Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Ultra Racquets

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

The Ultra Tour and 100 CV application period is now closed. We will notify selected playtesters early next week.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by 9/22. Please post your review on time to remain in good standing for future reviews.

Include the following in your review:
Racquet Received:
String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
Comments on racquet performance:
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:
General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

PS- We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively discussion on the racquets.

 

[TennisHound]

I'm excited about both of these racquets. The Ultra Tour is the coolest racquet to come from a manufacturer since I can remember. The Ultra 100 was already a solid racquet and the CV may help in dampening the vibes. We'll see.

 

[McLovin]

Quick question @TW Staff:

When you say:

Please only provide the requested information (no extraneous comments, impromptu resumes, etc).

Name:
Mailing Address (one line):
TT Username:
Email:
Racquet choice: Ultra Tour or Ultra 100 CV or either.​

Do you want us to include the labels, or just the info? In other words, this:

Name: Joe Schmoe
Mailing Address (one line): 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA 90210
TT Username: NeverMore
​

or this:

Joe Schmoe
1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA 90210
NeverMore
​

I've always wondered...

 

[El_Yotamo]

Quick question @TW Staff:

When you say:

Please only provide the requested information (no extraneous comments, impromptu resumes, etc).

Email Subject: Wilson Ultra Playtest
Name:
Mailing Address (one line):
TT Username:
Email:
Racquet choice: Ultra Tour or Ultra 100 CV or either.​

Do you want us to include the labels, or just the info? In other words, this:

Email Subject: Wilson Ultra Playtest
Name: Joe Schmoe
Mailing Address (one line): 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA 90210
​

or this:

Wilson Ultra Playtest
Joe Schmoe
1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA 90210
​

I've always wondered...

I assume for the email subject the label is kinda superfluous, but I include the label on everything else just to make sure it's clear.

 

[McLovin]

I assume for the email subject the label is kinda superfluous, but I include the label on everything else just to make sure it's clear.

Yeah, I meant to leave that out. Editing now...

 

[TW Staff]

@McLovin,

Either way works! We aren't picky. We just want it in that order with nothing extra.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Yeah very excited as well!
I have an old old head radical tour lite, that looks similar in mold and specs, so very curious to see how it's compared


Accidentally wrote the wrong username so just sent another to correct it.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[jayserinos99]

I'm really excited. Would like to compare the Ultra Tour to the TF315 Ltd. and PT630 and 2015 Blade 18x20.

 

[RafaBabolat]

@TW Staff, just want to make an inquiry. I sent the wrong draft to you guys, but is it okay if I send the correct one? I just don't want to be disqualified from the playtest for sending two emails. Thanks in advance!

Also excited to see how the 100 is compared to the new Pure Drive! Both are similar in specs, and I just want to see if there is a winner between the two.

 

[GoSurfBoy]

@TW Staff, just want to make an inquiry. I sent the wrong draft to you guys, but is it okay if I send the correct one? I just don't want to be disqualified from the playtest for sending two emails. Thanks in advance!

Yea. I did the same. Had something prepared, then realized there was a 'format'. I doubt there's a TT Police, so we're either in or out, based on other factors - like them being overwhelmed with responses!

 

[mhkeuns]

Though I love the countervail technology on my Blade 98's, the Ultra Tour looks really interesting.

 

[Devil_dog]

I'm really curious to know how much an affect CounterVail will have on the playability of the frame. Curious that the Ultra Tour model doesn't seem to have CV. Also noticed the Ultra 100 CV also has a reinforced "bridge" in the throat of the frame which I assume will help with stability. The Ultra Tour, again, does not have this feature either.

 

[El_Yotamo]

@McLovin,

Either way works! We aren't picky. We just want it in that order with nothing extra.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Would "something extra" include like a "thank you" at the end of the email? I also started off the email with "hello, here are my details". I hope those are fine, please let me know

 

[OnyxZ28]

This should be fun test for any Head PT57A/E fanatics. Agree with jayserinos99 above that the Blade 98 18x20 will be an interesting comparison too.

 

[ByakuFubuki]

@TW Staff; I hate to be pushy, especially as this kind of question has already been asked many times, but will playtests like this ever be available in Europe?

 

[mhkeuns]

Will be interesting how Ultra Tour compares to the Blade 98 18x20 CV, as well as the Ultra 100 CV compares to the Burn 100 CV. It will also be interesting to see how the Ultra Tour without the CV feels compared to the Ultra 100 CV. Kind of wondering why the Tour version came without the CV technology. Perhaps it over dampened for the Tour version?

 

[mscream]

The Ultra Tour is the interesting one, for me at least. There seems to some kind of consensus of modern player's frames emerging. With the upcoming EZONE 98 there will a range of 305 g racquets with overall similar characteristics on the market, with the Ultra Tour and the upcoming EZONE 98 also having a very similar RA, which I assume appeals to a lot of people. Those two could be fierce competitors although the string pattern is different. Finally there are more options for players who do not want hollow RA 72 racquets. The lack of gimmicks should also make it a great platform for customization.

I assume a lot of people were waiting for the anticipated US Open releases before committing to buying new racquets. The Ultra Tour could actually be a contender.

 

[letplaytennis]

Would be great to see how it plays against my RF97A. In recent days I've been picking up my PS90 and still can't get past how great it is!

 

[AMGF]

Damn I missed the only playtest that I was truly interested in.

 

[TW Staff]

@RafaBabolat, if you made a mistake it is fine to send another email. We are just trying to avoid people sending in multiple emails for no reason.

@El_Yotamo, a hello or thank you is fine.

@ByakuFubuki, I know I sound like a broken record but we have brought it to our sister's company, TWE, attention several times and they aren't counting it out in the future. However, right now there are no immediate plans. I wish I had better news but don't give up!

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[Eichiro]

@RafaBabolat, if you made a mistake it is fine to send another email. We are just trying to avoid people sending in multiple emails for no reason.

@El_Yotamo, a hello or thank you is fine.

@ByakuFubuki, I know I sound like a broken record but we have brought it to our sister's company, TWE, attention several times and they aren't counting it out in the future. However, right now there are no immediate plans. I wish I had better news but don't give up!

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

I accidentally did the same thing as RafaBabolat, but sent 3 emails. Hope this doesn't disqualify me from being a potential playtester. I also hope that this post doesn't do that either.

 

[RafaBabolat]

@RafaBabolat, if you made a mistake it is fine to send another email.

Thanks for the reply! Very excited to see what is to come from the ultra line

 

[Doc Hollidae]

I wonder how the Ultra Tour will compare to the older 18x20 Radical's and the Pure Strike 2017 18x20. The decrease in flex would be welcomed vs. the Pure Strike.

 

[Devil_dog]

Local shop has both frames (not for sale yet) and I got a sneak peek at them. The Ultra Tour definitely has that classic look and feel. Someone wondered how it may compare to the RF97A - Fed's stick feels much heftier and for good reason: at least an ounce heavier. Don't know why but the UT also felt "long" to me like an extended frame or something but, of course, it isn't. The Ultra 100 CV feels like a more modern frame, a tad lighter than the Tour, felt somewhat similar to my current stick: Babolat Pure Aero. Or even the 2015 Pure Drive. Neither frame was strung up and so I didn't get to hit with them. As I mentioned before, I'd be really curious to see what the Countervail dampening and the "Power Rib" on the Ultra 100 CV will do for court performance. I don't recall if the TW playtesters even mentioned the "Power Rib" at all during their playtest. I may have to review the, uh, review once more!

 

[TennisHound]

@McLovin,

Either way works! We aren't picky. We just want it in that order with nothing extra.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Have y'all already notified everybody?

 

[n8dawg6]

I wonder how the Ultra Tour will compare to the older 18x20 Radical's and the Pure Strike 2017 18x20. The decrease in flex would be welcomed vs. the Pure Strike.

im curious to compare it to this touch speed pro that i caint quit

 

[TW Staff]

@TennisHound,

We will notify selected playtesters early next week.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[Doc Hollidae]

im curious to compare it to this touch speed pro that i caint quit

I haven't tried the Speed Pro Touch yet. Still playing with the Graphene Speed Pro. How do they compare?

I wish there were more 18x19 patterns though like the TFight 320.

 

[n8dawg6]

I haven't tried the Speed Pro Touch yet. Still playing with the Graphene Speed Pro. How do they compare?

I wish there were more 18x19 patterns though like the TFight 320.

ive played w all 3 "graphene" generations of the speed pro over the last 2 years. the touch is definitely my favorite. its underpowered and takes some adjustment. but strung up with a full bed of poly its just a fantastic all-court frame ... IF youre willing to play every point aggressively. i can get more spin with other frames but i cant beat the consistency i get with it swinging out on every shot, starting with the serve/return. its making me a believer in 18x20 patterns.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

ive played w all 3 "graphene" generations of the speed pro over the last 2 years. the touch is definitely my favorite. its underpowered and takes some adjustment. but strung up with a full bed of poly its just a fantastic all-court frame ... IF youre willing to play every point aggressively. i can get more spin with other frames but i cant beat the consistency i get with it swinging out on every shot, starting with the serve/return. its making me a believer in 18x20 patterns.

How's the power of the touch vs. Graphene?

 

[MixedMaster]

I'm hoping to get a chance to try the CV 100. Seems like it would be an excellent stick to compare to the Strike 100 I currently play with. I've been looking for a reason to try something new. Since I do my own stringing, I'm looking forward to maybe getting a chance to play around with the CV 100.

 

[n8dawg6]

How's the power of the touch vs. Graphene?

touch has less power. but higher RHS. theres a small but distinct difference. ive said it on here before ... theres always a tradeoff. but for me the touch is less clumsy and i can swing out and generate more spin as a result.

 

[vsbabolat]

i missed it bummer

 

[RafaBabolat]

Any possibility of a playtest of the Ultra Tour?

Wut...?

 

[loosegroove]

Any possibility of a playtest of the Ultra Tour?

I'm willing to bet a large sum of money on this happening.

 

[TennisHound]

@TennisHound,

We will notify selected playtesters early next week.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Awesome, Preciate it

 

[TennisHound]

ive played w all 3 "graphene" generations of the speed pro over the last 2 years. the touch is definitely my favorite. its underpowered and takes some adjustment. but strung up with a full bed of poly its just a fantastic all-court frame ... IF youre willing to play every point aggressively. i can get more spin with other frames but i cant beat the consistency i get with it swinging out on every shot, starting with the serve/return. its making me a believer in 18x20 patterns.

Cool, Good points,

 

[El_Yotamo]

Any possibility of a playtest of the Ultra Tour?

But... that's one of the playtests...

 

[vsbabolat]

But... that's one of the playtests...

Blurry eyed

 

[vsbabolat]

I blew that one

 

[fullwesternforehand]

Might sound like a dumb question, but after the playtest do the playtesters send back the racquet or do they get to keep it? Never been part of a racquet playtest which is why I am slightly confused, but nonetheless I am persistent and hope I get picked eventually!!

 

[ByakuFubuki]

[...]@ByakuFubuki, I know I sound like a broken record but we have brought it to our sister's company, TWE, attention several times and they aren't counting it out in the future. However, right now there are no immediate plans. I wish I had better news but don't give up!

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Thanks for your answer.

To be honest I'm feeling like a broken disk as well, because even if I never voiced it out before, I see that kind of comment in about every playtest thread. But I guess our chances increase if we speak out and show our will to test and review gear. Then of course, asking the American branch can only take us so far, but hopefully @TWE Staff will hear as well.

 

[El_Yotamo]

Might sound like a dumb question, but after the playtest do the playtesters send back the racquet or do they get to keep it? Never been part of a racquet playtest which is why I am slightly confused, but nonetheless I am persistent and hope I get picked eventually!!

Playtesters keep the racquet. Good luck!

 

[McLovin]

Might sound like a dumb question, but after the playtest do the playtesters send back the racquet or do they get to keep it? Never been part of a racquet playtest which is why I am slightly confused, but nonetheless I am persistent and hope I get picked eventually!!

Playtesters keep the racquet. Good luck!

Actually...the generic answer is 'it depends'. I've been selected for a few, and the majority request we send the racquet back when the playtest is complete. The only one I was able to keep was the Pure Drive playtest a few years ago. All others have been returned.

But, given the lack of 'playtesters will be given a box to return it in after completion' in the instructions, I'm guessing @El_Yotamo is correct for this one.

 

[El_Yotamo]

Actually...the generic answer is 'it depends'. I've been selected for a few, and the majority request we send the racquet back when the playtest is complete. The only one I was able to keep was the Pure Drive playtest a few years ago. All others have been returned.

But, given the lack of 'playtesters will be given a box to return it in after completion' in the instructions, I'm guessing @El_Yotamo is correct for this one.

Yeah I haven't seen that in more recent playtests the last couple of years.

 

[TW Staff]

@fullwesternforehand,

It depends on the playtest. This playtest the playtesters are able to keep the frame after.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[samprasbackhand]

@fullwesternforehand,

It depends on the playtest. This playtest the playtesters are able to keep the frame after.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Wow, that sounds great! Hopefully I get selected for the playtest seeing as the Ultra Tour seems like a good racquet for my game.

 

[tennisfan17]

im always a day late for these playtests maybe one day.

Can't wait to hear all the reviews!

 

[mhkeuns]

I thought it was interesting how Troy described the Ultra Tour:

Troy- "This Wilson Ultra Tour racquet reminded me of some of the older Head racquets I have hit with over the years. I found the feel to be somewhat similar to the Head YOUTEK IG Prestige MP and Liquidmetal Radical MP. The sweetspot on the Ultra Tour was bigger than those older Head midplus racquets and more similar to the Prince Tour 100 18x20 racquet."

If it has the similar feel of the beloved IGPMP with easier access to power, it should be a huge hit with players. However, though the reviewers said it felt plush, it sounds like it's less plush than the Blade 98 CV 18x20.

Was there a reason why the Tour version did not come with the Countervail technology?

 

[El_Yotamo]

I thought it was interesting how Troy described the Ultra Tour:

Troy- "This Wilson Ultra Tour racquet reminded me of some of the older Head racquets I have hit with over the years. I found the feel to be somewhat similar to the Head YOUTEK IG Prestige MP and Liquidmetal Radical MP. The sweetspot on the Ultra Tour was bigger than those older Head midplus racquets and more similar to the Prince Tour 100 18x20 racquet."

If it has the similar feel of the beloved IGPMP with easier access to power, it should be a huge hit with players. However, though the reviewers said it felt plush, it sounds like it's less plush than the Blade 98 CV 18x20.

Was there a reason why the Tour version did not come with the Countervail technology?

I believe they stayed away from CV on the Tour because they wanted to give it more of a "pure" feel. No bells and whistles means no bells and whistles, even ones which dampen vibrations.