Japan Exclusive Wilson Ultra Tour 98 V5 (Nishikori)

Really like the racket.
However I am experiencing some arm soreness 48 hours after playing for 2.5 hours Saturday so I’m hoping it’s not related to the frame.

Not used to extended sticks. During the session it didn’t wear me down.
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
Really like the racket.
However I am experiencing some arm soreness 48 hours after playing for 2.5 hours Saturday so I’m hoping it’s not related to the frame.

Not used to extended sticks. During the session it didn’t wear me down.
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Yep, happened to me as well... You play sharp and great the first hour, then, it gets tough. Cutting it to standard length helped!
 
thatguymattin said:
What did you use to do it, band saw?

I didn’t measure the sw strung, but I imagine it’s ~345-350. 335 to 340 is manageable, I’m usually around 325-330 nowadays - but that’s with pure aeros as my main frames. Before that my main were some pure strike vs @330-333.
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Same as this guy:
 
TNNSDR said:
Same as this guy:
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Yeah I’ve watched this. It’s under consideration.
My concern is cutting extended rackets can make it feel worse at 27 in. since it was mfg to be longer.

It’s not really hard to swing. But it’s feeling the repercussions after that I didn’t notice when playing.

I guess when you say cutting it, the racket would lose 10 points on SW which is already mid to high 330s, it probably wouldn’t reduce stability.
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
Yeah I’ve watched this. It’s under consideration.
My concern is cutting extended rackets can make it feel worse at 27 in. since it was mfg to be longer.

It’s not really hard to swing. But it’s feeling the repercussions after that I didn’t notice when playing.

I guess when you say cutting it, the racket would lose 10 points on SW which is already mid to high 330s, it probably wouldn’t reduce stability.
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Still super stable, indeed... And more maneuverable. Mine is is 332 , the second 333 - strung.
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
Yeah I’ve watched this. It’s under consideration.
My concern is cutting extended rackets can make it feel worse at 27 in. since it was mfg to be longer.

It’s not really hard to swing. But it’s feeling the repercussions after that I didn’t notice when playing.

I guess when you say cutting it, the racket would lose 10 points on SW which is already mid to high 330s, it probably wouldn’t reduce stability.
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well it’s an extended frame but only .25in

I wouldn’t expect the frame to change too much in terms of feel.

It might feel stiffer? I don’t know because I’m not an engineer, but I imagine when you shorten material, there’s less leverage which in turn would equal less flex. Unless all the flex is in the hoop and throat regardless, idk.

There’s a balance of attributes when manufacturers design tennis racquets and I’d totally be okay with sacrificing on power/leverage if I’m able to swing the frame faster and more consistently.
 
Played another 2.5 hours tonight. Granted I’m feeling recovered from a foot and knee injury , I’m still not back to fitness bc I couldn’t really train while resting.

This racket is great. I feel like it favors my serve quite nicely. My backhand was skidding through the court well as I hit quite flat on that wing. Guy I hit with has some significant pace so I was mistiming my forehand a bit.

I am debating cutting it. But let’s see if the shoulder is sore tomorrow.
 
Chris, do you think you might make the switch? (away from your XTC and ISO 305's)? Or still too early to tell?
 
Trip said:
Chris, do you think you might make the switch? (away from your XTC and ISO 305's)? Or still too early to tell?
Click to expand...
I’ve made it a goal to drop the xtc this year.
This is a strong contender to do so. I don’t like trying many rackets but I’ll pick 2 more to demo and make a decision. I haven’t hit with my xtcs in bit…..guess it’s time to hang them up
 
Got myself an Ultra Tour 98J recently from Japan. I am pretty sure my racquet hunt is pretty much over. Fantastic stick. I used to play with an nCode nTour (95sqinch, also 27.25", also more weight in the head) and this feels like a more forgiving version of that, so I feel very at home and very comfortable.

I am thinking of picking up another one or two as spare, and while I am there thought about the Ultra Tour 98 - just maybe nice to have a heavier version in my bag. Is there enough different between the 98J and non-J? For those who have used both what are the main differences and which do you prefer and why?
 
Stugots said:
Got myself an Ultra Tour 98J recently from Japan. I am pretty sure my racquet hunt is pretty much over. Fantastic stick. I used to play with an nCode nTour (95sqinch, also 27.25", also more weight in the head) and this feels like a more forgiving version of that, so I feel very at home and very comfortable.

I am thinking of picking up another one or two as spare, and while I am there thought about the Ultra Tour 98 - just maybe nice to have a heavier version in my bag. Is there enough different between the 98J and non-J? For those who have used both what are the main differences and which do you prefer and why?
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Huge difference I would say!! The Ultra Tour 98 is heavier and you are dealing with a SW around 340 and not 330. The 98J has less mass in the upper hoop compared to the 98, I feel. If you think that 98J is great for your game, the 98 Tour will be very demanding. That's why I cut mine (98) to 27 in and by that reduced the SW by 10 pts. Now, the 98J and the 98 have the same SW, but the 98 is more stable, has the better balance (especially for a OHBH), and is great to volley with.
 
I recently got a 98j... highly impressive..the extra .25 gives it some magic.. this has inspired me to get the Blade Pro 100.. the Muse 98 will have to wait..
Looking forward to the comparisons between the 2 and my others.. Pure Aero 98, Beast 98, Pure Drive...
 
TNNSDR said:
Huge difference I would say!! The Ultra Tour 98 is heavier and you are dealing with a SW around 340 and not 330. The 98J has less mass in the upper hoop compared to the 98, I feel. If you think that 98J is great for your game, the 98 Tour will be very demanding. That's why I cut mine (98) to 27 in and by that reduced the SW by 10 pts. Now, the 98J and the 98 have the same SW, but the 98 is more stable, has the better balance (especially for a OHBH), and is great to volley with.
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I enjoy lower weight racquets that produce higher swing weights though. And I don’t notice the extra length at all, but that’s probably because I’ve spent most of my playing career playing with a 27.25” already. Even though the 98J has a 334g-ish swing weight, I feel like it feels nowhere near that, it’s weird. I’m keen to try a non-J at some point!
 
Stugots said:
I enjoy lower weight racquets that produce higher swing weights though. And I don’t notice the extra length at all, but that’s probably because I’ve spent most of my playing career playing with a 27.25” already. Even though the 98J has a 334g-ish swing weight, I feel like it feels nowhere near that, it’s weird. I’m keen to try a non-J at some point!
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The 95 QZ is also great BTW! ;)
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I actually had one on order! But ultimately decided to cancel as my whole goal was to find a more forgiving nCode. And I think I’ve found that now in the 98 Ultra Tour line. Might need to still pick one up in the future just to have, but it’s time for me to move on from the 95s for playing :)

Seriously though, Wilson is killing it with this Ultra Tour line.
 
And they're going to kill it again with the Python, I think. I'm currently watching Madrid Open and Dimitrov is playing with one. Never thought that he's going to move from the PS.
 
Played a tournament yesterday with the 98J. Made it to the finals, then died and ran out of energy. Not fit enough for an 8 hour day of tennis yet lol.

This frame is helping me to play the best tennis I’ve played in a long time. I will say though, yesterday it felt like a lot of work to generate consistent power. Maybe I was hitting it off centre more and more as I got tired. My 98J is strung with a full bed of Luxilon 4G Soft @ 50lbs. I’m thinking next time to drop it to maybe 47/48? Open to suggestions, but I do think a round string works well in this frame.

The other setup I was going to try is a Solinco Confidential Soft / 4G Soft hybrid although not sure what to put in mains vs crosses. Plus, pink and yellow will look awesome against the glossy blue frame :)

I think I’m just after a softer feel with more ball pocketing and easier access to power? Perhaps the tension drop on the 4G will do that.
 
Stugots said:
Played a tournament yesterday with the 98J. Made it to the finals, then died and ran out of energy. Not fit enough for an 8 hour day of tennis yet lol.

This frame is helping me to play the best tennis I’ve played in a long time. I will say though, yesterday it felt like a lot of work to generate consistent power. Maybe I was hitting it off centre more and more as I got tired. My 98J is strung with a full bed of Luxilon 4G Soft @ 50lbs. I’m thinking next time to drop it to maybe 47/48? Open to suggestions, but I do think a round string works well in this frame.

The other setup I was going to try is a Solinco Confidential Soft / 4G Soft hybrid although not sure what to put in mains vs crosses. I think I’m just after a softer feel with more ball pocketing and easier access to power? Perhaps the tension drop on the 4G will do that.
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fwiw Nishikori strings his very low although differently spec'd to the retail
 
Just ordered a UT98 :) Excited to test that one out. After that, whichever one I like best (98J vs 98) I will order 1 or 2 more just to stock up on them. Ordering these is from Japan is legit cheaper than buying any retail frame here in Australia (with shipping). Crazy!!
 
@TNNSDR can you detail a bit more your experience with the 95 QZ? TWE lists stiffness at 62ra - do you find that accurate? I have experience with the ncode ntour two 95 and don’t think that’s a powerful racquet by any means. Is the QZ more powerful?
 
Thomas the Tank Engine said:
@TNNSDR can you detail a bit more your experience with the 95 QZ? TWE lists stiffness at 62ra - do you find that accurate? I have experience with the ncode ntour two 95 and don’t think that’s a powerful racquet by any means. Is the QZ more powerful?
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I would have also guessed 62-64 (I have a 4G in it). So, I think it's correct. I never tried the nTour, but the BLX version (the QZ layup - feels exactly like my old ones) was more powerful.
 
TNNSDR said:
Huge difference I would say!! The Ultra Tour 98 is heavier and you are dealing with a SW around 340 and not 330. The 98J has less mass in the upper hoop compared to the 98, I feel. If you think that 98J is great for your game, the 98 Tour will be very demanding. That's why I cut mine (98) to 27 in and by that reduced the SW by 10 pts. Now, the 98J and the 98 have the same SW, but the 98 is more stable, has the better balance (especially for a OHBH), and is great to volley with.
Click to expand...
Just for reference
My UT 98 specs: 307g 32.4cm SW309

My friends UT 98J: 296g 33.5cm SW309
 
Since people are asking, my pair are as follows:

Racquet #1
Swing weight: 314.0
Balance: 32.7
Static weight: 307.3

Racquet #2
Swing weight: 314.9
Balance: 33.0
Static weight: 307.1

Reaaaally considering chopping off that .25in if I don’t sell them.

I’d choke up on the racquet but prefer my bottom palm slightly off the buttcap generally.
 
So.... today Kei just announced he's done at the end of this year:
www.atptour.com

Kei Nishikori announces he will retire at the end of 2026 season | ATP Tour | Tennis

Kei Nishikori announced on social media that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season. The Japanese star reached a career-high World No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings and has won 12 ATP Tour singles titles.
www.atptour.com www.atptour.com

As such, it got me thinking about how that might impact the continuity of the UT98 / 98J... and I would say: for those of you who are fully onboard, I would probably make hay while the sun is shining and front load as many copies around the specs that you prefer as you can, plus grommets. Lack mentality aside, put another way, I wouldn't necessarily assume Wilson will keep either or both of these models around for the next refresh.
 
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Trip said:
So.... today Kei just announced he's done at the end of this year:
www.atptour.com

Kei Nishikori announces he will retire at the end of 2026 season | ATP Tour | Tennis

Kei Nishikori announced on social media that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season. The Japanese star reached a career-high World No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings and has won 12 ATP Tour singles titles.
www.atptour.com www.atptour.com

As such, it got me thinking about how that might impact the continuity of the UT98 / 98J... and I would say: for those of you who are fully onboard, I would probably make hay while the sun is shining and front load as many copies around the specs that you prefer as you can, plus grommets. Lack mentality aside, put another way, I wouldn't necessarily assume Wilson will keep either or both of these models around for the next refresh.
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Yep!!
 
The limited availability for grommets is a concern.
Wilson stated it’s only in their Asia and Europe market but TWE doesn’t have the grommets to date. I know someone sent me a Japanese link but I’m hesitant to import anything from Asia at the moment.
 
A_Instead said:
I recently got the 98j...I don't want to it go bye bye-bye.. it's really good..
Click to expand...
Let's keep this thread alive, also for Wilson! ;) Obviously, big fan of the 98 and 95QZ (the 98J is great on my forehand, but the balance and weight distribution is not optimal for a OHBH... At least for mine :laughing:)!!
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
The limited availability for grommets is a concern.
Wilson stated it’s only in their Asia and Europe market but TWE doesn’t have the grommets to date. I know someone sent me a Japanese link but I’m hesitant to import anything from Asia at the moment.
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I picked up 3 sets while I was in JP. Just order it on Rakuten, if you need them. Better than hoping Amer EU gets their act together.
TNNSDR said:
Let's keep this thread alive, also for Wilson! ;) Obviously, big fan of the 98 and 95QZ (the 98J is great on my forehand, but the balance and weight distribution is not optimal for a OHBH... At least for mine :laughing:)!!
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Unfortunately these sort of limited release models will just drop. Manufacturers will just change molds, specs etc. If I really love a stick, I buy 4-6, and keep them for years. 10 years after the SV98+, and 2 years of experimenting with replacements, it has been an ordeal. It is a pity I can't serve well with the UT98.
 
Trip said:
Standard vs extended length aside for the moment, what a shame that Yonex can't get their sh*t together enough to recreate a properly connected 98 with a 16x20 for maximum facial consistency. Basically, the Fonseca frame (more or less). A total no-brainer IMHO. And I know some others agree. (queue @curtstead)
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Look at how Yonex babolatified their recent vcores and how Babolat made their new aeros more Ezone like - so I think it’s only a matter of time.

With release windows being every 3ish years, I can totally see it becoming the next Ezone iteration - 98D so to say.
 
thatguymattin said:
Look at how Yonex babolatified their recent vcores and how Babolat made their new aeros more Ezone like - so I think it’s only a matter of time.

With release windows being every 3ish years, I can totally see it becoming the next Ezone iteration - 98D so to say.
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I could see it but i think it would suit the vcore more tbh. Or the ezone pattern is aldready dense so I see no reason to make it a 16x20 other than marketing. The real update imo is servofilter in the ezone and getting rid of the ridiculously mushy and muted feel in the ezone. Then that racket is basically perfect for flatter hitting power players and you can still keep the soft throat and other ezone characteristics. Than have a 16x20 vcore 98 thats a constant flex and more crisp and a bit more spin oriented. And you basically have the most popular segments of the market cornered. Idk how Yonex fails to capitalize on it when they clearly have the smarts, proof that it has worked in the past and multiple pros on tour use it.
 
Agzetabyte said:
I could see it but i think it would suit the vcore more tbh. Or the ezone pattern is aldready dense so I see no reason to make it a 16x20 other than marketing. The real update imo is servofilter in the ezone and getting rid of the ridiculously mushy and muted feel in the ezone. Then that racket is basically perfect for flatter hitting power players and you can still keep the soft throat and other ezone characteristics. Than have a 16x20 vcore 98 thats a constant flex and more crisp and a bit more spin oriented. And you basically have the most popular segments of the market cornered. Idk how Yonex fails to capitalize on it when they clearly have the smarts, proof that it has worked in the past and multiple pros on tour use it.
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Yeah you’re right, I didn’t think about it because they just released the vcores.

They also kind of fumbled the release having the 100d, 95, and whatever other frame release a month or two after the 98 and 100. Vcores totally lost momentum (at least in discussion here on the forums).

Influencers made their rounds at the same time then moved onto the next release shortly after.
 
thatguymattin said:
Yeah you’re right, I didn’t think about it because they just released the vcores.

They also kind of fumbled the release having the 100d, 95, and whatever other frame release a month or two after the 98 and 100. Vcores totally lost momentum (at least in discussion here on the forums).

Influencers made their rounds at the same time then moved onto the next release shortly after.
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From some of the feedback I’ve generated they fumbled the bag on a 3 month late release of the 100D. Absolutely.
Some are raving on the 95 too bc it’s reminiscent of the sv
95.
 
Sardines said:
I picked up 3 sets while I was in JP. Just order it on Rakuten, if you need them. Better than hoping Amer EU gets their act together.

Unfortunately these sort of limited release models will just drop. Manufacturers will just change molds, specs etc. If I really love a stick, I buy 4-6, and keep them for years. 10 years after the SV98+, and 2 years of experimenting with replacements, it has been an ordeal. It is a pity I can't serve well with the UT98.
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Cut it! ;)
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
From some of the feedback I’ve generated they fumbled the bag on a 3 month late release of the 100D. Absolutely.
Some are raving on the 95 too bc it’s reminiscent of the sv
95.
Click to expand...
On my list, but I bought a 15.000 Yen PS v14 (v15 in ****ty colors), instead. I couldn't resist the deal. :-D The VC95 2026 will wait for June / July.
 
Trip said:
Standard vs extended length aside for the moment, what a shame that Yonex can't get their sh*t together enough to recreate a properly connected 98 with a 16x20 for maximum facial consistency. Basically, the Fonseca frame (more or less). A total no-brainer IMHO. And I know some others agree. (queue @curtstead)
Click to expand...
A vcore 98 SV 16x20 at a 64-66 RA would be bliss. I’d buy that in a heart beat.
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
A vcore 98 SV 16x20 at a 64-66 RA would be bliss. I’d buy that in a heart beat.
Click to expand...
The SV98's biggest +ve are the 68RA and 16x20 string pattern. That's why the PA98 '23 was so popular, because it has controlled power. I am actually looking to extend that 0.5" to see if it fits me.
 
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