until my elbow started flaming. Shame too because I really liked that racquet, but not the stiff throat. I think I'll pass on the PKs too and stick to what all the other 'cool kids' are hitting, at least for demos.

The London was a good frame, imo. I hit it modified for three years or better. It's interesting you'd say that because his serves are what stood out with it the other night. That and volleys, which is no surprise because it is a feel stick. He could do worse;)

zipplock said:
I have two of the VCP97 310. They were my racquets before I switched to the Head GTPP. They are amazing racquets, except the top of the hoop is soft. That's why I switched. The GTPP is like the VCP97 310 with a stiffer upper hoop. Then there is the UP 16x19 :cool: ...
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How was the pop of the VCP97 310? If he doesn't like the Iga, Gravity MP, or V1 Pro, I'll give the VCP97 310 a shot and maybe the EZONE 98. But he's gonna keep hitting that London in the meantime and may like it best of all. Who knows. Was shocked he didn't like the UP 16x19. I suspect it will be the one to rule them all, but that's just my early prediction on it.
 
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zipplock

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
Same here. I was having a good run with a Duel G 310 a few years ago until my elbow started flaming. Shame too because I really liked that racquet, but not the stiff throat. I think I'll pass on the PKs too and stick to what all the other 'cool kids' are hitting, at least for demos.

The London was a good frame, imo. I hit it modified for three years or better. It's interesting you'd say that because his serves are what stood out with it the other night. That and volleys, which is no surprise because it is a feel stick. He could do worse;)



How was the pop of the VCP97 310? If he doesn't like the Iga, Gravity MP, or V1 Pro, I'll give the VCP97 310 a shot and maybe the EZONE 98. But he's gonna keep hitting that London in the meantime and may like it best of all. Who knows. Was shocked he didn't like the UP 16x19. I suspect it will be the one to rule them all, but that's just my early prediction on it.
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If he's looking for free power than he may not like the VCP97. Ezone98 and VCore98 have more free power.
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Pneumated1 said:
Same here. I was having a good run with a Duel G 310 a few years ago until my elbow started flaming. Shame too because I really liked that racquet, but not the stiff throat. I think I'll pass on the PKs too and stick to what all the other 'cool kids' are hitting, at least for demos.

The London was a good frame, imo. I hit it modified for three years or better. It's interesting you'd say that because his serves are what stood out with it the other night. That and volleys, which is no surprise because it is a feel stick. He could do worse;)



How was the pop of the VCP97 310? If he doesn't like the Iga, Gravity MP, or V1 Pro, I'll give the VCP97 310 a shot and maybe the EZONE 98. But he's gonna keep hitting that London in the meantime and may like it best of all. Who knows. Was shocked he didn't like the UP 16x19. I suspect it will be the one to rule them all, but that's just my early prediction on it.
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Vcp97 310 blue had more power than the modded UT but lacks the precision and that special feel.
 
M

milowie

New User
Does the UP 16x19 have metal weights in the handle? You can use a magnet to check... Wilson adds metal weights in the handle of the PS97 and RF97...
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
zipplock said:
If he's looking for free power than he may not like the VCP97. Ezone98 and VCore98 have more free power.
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He's grown to despise his VCORE 98 305s. Sold one off today. Two more to go. He needs consistency and confidence, and after a few sets tonight, he's surprisingly finding both in spades in my old Becker London. It's amazing to see him hitting out again and actually working a point. The dilemma is that they don't make them like the London anymore. It's classic Volkl feel with a semi-modern hoop, thin, and just stable and forgiving enough, but very rewarding in the sweet spot with incredible feel and just enough power. So free power, turns out, isn't the missing piece. If he doesn't like the Gravity MP, V1 Pro, or Iga, I can probably throw together a bag of Londons for him. Who would have thought that?

mad dog1 said:
Vcp97 310 blue had more power than the modded UT but lacks the precision and that special feel.
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As we both know, very few have that kind of precision and feel. I think Yonex and the whole VCORE stiff throat is a pass. Almost regret even ordering demos at this point, but they're on the way. Can't believe I might have to go 'Raiders' for 4-5 Londons and grommets. You wouldn't believe how many of those I've owned and sold over the years.
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Pneumated1 said:
As we both know, very few have that kind of precision and feel. I think Yonex and the whole VCORE stiff throat is a pass. Almost regret even ordering demos at this point, but they're on the way. Can't believe I might have to go 'Raiders' for 4-5 Londons and grommets. You wouldn't believe how many of those I've owned and sold over the years.
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Wasn’t a fan of the London. Enjoyed hitting with my friend’s at the time. Got a pair and didn’t get along with them and wondered exactly what happened.
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Got out tonight for a second hit with the UP 16x19. My impressions from my first hit hold true. Man do they ever.

I do have to amend one statement that I previously made concerning the UT vs. UP 16x19 post-bounce kick/ball quality. My shots with the UP are definitely higher and almost as penetrating post-bounce (talking shoulder to ear--and a quality ball, make no mistake), but with the UT, and I was a little more observant tonight of the differences, they're kicking waist to lower chest high with a menacing push. I also observed that younger players don't like to face this type of lower, penetrating ball;) The UP 16x19, however, has just enough of a power boost to bag more winners and leaves the strings with the most pleasing, controlled launch. The frame is a shot shaper, as adept at bending shots crosscourt as flattening them down the line. Underspin, topspin, sidespin, whatever, it's a Swiss Army Knife. And the definition of plush, imo.

If you like to vary pace, spin, height, depth, and are comfortable all-court, especially at net, then this UP 16x19 is highly recommended. I found myself working forward a lot tonight. All of this arguably holds true for the UT as well, but the UP just makes it easier. It makes everything easier in my experience. Serves are the one area where, imo, the UP 16x19 crushes the UT. My UTs are likely too good to let go, but I already find myself reaching for the UP 16x19 more.
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
mad dog1 said:
Wasn’t a fan of the London. Enjoyed hitting with my friend’s at the time. Got a pair and didn’t get along with them and wondered exactly what happened.
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I hear you. I've never met anyone who was 'on the fence' about the London. You liked it or you didn't, and often, people can't explain why. I grew to really like it and have a hard time explaining it. No one attribute is overwhelming, but the whole package just worked for me. And I'm shocked that it seems to work for my 14-year-old, who should like modern frames and tweeners more ... in theory. I'll let him hit these tweeners on the way and see where we go from here. Where does a junior go who likes classic, light player frames? Anyway, I'm derailing this thread so will drop it...
 
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Vicious49

Vicious49

Legend
Pneumated1 said:
Got out tonight for a second hit with the UP 16x19. My impressions from my first hit hold true. Man do they ever.

I do have to amend one statement that I previously made concerning the UT vs. UP 16x19 post-bounce kick/ball quality. My shots with the UP are definitely higher and almost as penetrating post-bounce (talking shoulder to ear--and a quality ball, make no mistake), but with the UT, and I was a little more observant tonight of the differences, they're kicking waist to lower chest high with a menacing push. I also observed that younger players don't like to face this type of lower, penetrating ball;) The UP 16x19, however, has just enough of a power boost to bag more winners and leaves the strings with the most pleasing, controlled launch. The frame is a shot shaper, as adept at bending shots crosscourt as flattening them down the line. Underspin, topspin, sidespin, whatever, it's a Swiss Army Knife. And the definition of plush, imo.

If you like to vary pace, spin, height, depth, and are comfortable all-court, especially at net, then this UP 16x19 is highly recommended. I found myself working forward a lot tonight. All of this arguably holds true for the UT as well, but the UP just makes it easier. It makes everything easier in my experience. Serves are the one area where, imo, the UP 16x19 crushes the UT. My UTs are likely too good to let go, but I already find myself reaching for the UP 16x19 more.
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So much truth here. One of my hitting partners is 25 and uses heavy spin. Last time I used the UT against him he said my shots wet very low and penetrating and that’s the type of shot that gives him the most problem. Which is ironic because heavy spin shots like him give me the most trouble.

I agree that the serve is one shot that the UP 16 has a clear advantage over the UT. I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking this. It’s also one of the reasons that I reach for my UP even more now but I also can’t let go of my UTs as they are great racquets as well. It’s a good dilemma to have.
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Artreddy said:
Finally I could do measurements on my UP and BP

Ultra Pro:

SW: 312
RA: 61

BLADE Pro:

SW:348
RA:60

https://imgur.com/a/wEatvFy

I was told by the store personnel that Babolat RDC isn’t calibrated in a long time but to compare I ran it on my BLX 6.1 95 18x20 to ensure the numbers are close. I do trust these numbers.

ignore my bad gripping and taping
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312 sw would make sense. I have 8g spread throughout the head of my UP 16x19, and it still sings, and I can't tolerate sw much above 325. Your reading is probably true for many of us.
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Vicious49 said:
So much truth here. One of my hitting partners is 25 and uses heavy spin. Last time I used the UT against him he said my shots wet very low and penetrating and that’s the type of shot that gives him the most problem. Which is ironic because heavy spin shots like him give me the most trouble.

I agree that the serve is one shot that the UP 16 has a clear advantage over the UT. I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking this. It’s also one of the reasons that I reach for my UP even more now but I also can’t let go of my UTs as they are great racquets as well. It’s a good dilemma to have.
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All the more reason to keep your UTs and sell me your UPs ... gotta knock these kids off the baseline;-)
 
Artreddy

Artreddy

Rookie
Pneumated1 said:
312 sw would make sense. I have 8g spread throughout the head of my UP 16x19, and it still sings, and I can't tolerate sw much above 325. Your reading is probably true for many of us.
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Although the racket excels in almost every part of the game: slice, serve, FH, BH, volleys , it is tough to return incoming good serves with such low swing weight. I do need to add some lead. Blade pro doesn't need customization at all given 340's swing weight.
 
fundrazer

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
So my outing the other night was a bit closer to the impressions I had from my first hit. Still probably need a bit more effort tinkering though. May slightly reduce the weight at 3 and 9. May also try 10 and 2 again, but we will see. One of the outings with that setup was with my 3.0/3.5 buddies and it's sometimes hard to rally with them because they don't tend to hit a consistent ball. Instead of getting repetition I'm chasing junk balls and stuff. Although I did feel that maybe too much weight at the top was slowing my swing down a bit...

I guess the main thing that you need to remember with a stick like this is that you need to be swinging fast or else it's just not going to work out for you. The same kind of applies with my 97HD, but I feel like I can ease off with that one a little bit more to play safer. Feels like if I do that with the Ultra Pro then I'm not getting enough topspin to bring the ball down. Anyway...still not sure what I want to do with mine, but some things I like so far:

Feel on contact is good
Able to vary depth a bit better with spin as compared to the 97HD. Lets me hit some shorter angles that I can't get quite as easily at times with my normal stick.
Feels good on serve. A bit more action on spin serves I think, but need to spend a bit more time with this.
Volleys really well.
Backhand slice is good. Need some more time dedicated to hitting topspin backhands though. Some matches I've had issues with launch angle.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
The frame is a shot shaper, as adept at bending shots crosscourt as flattening them down the line. Underspin, topspin, sidespin, whatever, it's a Swiss Army Knife. And the definition of plush, imo.
Click to expand...

Completely agree. When it comes to shot shaping, I found that because the ball seems to stay on the strings for what feels like a longer time with the UP 16x19, I was able to almost increase my spin rate during the shot, as well as, increase the sharpness of the angle.

What I mean by that, is that I would be hitting a rally ball with a certain amount of spin against my opponent, and then on a chosen shot (particularly if the shot was between waist and chest height) I would just hit a fraction more out in front and flick my wrist at a faster pace at the end of the "contact with the ball portion" of the swing. This would be hard for the opponent to see (or if they did, they would have less time to react), and would result in a little extra push, the ball jumping off the court more than they expected and also with more of the "menacing push" as you said @Pneumated1

Both the UT 18x20 and the UP 16x19 encourage creativity and flair, an exploration of what is possible when it comes to shot-making, but the UP does it more so.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Artreddy said:
Finally I could do measurements on my UP and BP

Ultra Pro:

SW: 312
RA: 61

BLADE Pro:

SW:348
RA:60

https://imgur.com/a/wEatvFy

I was told by the store personnel that Babolat RDC isn’t calibrated in a long time but to compare I ran it on my BLX 6.1 95 18x20 to ensure the numbers are close. I do trust these numbers.

ignore my bad gripping and taping
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Wow... that's great! Particularly when it comes to the BP RA. How do you feel about the SW? I assume these are strung.

My BP 16x19 had an unstrung SW of 313... which I assume resulted in a 343-ish SW strung. I then added 1g each to 3,9, and 12 o'clock, so not sure what it comes to now. I made mine more HL though, so it's still maneuverable.
 
Artreddy

Artreddy

Rookie
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Wow... that's great! Particularly when it comes to the BP RA. How do you feel about the SW? I assume these are strung.

My BP 16x19 had an unstrung SW of 313... which I assume resulted in a 343-ish SW strung. I then added 1g each to 3,9, and 12 o'clock, so not sure what it comes to now. I made mine more HL though, so it's still maneuverable.
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Yes these are strung. I can handle 340s in SW and in fact very good for match play, I can return deep and go big on short balls. Bit of difficult on defensive shots, but I can work with it. But BP is still a maneuverable racket. However I can't handle anything beyond 350 SW.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
fundrazer said:
I guess the main thing that you need to remember with a stick like this is that you need to be swinging fast or else it's just not going to work out for you. The same kind of applies with my 97HD, but I feel like I can ease off with that one a little bit more to play safer. Feels like if I do that with the Ultra Pro then I'm not getting enough topspin to bring the ball down.
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This is what I found as well, and what I was alluding to earlier (in my previous posts). Therefore, it felt like I needed to be on the gas all the time in order to get that wonderful loop, dip, and jump off the court.

I, therefore, felt that the UT was a little more predictable, at times.

Many of the points you raised matched my experience.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Artreddy said:
Yes these are strung. I can handle 340s in SW and in fact very good for match play, I can return deep and go big on short balls. Bit of difficult on defensive shots, but I can work with it. But BP is still a maneuverable racket. However I can't handle anything beyond 350 SW.
Click to expand...

For me, it comes down to the balance of the racquet. I have the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour. That thing comes with a standard SW of 353, and I thought that this would be a problem, but I've never had any difficulties swinging it, and I think it's because of its balance.
 
Z

zipplock

Hall of Fame
Artreddy said:
Finally I could do measurements on my UP and BP

Ultra Pro:

SW: 312
RA: 61

BLADE Pro:

SW:348
RA:60

https://imgur.com/a/wEatvFy

I was told by the store personnel that Babolat RDC isn’t calibrated in a long time but to compare I ran it on my BLX 6.1 95 18x20 to ensure the numbers are close. I do trust these numbers.

ignore my bad gripping and taping
Click to expand...
Great specs on that UP. Ripe for customizing!!!
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Completely agree. When it comes to shot shaping, I found that because the ball seems to stay on the strings for what feels like a longer time with the UP 16x19, I was able to almost increase my spin rate during the shot, as well as, increase the sharpness of the angle.

What I mean by that, is that I would be hitting a rally ball with a certain amount of spin against my opponent, and then on a chosen shot (particularly if the shot was between waist and chest height) I would just hit a fraction more out in front and flick my wrist at a faster pace at the end of the "contact with the ball portion" of the swing. This would be hard for the opponent to see (or if they did, they would have less time to react), and would result in a little extra push, the ball jumping off the court more than they expected and also with more of the "menacing push" as you said @Pneumated1

Both the UT 18x20 and the UP 16x19 encourage creativity and flair, an exploration of what is possible when it comes to shot-making, but the UP does it more so.
Click to expand...

That last line boils it all down to its true essence. A precise and apt summary. Also implies the type of player/game that will benefit the most from these frames.

Btw, we were talking bh slice trajectory on the previous pg. Hitting both the UT and UP yesterday, I wouldn't say things flipped, but the outcomes were more predictable--or maybe I just have a better idea now of what's going on. UT slice was more laser-like, lower, skidding, but 'thinner feeling.' The UP consistently had more net clearance and slightly higher bounce but more weight. Just a weightier feel on the slice with the UP, probably because of the pocketing and dwell. Just wanted to update those impressions.
 
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zipplock

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
That last line boils it all down to its true essence. A precise and apt summary. Also implies the type of player/game that will benefit the most from these frames.

Btw, we were talking bh slice trajectory on the previous pg. Hitting both the UT and UP yesterday, I wouldn't say things flipped, but the outcomes were more predictable--or maybe I just have a better idea now of what's going on. UT slice was more laser-like, lower, skidding, but 'thinner feeling.' The UP consistently had more net clearance and slightly higher bounce but more weight. Just a weightier feel on the slice with the UP, probably because of the pocketing and dwell. Just wanted to update those impressions.
Click to expand...
That's the "driving" part I was trying to communicate.
 
fundrazer

fundrazer

G.O.A.T.
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
For me, it comes down to the balance of the racquet. I have the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 Tour. That thing comes with a standard SW of 353, and I thought that this would be a problem, but I've never had any difficulties swinging it, and I think it's because of its balance.
Click to expand...
I remember demoing the 4D 200 and I could not mesh with that thing for the life of me. Really liked the regular Aerogel 200 though. Reminded me a lot of the Microgel Prestige MP I was playing at the time.

One thing I maybe regret a bit is not giving Dunlop more of a chance back then. In particular, I wish I had tried the 300 Tour.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
That last line boils it all down to its true essence. A precise and apt summary. Also implies the type of player/game that will benefit the most from these frames.

Btw, we were talking bh slice trajectory on the previous pg. Hitting both the UT and UP yesterday, I wouldn't say things flipped, but the outcomes were more predictable--or maybe I just have a better idea now of what's going on. UT slice was more laser-like, lower, skidding, but 'thinner feeling.' The UP consistently had more net clearance and slightly higher bounce but more weight. Just a weightier feel on the slice with the UP, probably because of the pocketing and dwell. Just wanted to update those impressions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update.

We've had huge storms for the last few days so I haven't had a chance to play, but that was the feeling I got regarding the slice. You described the UT slice very aptly... laser-like, low, and skidding. This is why I said that I could knife the slice with the UT with a neutral/ continental grip, whilst with the UP it was more floaty with the same grip, and in order to get the same knifing effect, I had to "close the face" a bit. That's why when I was playing doubles I found it a bit harder as that slight float gave the net poacher an easier put-away if I didn't get it right. Maybe in singles, and if the opponent isn't already at the net, the heavier more floaty slice may cause more problems off the ground... or I just need to re-map the way I slice with the UP 16M a bit.

These are the small adjustments and learnings that I was referring to when I said I could notice differences. They are both brilliant but slightly different and there is just a small adjustment period when playing them back-to-back. Each one does small things differently or better than the other, and it depends on your game, your opponent, or the surface which might be better on a certain day. Both are brilliant though and I can't wait to play with them again and to learn more about myself and what I can do with them on the court. They make tennis fun, an exploration. If you get it right, you feel magnificent and like you have conquered something... and if you get it wrong, you know it's down to you, and you need to learn and do better next time.
 
Tennisist

Tennisist

Professional
Artreddy said:
You are giving up the extra power and flex yet crisp feel that you get with Yonex DR. UP isn’t an easy racket to play if you are used to hit winners off of DR. You need to modify the UP - in stock it doesn’t have much swing weight, or the heft.
Click to expand...

That's why it is important to note the configuration that people are playing with. By specs, both racquets are almost identical:

Wilson Ultra Pro : 323g / 6 pt / SW 312 / RA 60 ( Ultra Tour had SW 324 )
.... Yonex Dr 98 : 326g / 6 pt / SW 324 / RA 62
 
Last edited:
A

AverageForehand

Rookie
Tennisist said:
That's why it is important to note the configuration that people are playing with. By specs, both racquets are almost identical:

Wilson Ultra Pro : 323g / 6 pt / SW 312 / RA 60 ( Ultra Tour had SW 324 )
.... Yonex Dr 98 : 326g / 6 pt / SW 324 / RA 62
Click to expand...

Yes exactly. I have noticed quite a few players switching from the DR to the 18m Ultra Tour back in '18, but they would still lead it up quite a bit.
 
Tommy Haas

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Tennisist said:
That's why it is important to note the configuration that people are playing with. By specs, both racquets are almost identical:

Wilson Ultra Pro : 323g / 6 pt / SW 312 / RA 60 ( Ultra Tour had SW 324 )
.... Yonex Dr 98 : 326g / 6 pt / SW 324 / RA 62
Click to expand...

Is your UP the 16 or 18 mains version and is the 60RA strung or unstrung. That seems to be the lowest RA I've seen for any of the UP and BPs. You got lucky.
 
Tennisist

Tennisist

Professional
Tommy Haas said:
Is your UP the 16 or 18 mains version and is the 60RA strung or unstrung. That seems to be the lowest RA I've seen for any of the UP and BPs. You got lucky.
Click to expand...
That was not mine. Those numbers are from @Artreddy above. Strung. That has been the only measurement posted among the 400 posts of this thread.

What numbers have you seen?
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Played with my UP 16x19 tonight... and everything was gelling. The launch angle was perfect, I was able to hit all my shots, the slices were penetrating and I was able to knife them, as well as, being able to change direction on my shots, change speeds, and the degrees of loopiness and amounts of spin.

Everything was fantastic and the experience was very confidence-inspiring.

I also tried the UT 18x20... and tonight the string bed felt really loose, many shots were launching, and I had problems with control. Had some really wild misses. Go figure.

I will need to keep playing them back-to-back and see how things go next time
 
P

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Played with my UP 16x19 tonight... and everything was gelling. The launch angle was perfect, I was able to hit all my shots, the slices were penetrating and I was able to knife them, as well as, being able to change direction on my shots, change speeds, and the degrees of loopiness and amounts of spin.

Everything was fantastic and the experience was very confidence-inspiring.

I also tried the UT 18x20... and tonight the string bed felt really loose, many shots were launching, and I had problems with control. Had some really wild misses. Go figure.

I will need to keep playing them back-to-back and see how things go next time
Click to expand...

If you had to go into competition tomorrow, with 'everything' on the line, do you take this 16x19, the UT, TC95 16x19, or TC95 18x20? I think I know the answer, and I'll admit if I'm wrong;)
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Pneumated1 said:
If you had to go into competition tomorrow, with 'everything' on the line, do you take this 16x19, the UT, TC95 16x19, or TC95 18x20? I think I know the answer, and I'll admit if I'm wrong;)
Click to expand...

For now, since I've never had a day when it didn't play with great consistency, precision, power, and finesse, the TC95 18x20. So... you were right. ;) :giggle:

Where I think the UP 16M is still not on the TC95 18x20s level, is the ease of power off the ground and on serve. I can still generate power with the UP 16M, but I think it takes a few more shots to finish off the point. With the TC95 18x20... when you decide that the point needs to finish, it usually does... or it inflicts such damage that over the course of the match it becomes easier and easier to win points. Only once in my life has my brother said that his wrist was sore for 3 months after one of our matches, and that was after a hitting session where I used my TC95 18x20 (he's on the opposite side of the country from me and we don't play that often anymore).

The way the UP 16M played last time out was fantastic, and if it continues to perform in this fashion, it will be an extraordinary racquet. It has a greater potential for flair and creativity, due to the more open string pattern. The feel is very addictive and something that is better than the TC95 18x20 63RA (I think... I will need to play them back-to-back with the same string and a similar, if not identical, DT), as is the ability of the UP 16M when it comes to angled shots (particularly off the FH side for me at this point). I'm just able to hit amazing angles with incredible ease, whereas with the TC95 18x20, it just takes a bit more effort (or at least more exacting technical proficiency).

In summary, if I had Nadal's or Djokovic's fitness and endurance, I think I would enjoy winning more with the UP 16M... it would take longer, it would require more effort, but it would be a more nuanced artistic performance. At this point, the TC95 18x20 is Mike Tyson... brutal, efficient, and guaranteed to result in a KO. The UP 16M is more like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo... more flair and artistry involved in the winning performance.

Having said all this... if Angell produced a TC95 18x20 63RA (or 98 if he wanted to make another model in the Custom Line) with 6 Mains in the throat or a tighter 16x19 with 8 Mains in the throat (ala UP 16M), it would be game over for just about any racquet out there (in my opinion).
 
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