Wilson Blade Pro (16X19) VS Ultra Pro (16X19)

[pfrischmann]

Hi guys,
I know these sticks are pretty new but I thought I'd ask any way. I'm hearing the Blade pro is an H-22 mold and the Ultra Pro is an H-19. I have no idea if that is accurate.

I loved the ultra tour but needed a little more pop and spin. I hated the new blades with the Clash technology etc. I wonder in anyone can rank these two for Power, spin and feel.

De we know the stiffness on these. Wilson lists them but it almost looks like a typo. They list the Blade Pro as 7.2mm and the Ultra Pro (16X19) as 6.4mm Is that the flex meaning a lower number is stiffer?

If so, at face value, I would think the Ultra Pro has more power (thicker beam, stiffer)

Has Anyone managed to hit with both?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Hi guys,
I know these sticks are pretty new but I thought I'd ask any way. I'm hearing the Blade pro is an H-22 mold and the Ultra Pro is an H-19. I have no idea if that is accurate.

I loved the ultra tour but needed a little more pop and spin. I hated the new blades with the Clash technology etc. I wonder in anyone can rank these two for Power, spin and feel.

De we know the stiffness on these. Wilson lists them but it almost looks like a typo. They list the Blade Pro as 7.2mm and the Ultra Pro (16X19) as 6.4mm Is that the flex meaning a lower number is stiffer?

If so, at face value, I would think the Ultra Pro has more power (thicker beam, stiffer)

Has Anyone managed to hit with both?

Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul, go to the Wilson Pro Labs thread or the individual Blade Pro or Ultra Pro threads. All the info is there.

Hope that helps

 

[Artreddy]

Hi Paul, go to the Wilson Pro Labs thread or the individual Blade Pro or Ultra Pro threads. All the info is there.

Hope that helps

I thought the OP said Wilson already lists the stiffness in the numbers, but his question is which is more powerful given higher stiffness on UP.

@pfrischmann I am getting mine in a few days and I can compare.

 

[pfrischmann]

Thanks,
I'm reading through the threads. The Ultra has a thicker beam all the way around. =more powerful. The Blade Pro has a larger head size which may equal things out. No ide on the stiffness of either... I called Wilson and they didn't even know the stiffness ratings were on there, even if they are weird.

 

[Tommy Haas]

Wilson's web site doesn't list stiffness or what we commonly refer to as the RA. They certainly have the machines to measure it, but probably think that spec would confuse consumers or maybe even deter potential customers. The ironic thing is that these racquets are marketed as pro stock, so we'd know and care about the frame's flex.

I've only seen a few reports sprinkled here and there regarding the BP and UP's flex and they seem to be in the low to mid 60s. That's on par with typical retail frames, maybe a little lower. I'm hoping more people report in and we'll see numbers in the mid to upper 50s.

Certain people here will knock on you for questioning this. I have no skin in the game. I'm an advanced player and know what specs I like. I like to feel flex at the throat in the upper mid 50s range. If these pro lab racquets don't meet that criteria, I'll continue looking, but won't discourage anyone else from trying them. I don't want to upset the others here who are fully invested in these new Wilson sticks.

 

[Artreddy]

Blade Pro specs Official from Wilson Website

It does list stiffness in terms of mm, which is Wilson way of measuring

Product SKU(s)	WR059811U3, WR059811U2, WR059811U1, WR059811U4
Cross Section	21.5MM Flat Beam
Head Size	98 sq in
String Pattern	18x20
Unstrung Balance	32.5CM/6 Pts HL
Series	Blade
Unstrung Weight	305 g
Length	27 in - 68.6 cm
Player Type	Avid Competitor
Stiffness (rating)	7.2 mm
Stiffness (Rating)	7.2 mm
Age Group	Adult

 

[Artreddy]

Blade Pro specs Official from Wilson Website

It does list stiffness in terms of mm, which is Wilson way of measuring

Product SKU(s)	WR059811U3, WR059811U2, WR059811U1, WR059811U4
Cross Section	21.5MM Flat Beam
Head Size	98 sq in
String Pattern	18x20
Unstrung Balance	32.5CM/6 Pts HL
Series	Blade
Unstrung Weight	305 g
Length	27 in - 68.6 cm
Player Type	Avid Competitor
Stiffness (rating)	7.2 mm
Stiffness (Rating)	7.2 mm
Age Group	Adult

Ultra Pro Spec:

• Product SKU(s)	WR065411U4, WR065411U1, WR065411U3, WR065411U2
  Cross Section	20.6 FB
  Head Size	97 sq in
  String Pattern	16x19
  Unstrung Balance	31.5CM/9 Pts HL
  Series	Ultra
  Unstrung Weight	305 g
  Length	27 in - 68.6 cm
  Player Type	Avid Competitor
  Stiffness (rating)	6.4 mm
  Stiffness (Rating)	6.4 mm
  Age Group	Adult

*Pros often customize the rac

 

[Artreddy]

Also I can tell you this, I have a Blade Pro 16x20 and a Ultra Tour 18x20 = Ultra Pro 18x20, my opponents tell me the ball I hit UT is much more powerful than the BP. But I love the 16x19 and its flexibility

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I thought the OP said Wilson already lists the stiffness in the numbers, but his question is which is more powerful given higher stiffness on UP.

@pfrischmann I am getting mine in a few days and I can compare.

He was asking about the SI rating they put in their information... as it isn't comparable with the RA stiffness... and therefore the OP was confused as to the actual RA of the racquets.

Most people find the BP more powerful than the UP... but it all comes down to what you do with the racquet and the mods you implement.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Ultra Pro Spec:

• Product SKU(s)	WR065411U4, WR065411U1, WR065411U3, WR065411U2
  Cross Section	20.6 FB
  Head Size	97 sq in
  String Pattern	16x19
  Unstrung Balance	31.5CM/9 Pts HL
  Series	Ultra
  Unstrung Weight	305 g
  Length	27 in - 68.6 cm
  Player Type	Avid Competitor
  Stiffness (rating)	6.4 mm
  Stiffness (Rating)	6.4 mm
  Age Group	Adult

*Pros often customize the rac

What the OP was asking is how the Wilson SI ratings in mm convert to the more commonly used RA measurement. I was trying to tell him that this was covered by several posters in the other threads... That's all.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Wilson's web site doesn't list stiffness or what we commonly refer to as the RA. They certainly have the machines to measure it, but probably think that spec would confuse consumers or maybe even deter potential customers. The ironic thing is that these racquets are marketed as pro stock, so we'd know and care about the frame's flex.

I've only seen a few reports sprinkled here and there regarding the BP and UP's flex and they seem to be in the low to mid 60s. That's on par with typical retail frames, maybe a little lower. I'm hoping more people report in and we'll see numbers in the mid to upper 50s.

Certain people here will knock on you for questioning this. I have no skin in the game. I'm an advanced player and know what specs I like. I like to feel flex at the throat in the upper mid 50s range. If these pro lab racquets don't meet that criteria, I'll continue looking, but won't discourage anyone else from trying them. I don't want to upset the others here who are fully invested in these new Wilson sticks.

Completely agree with you... the racquets either work for you (the individual) or not... which doesn't make them good or bad, just not right for those that don't enjoy them and right for those that do.

It's all individual. I'm not a Head person, or a Wilson person, etc... just searching for racquets that I find to play well (for me).

 

[Artreddy]

I understand your point @Classic-TXP-IG MID and I am not against it. The OP question comes back to a) are the numbers given by Wilson in specs correct b if so, lower number on UP mean something it’s little stiffer than BP?
If the spec numbers listed by Wilson are correct, yes lower number mean less flexible from Handle to weight at head of the racket as shown by the video from Wilson.

How it plays is a different story! We will know in few days but definitely Wilson customer service can’t explain, they are not that pros.

On the RA here is my opinion:
All I am saying is, just because Babolat introduced RA doesn’t mean all should follow it; it became a common number because Babolat RDC machine is popular and not many other machines are out there. Wilson measurements do follow RA trends (many posts here prove that). Also see how Wilson measures this stiffness on this video

- I see this as the most scientifically explained than Babolat RDC which is very cryptic to me, so far I have not seen how the RA numbers get derived. Unless Babolat publishes it, why would other companies follow and list them, its a different topic though!

 

[topspn]

Yes, Wilson has a different system for measurement which is SI as video above shows. Based on RDC measurements so far on the BP thread, it seems strung RA for BP is around 62 and from playing the BP, it certainly makes sense to me at least. I am not sure if anyone has posted RDC numbers for the Ultra yet. The Ultra does have a thinner beam so that is part of the influences to power and stability as well. I have the BP 16M and it certainly doesn’t lack power in my view.

 

[Dragy]

Utras also have lower SW in stock form than BPs, which contributes to lower power before mods.

 

[pfrischmann]

SW doesn't matter to me. In fact I think it's an advantage as it gives me more room to customize. So we will never know the layup difference. I'm not sure I'd understand it if you told me. The UP has a thicker beam and is stiffer but has a smaller head size. the BP has a thinner beam and is less stiff with a 1" large head size.

I'd say I would buy both but I'm probably going to get lynched by the wife for buying either of these (oh but I will anyway!) Buying both would surely be an act of war. LOL.

 

[Dragy]

SW doesn't matter to me. In fact I think it's an advantage as it gives me more room to customize. So we will never know the layup difference. I'm not sure I'd understand it if you told me. The UP has a thicker beam and is stiffer but has a smaller head size. the BP has a thinner beam and is less stiff with a 1" large head size.

I'd say I would buy both but I'm probably going to get lynched by the wife for buying either of these (oh but I will anyway!) Buying both would surely be an act of war. LOL.

Actually, UP has thinner beam...

 

[pfrischmann]

Oh your right. it's only 20.6mm VS 21.5 on the BP...

 

[Artreddy]

I got my UP and now I am comparing with blade pro. This is a simpler writing than what I would like to type, hoping this would be useful to you.
This is definitely more powerful when compared with BP same strings, same tension. UP racket feel is 95% similar to Ultra Tour 18x20 but feels much more softer than Ultra Tour. But felt like this one lacks twist weight (although i have not measured) or I should say it is more head light and lighter feel than blade pro. Blade pro in stock you could just go and play, but UP not so much in my opinion. I may have to put lead at 3/9 or may be at 10/2. Similar to Ultra Tour, this needs modifications, but blade pro not so much. In terms of flexibility, I do feel this is soft and buttery as UT, but felt blade to be more flexible (I dont have RA numbers yet). It may be because of the different positions of flex on the racket. I will have another session tonight and I will write a bit more.

---

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Played both BP 16x19 and UP 16x19 last night. I have my impressions on both specific BP and UP threads, so I won't repeat myself too much.

Briefly, they both played well.

The BP was strung too tight (my fault as I had to try and gauge what tension to try it at), but was still very comfortable. It had great control and spin, I could hit all my shots, I served well with it and could place the ball well throughout the service box, and there was plenty of power on tap. This will all improve further as the racquet loses a bit of tension (or when I re-string it next time at a lower tension). I will need more time to adjust to this racquet (all me and my preferences and comfort zones) compared to the UP 16x19 (which is more my normal preference when it comes to balance and feel, etc).

The UP was excellent from the get-go and is more what I'm used to, so it had an unfair advantage. It did everything well, but I will have to do a back-to-back comparison with my UT 18x20 for exact differences. Both are plush, with both I could hit a full array of shots, but the UP produces spin more easily, has a higher launch angle (but still no issue), and more inherent power. I suspect that the UT 18x20 is more precise and re-directs shots a fraction better. All this is expected when the different string patterns are considered.

All-in-all, both racquets (BP and UP) are brilliant and I can't wait to play with them next time. The UP 16x19 is closer to my natural preferences (balance, how it flexes, feel, etc), and therefore, the BP will require more work on my part to achieve the same degree of comfort. This is all down to me though. Both racquets are excellent.

 

[Ryanblessed]

What I really feel is UP 16x19 is a bit firmer than BP 16x19, matching Ws measurements. Same string, UP is 2 lb lower.

 

[Deleted member 766578]

.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

What I really feel is UP 16x19 is a bit firmer than BP 16x19, matching Ws measurements. Same string, UP is 2 lb lower.

They flex in different areas so to me the UP felt softer as it had what felt like a uniform flex, while the BP had a firmer head which gave it a different feel at impact. My BP was strung a little too tight though, so I may have a different impression once the tension drops or I re-string at a lower tension next time around.

 

[Ryanblessed]

They flex in different areas so to me the UP felt softer as it had what felt like a uniform flex, while the BP had a firmer head which gave it a different feel at impact. My BP was strung a little too tight though, so I may have a different impression once the tension drops or I re-string at a lower tension next time around.

Agreed there is extra stiffness and weight at the tip of BP. To me, I don't even feel the throat of UP is softer. Not sure if it's QC or sth else. Do we have an average stiffness number of UP.

 

[pfrischmann]

I got my UP and now I am comparing with blade pro. This is a simpler writing than what I would like to type, hoping this would be useful to you.
This is definitely more powerful when compared with BP same strings, same tension. UP racket feel is 95% similar to Ultra Tour 18x20 but feels much more softer than Ultra Tour. But felt like this one lacks twist weight (although i have not measured) or I should say it is more head light and lighter feel than blade pro. Blade pro in stock you could just go and play, but UP not so much in my opinion. I may have to put lead at 3/9 or may be at 10/2. Similar to Ultra Tour, this needs modifications, but blade pro not so much. In terms of flexibility, I do feel this is soft and buttery as UT, but felt blade to be more flexible (I dont have RA numbers yet). It may be because of the different positions of flex on the racket. I will have another session tonight and I will write a bit more.

---

Thanks for responding. This is great information!

 

[Artreddy]

Finally I could do measurements on my UP and BP

Ultra Pro:
SW: 312
RA: 61 (Compared to Wilson 6.4 mm SI rating)


BLADE Pro:
SW:348
RA:60 (Compared to Wilson 7.1mm SI rating)

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. Please ignore my bad gripping and taping

 

[Zoolander]

Finally I could do measurements on my UP and BP

Ultra Pro:
SW: 312
RA: 61 (Compared to Wilson 6.4 mm SI rating)


BLADE Pro:
SW:348
RA:60 (Compared to Wilson 7.1mm SI rating)

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. Please ignore my bad gripping and taping

Nice work! I am surprised at peole saying the UP feels firmer than their BP. Im very bad at judging flex but my BP feels more like a 64RA or so racquet.... my UT def feels flexier so i should buy a UP 16*19 to compare.

 

[Dishiki]

Any updates on comparison for those that have both? I have an RF 97 and I still cannot dial in my volleys but my groundstrokes are the best they have been. Was deciding if a UP or a Blade pro might be the next thing to try.