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

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Late to the party, but how does these compare to the Blade Pros? Currently maining the BP 16x19 at 338SW.
I thought the BP felt more plush than the UP, subtle but there. Maybe it's how/where they flex, don't know not a scientist.
BP16M has a higher launch angle, more power, less precise.
I could not get my string and tension combo right with the BP either.
The launch and power of the BP 16x19 were not for me so I switched off. Always thought the 18M version might've been a good middle ground, but never picked one up.
UP16M pretty much does everything I want, no complaints.
 

gino

Legend
I thought the BP felt more plush than the UP, subtle but there. Maybe it's how/where they flex, don't know not a scientist.
BP16M has a higher launch angle, more power, less precise.
I could not get my string and tension combo right with the BP either.
The launch and power of the BP 16x19 were not for me so I switched off. Always thought the 18M version might've been a good middle ground, but never picked one up.
UP16M pretty much does everything I want, no complaints.

I’m pretty much right there with the differences between BP/h22 and UP/h19. I think h19 had a mid yolk flex like the prestige. H22 flexes upper yolk/ lower hoop like a radical to me…

Wilson BP layup is really powerful & can confirm 18M tames it’s power. Would say BP 18M the best players frame pound for pound out there, beautiful controllable power. If I served better with it, I’d never put it down.

UP/H19 home for prestige lovers but Wilson’s layup is a little less buttery than Some head layups, wilson up has a real nice throat flex though. Also the ultra pro comes through the air quicker than most frames I’ve ever used, a really whippy box beam
 
Tried both and Blade Pro is much stiffer and significantly more powerful. Too stiff for me. Doesn't have that classic plush control feel of the UP. Blade Pro is also not really similar to any other Blade version ever made. Obviously it's not a Blade mold, but it's also stiffer than pro stock H22s.
Bleadepro 16 x19 ..Put 1 x 10 cm lead tape strip on grips topside of b & 1 on grips bottom side . Underneath ur grip and bunh blutac in handle trapdoor & it plays ace.
 
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eric42

Semi-Pro
Bleadepro 16 x19 ..Put 1 x 10 cm lead tape strip on grips topside of b & 1 on grips bottom side . Underneath ur grip and bunh blutac in handle trapdoor & it plays ace.
I added weight to the handle, but prefer using silicone over lead. Gives it a slightly more damped and dense less hollow feel.
 
I added weight to the handle, but prefer using silicone over lead. Gives it a slightly more damped and dense less hollow feel.
I use Tier 1 duraflex at 48lbs. Silicon is prob better than lead but if urs is still to stiff add overgrip and lead strips under grip as well.. It will not b as stiff . Blutac in trapdoor if any more room. I like head heavy balance of Blade but u need 2 control with body as it does swing heavy . But it is a great racket. Ultra will b similar . I want 2 try 16 x 19 version that is hard 2 get. Out of rackers i tried i like shift 300g weilghed up and blade.
 

eric42

Semi-Pro
I use Tier 1 duraflex at 48lbs. Silicon is prob better than lead but if urs us still to stiff still add over grip and lead strips under grip as well.. It will not b as stiff . Blutac in trapdoor if any more room. I like head heavier balance Blade i need to control with body. It is heavy otherwise.
I just mean string type and tension being equivalent, the BP frame feels significantly stiffer than the UP to me. The UP RA feels similar to my pro-stock Blades....and those Blades feel softer than pro stock H22...and pro stock H22 feels softer than the Blade Pro. The BP is a nice frame IMO, just a lot different than anything that's ever had a Blade name on it. To me, its stiffness is more like a Radical Pro, but the BP is beefier and has more power.
 

Masato

New User
I used the Prestige Pro as an alternative to the UP (18/20) (UP is too expensive here) the other day. The Prestige Pro is a modern racquet with modern help, not at all like the old style racquets like the UP (18/20).

Has anyone tried the HEAD PRO TOUR 2.0?
 

Vicious49

Legend
I'm putting this out here first as I know a lot of you guys have been looking for grommets. I got rid of all my v3 UP 16/19 frames but still have 3 unused sets of grommets. I'm going to list them for $10 each plus whatever the actual cost of shipping is. I'm just looking to break even on them. I bought mine when the v3 came out and did open one of the packs recently to make sure it has 6 holes for the throat and it isn't the 18/20 grommet. Send me a PM if you're interested. Otherwise they should be up in the sales forum whenever I get around to it.
 
D

Deleted member 793875

Guest
How does the the 16x19 compare to the 18x20? I'm a pretty flat hitter I would say, but don't want to worry about getting no spin at all. I'm surprised with how much height I get with the Blade 18x20 at times, if that is helpful for a reference at all...
 

grungebob

Rookie
How does the the 16x19 compare to the 18x20? I'm a pretty flat hitter I would say, but don't want to worry about getting no spin at all. I'm surprised with how much height I get with the Blade 18x20 at times, if that is helpful for a reference at all...
kind of a tough and broad statement to try and answer but they're about what you would expect. 18 20 slices better, volleys better, easier for control; 16 19 has more net clearance and power. i personally don't have a blade for you to reference from.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
It's now available in USA but not in Canada. I currently play with the Artengo TR960CT LeGads and I love it. Since many has said that the LeGads is based on H19 or Ultra Pro 16x19, I'm wondering if it's worth the money and effort to get the UP v4. I'm located in Asia and I might need some friend or family who will be coming back from Canada to bring it but first, I have to buy from TW at $249 + $31 shipping fee + whatever tax there may be.
Or this cost and effort is not worth the upgrade (or change) from LeGads?
 

grungebob

Rookie
It's now available in USA but not in Canada. I currently play with the Artengo TR960CT LeGads and I love it. Since many has said that the LeGads is based on H19 or Ultra Pro 16x19, I'm wondering if it's worth the money and effort to get the UP v4. I'm located in Asia and I might need some friend or family who will be coming back from Canada to bring it but first, I have to buy from TW at $249 + $31 shipping fee + whatever tax there may be.
Or this cost and effort is not worth the upgrade (or change) from LeGads?
can people please stop using "LeGads" as a term and just use the string pattern? i beg
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
It's now available in USA but not in Canada. I currently play with the Artengo TR960CT LeGads and I love it. Since many has said that the LeGads is based on H19 or Ultra Pro 16x19, I'm wondering if it's worth the money and effort to get the UP v4. I'm located in Asia and I might need some friend or family who will be coming back from Canada to bring it but first, I have to buy from TW at $249 + $31 shipping fee + whatever tax there may be.
Or this cost and effort is not worth the upgrade (or change) from LeGads?
In my opinion the only ultra worth it is the 18x20.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
can people please stop using "LeGads" as a term and just use the string pattern? i beg
LoL... It's faster to type but I appreciate your input
In my opinion the only ultra worth it is the 18x20.
Care to elaborate? I haven't tried 18x20 pattern yet since no demo program in where I live. It's either you borrow from someone who owns or buy, love and keep it or hate and sell and lose money. It sucks
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
LoL... It's faster to type but I appreciate your input

Care to elaborate? I haven't tried 18x20 pattern yet since no demo program in where I live. It's either you borrow from someone who owns or buy, love and keep it or hate and sell and lose money. It sucks
The 16M just doesn’t have the same feel/power/plow through/control or really anything the 18M provides despite having them spec’d the same. One could argue the 16M has more spin potential but I didn’t notice a difference. Again this is just my thought but I know others share the same sentiment. Obviously others don’t as well.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
The 16M just doesn’t have the same feel/power/plow through/control or really anything the 18M provides despite having them spec’d the same. One could argue the 16M has more spin potential but I didn’t notice a difference. Again this is just my thought but I know others share the same sentiment. Obviously others don’t as well.
Thanks Josh. I see that you're also using blade v8 16m in your signature. How do you compare between those two rackets? Blade98 v8 16m vs UP 18m
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Thanks Josh. I see that you're also using blade v8 16m in your signature. How do you compare between those two rackets? Blade98 v8 16m vs UP 18m
Haven’t updated that in a while. I did enjoy the blade but it’s a little bit more muted with less of that classic feel of the ultra. Blade is more user friendly stock with less mods needed.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
The 16M just doesn’t have the same feel/power/plow through/control or really anything the 18M provides despite having them spec’d the same. One could argue the 16M has more spin potential but I didn’t notice a difference. Again this is just my thought but I know others share the same sentiment. Obviously others don’t as well.
@ivanjo I'll piggy back, a primary difference is trajectory. The balls are a little loopier with the 16M, but alot of this comes down to play style/strokes.
If you're a big topspinner, I'd say go with the 16M as it will probably be easier/complement your stroke more.
You do lose a bit of control with the 16M when you are really trying to paint lines. I also find finesse shots a bit more consistent with the 18M (slices, dropshots, etc.
The 16M is marginally easier to use and provides a bit more power.
There are subtle differences, but definitely differences
 

ivanjo

Rookie
@ivanjo I'll piggy back, a primary difference is trajectory. The balls are a little loopier with the 16M, but alot of this comes down to play style/strokes.
If you're a big topspinner, I'd say go with the 16M as it will probably be easier/complement your stroke more.
You do lose a bit of control with the 16M when you are really trying to paint lines. I also find finesse shots a bit more consistent with the 18M (slices, dropshots, etc.
The 16M is marginally easier to use and provides a bit more power.
There are subtle differences, but definitely differences
I do play with top spin but not extreme margin over the net. I tried Head Extreme MP once, I like the feel and crispness on impact and very easy to do topspin forehand but I dislike how loopy the ball becomes.

From your description, seems like that I should try the UP 18m instead. I'm more of all around player who likes to go to the net to score a point instead of staying on the baseline all the time.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
I do play with top spin but not extreme margin over the net. I tried Head Extreme MP once, I like the feel and crispness on impact and very easy to do topspin forehand but I dislike how loopy the ball becomes.

From your description, seems like that I should try the UP 18m instead. I'm more of all around player who likes to go to the net to score a point instead of staying on the baseline all the time.
I will say that if you’re not into using lead/tungsten tape to modify frames then you should probably avoid the ultra pro line altogether.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
I do play with top spin but not extreme margin over the net. I tried Head Extreme MP once, I like the feel and crispness on impact and very easy to do topspin forehand but I dislike how loopy the ball becomes.

From your description, seems like that I should try the UP 18m instead. I'm more of all around player who likes to go to the net to score a point instead of staying on the baseline all the time.
The UP is not crisp, it is a soft and flexible frame.
It is softer feeling then the TR960.
Honestly if you like the TR960, I'd say just stick with that.
I used the 16M TR960 for awhile and double the price for the UP isn't really worth it.
I use the UP because I already had one and then picked up a very nice used one from @JOSHL.
The TR960s weren't as widely available yet or I might have stuck with it.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
I will say that if you’re not into using lead/tungsten tape to modify frames then you should probably avoid the ultra pro line altogether.
Oh really? Is it because the swing weight is too low?
The UP is not crisp, it is a soft and flexible frame.
It is softer feeling then the TR960.
Honestly if you like the TR960, I'd say just stick with that.
I used the 16M TR960 for awhile and double the price for the UP isn't really worth it.
I use the UP because I already had one and then picked up a very nice used one from @JOSHL.
The TR960s weren't as widely available yet or I might have stuck with it.
You think so? How about TR960 16m vs Blade98 v8 16m?

TR960 is a nice frame and currently is my main choice out of a bunch, second the gravity mp. I just wonder since most would say UP is superior to the TR960 and I'm so curious about it. Given that I have to get it imported from the states, the cost may not be double to the TR960 but at least triple, yikes.. but blade98 is widely sold here, but if TR960 is better anyway, I'd skip blade as well.

Fyi, i know 'better' is different for everyone, I just ask your subjective opinion.
 
The UP is not crisp, it is a soft and flexible frame.
It is softer feeling then the TR960.
Honestly if you like the TR960, I'd say just stick with that.
I used the 16M TR960 for awhile and double the price for the UP isn't really worth it.
I use the UP because I already had one and then picked up a very nice used one from @JOSHL.
The TR960s weren't as widely available yet or I might have stuck with it.
Is it drastically different feeling than the ultra tour? Cause I don't care for the tour, pro sounds interesting
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Oh really? Is it because the swing weight is too low?

You think so? How about TR960 16m vs Blade98 v8 16m?

TR960 is a nice frame and currently is my main choice out of a bunch, second the gravity mp. I just wonder since most would say UP is superior to the TR960 and I'm so curious about it. Given that I have to get it imported from the states, the cost may not be double to the TR960 but at least triple, yikes.. but blade98 is widely sold here, but if TR960 is better anyway, I'd skip blade as well.

Fyi, i know 'better' is different for everyone, I just ask your subjective opinion.
I've never used the 16x19 Blade, so can't speak to that.

If you already like the TR960, stick with that. I doubt you'll find a noticeable improvement if you go to the UP.
The main difference is in feel. The UP has a slight bit more feedback and is a tiny bit more flexible feeling.
To buy a whole new UP and try to get it dialed in for you, probably isn't worth it.
I've written before that the differences between the two do not justify the price difference.
This is just my experience though, so if you're curious and have the extra money, go ahead. The V4 paintjob is gorgeous, I can say that
 
I've never used the 16x19 Blade, so can't speak to that.

If you already like the TR960, stick with that. I doubt you'll find a noticeable improvement if you go to the UP.
The main difference is in feel. The UP has a slight bit more feedback and is a tiny bit more flexible feeling.
To buy a whole new UP and try to get it dialed in for you, probably isn't worth it.
I've written before that the differences between the two do not justify the price difference.
This is just my experience though, so if you're curious and have the extra money, go ahead. The V4 paintjob is gorgeous, I can say that
But does the ultra pro have a very different feel than ultra tour?
 

GitarooJack

New User
How does the Ultra Pro 16x19 compare to the Pure Strike VS 16x20? I feel like they would be pretty similar despite the extra string.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
How does the Ultra Pro 16x19 compare to the Pure Strike VS 16x20? I feel like they would be pretty similar despite the extra string.
To me the feel was completely different. Both needed some mods to play better but the PSVS played more firm, but not really more powerful.
PSVS had a slightly lower trajectory, probably better for flat hitters.
Otherwise, they are pretty similar.
I preferred the softer feel of the UP.
The PSVS I had was very whippy, but also underspec.
 

eric42

Semi-Pro
How does the Ultra Pro 16x19 compare to the Pure Strike VS 16x20? I feel like they would be pretty similar despite the extra string.
Subjective, but I have both and to me the UP has a more dense, solid traditional flexy feel than the PSVS. The PSVS also has a soft flex, but they respond and feel very different. The PSVS has a more hollow feel and it seems like on impact the frame flexes a lot very quickly before suddenly stopping whereas the UP feels like it has a more smooth, even, and progressive flex. The UP needs weight added to the hoop to make the most of it, in which case its feel is probably about as close as you can get to the legendary PT57A/PT280/630 with a currently produced racquet. Very similar, but still not quite the same if mostly because lead in the hoop is no substitute for structural carbon fiber mass in the hoop like they had back in the day.
 

kingadam1985

New User
Has anyone bought UP 18x20 grommets from Tw? I read that wilson us mislabeled grommets. I live in europe and wilson europe doesn`t have ultra grommet so i would like to buy a couple from tw us. Just want to know if they send the correct ones.
 
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Hulger

Semi-Pro
The Ultra Pro v3 18x20 is the best-feeling frame I have ever used, by far. It's incredibly clean, and the level of stability and power it provides compared to its weight is astonishing. Unfortunately, it felt to me that it's only suited for an extremely aggressive playing style; it's quite challenging to carve the ball with a closed racquet head. I've heard that the v2 version has more flex, so it might be the ultimate tennis racquet if the feel is as pure as in the v3.

I haven't tried the 16x19 version either, but I suspect that the stiffer v3 and v4 would perform better in that string pattern if the mains are significantly wider from the center. If not, I suspect it might be too powerful to control.
 

grungebob

Rookie
Did wilson do their "fall into sports" sale again? I remember I regret not getting the 18 x 20 last year when they ran that.
I saw Dunlop is selling the CX racquets for $100. Anyone here try that? How does it compare to the ultra?
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Did wilson do their "fall into sports" sale again? I remember I regret not getting the 18 x 20 last year when they ran that.
I saw Dunlop is selling the CX racquets for $100. Anyone here try that? How does it compare to the ultra?
Absolutely worth $100
I have a CX200 Tour 18x20 and it is a great racquet.
Needs a little lead in the head, otherwise it plays slightly unstable and low-powered, but very fast in stock form.
They have great feel and pretty good spin for a 95, 18x20 combo.
I wasn't looking to switch to it, juat had a 50% dunlop code to use several years ago.
 

grungebob

Rookie
Absolutely worth $100
I have a CX200 Tour 18x20 and it is a great racquet.
Needs a little lead in the head, otherwise it plays slightly unstable and low-powered, but very fast in stock form.
They have great feel and pretty good spin for a 95, 18x20 combo.
I wasn't looking to switch to it, juat had a 50% dunlop code to use several years ago.
i'm tempted. i still feel like i should demo them first
 

ivanjo

Rookie
So my UP 16m has arrived with specs below

Weight: 304.8 with plastic handle still intact. I guess it's underweight a little bit and I can live with that
Balance: 31cm --> manual measuring without balance board

No idea about the swing weight, I hope it's not above the spec.

This is my first wilson racket and it seems the grip is a bit bigger than Head and Artengo but I'm liking the butt flare there.
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
So my UP 16m has arrived with specs below

Weight: 304.8 with plastic handle still intact. I guess it's underweight a little bit and I can live with that
Balance: 31cm --> manual measuring without balance board

No idea about the swing weight, I hope it's not above the spec.

This is my first wilson racket and it seems the grip is a bit bigger than Head and Artengo but I'm liking the butt flare there.
The base grip compresses a lot after you use it for a while.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
So my UP 16m has arrived with specs below

Weight: 304.8 with plastic handle still intact. I guess it's underweight a little bit and I can live with that
Balance: 31cm --> manual measuring without balance board

No idea about the swing weight, I hope it's not above the spec.

This is my first wilson racket and it seems the grip is a bit bigger than Head and Artengo but I'm liking the butt flare there.
Underweight won't hurt anything with this platform because you'll need to mod it anyway, and I seriously doubt it's above spec on SW. Some of the older UTs were, but I've not run across any UPs (either pattern) that were.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
Woohooo... It's indeed the best PJ I've ever seen in a racket. Btw, what string setup works best for you all? I have a brushing stroke for a forehand

Btw, I don't see the grip size on the buttcap, only a sticker on the throat of the racket. Is that a pro lab thing or a wilson thing? I have grip size written on the buttcap with yonex, artengo and head rackets, i think babolat does it too
 
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ivanjo

Rookie
Absolutely worth $100
I have a CX200 Tour 18x20 and it is a great racquet.
Needs a little lead in the head, otherwise it plays slightly unstable and low-powered, but very fast in stock form.
They have great feel and pretty good spin for a 95, 18x20 combo.
I wasn't looking to switch to it, juat had a 50% dunlop code to use several years ago.
I see TW has CX200 tour 18m grip size #2 on back order for $100 but no grip size #2 on 16m tour. Do it tennis has CX200 98sqin 16m grip size #2 for the same price. Not that I need another new racket but for a $100, I don't think it will hurt much. Which one would be good to buy?

So far my collection:
Head Gravity MP
Artengo TR960CT
Wilson UP v4 16m (just arrived)
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
I see TW has CX200 tour 18m grip size #2 on back order for $100 but no grip size #2 on 16m tour. Do it tennis has CX200 98sqin 16m grip size #2 for the same price. Not that I need another new racket but for a $100, I don't think it will hurt much. Which one would be good to buy?

So far my collection:
Head Gravity MP
Artengo TR960CT
Wilson UP v4 16m (just arrived)
I'd buy one of each.
On a serious note, though, I've never used the regular CX200 or the 16M 200 Tour, only the 18x20.
All of them need a little weight for power and stability. I know people who used the regular CX200 and really liked it. Obviously it's the most forgiving and easiet to use.
Since the Artengo is 98 and UP 97, maybe go with the regular CX200 instead of the Tour models.
 
I thought the BP felt more plush than the UP, subtle but there. Maybe it's how/where they flex, don't know not a scientist.
BP16M has a higher launch angle, more power, less precise.
I could not get my string and tension combo right with the BP either.
The launch and power of the BP 16x19 were not for me so I switched off. Always thought the 18M version might've been a good middle ground, but never picked one up.
UP16M pretty much does everything I want, no complaints.
Agree with BP 18 is a controlled laser cannon. I want to try UP but I don't have any spare fund (next racket I want to have is Solinco WO XTD 18, which is said to be very similar to BP)
 

ivanjo

Rookie
I'd buy one of each.
On a serious note, though, I've never used the regular CX200 or the 16M 200 Tour, only the 18x20.
All of them need a little weight for power and stability. I know people who used the regular CX200 and really liked it. Obviously it's the most forgiving and easiet to use.
Since the Artengo is 98 and UP 97, maybe go with the regular CX200 instead of the Tour models.
Interesting suggestions, why do you suggest the regular CX200 16m instead of the Tour 18m? I just hit briefly with a Head Speed Pro (18m of course) and I find it's easier to use than my Head Gravity MP. Speed Pro 18m seems to have higher launch angle than the Gravity MP 16x20. But I find Percept 100D is even lower launch angle than the GMP.

About the $100 dunlop racket, I actually was hoping TW has the tour 16m in grip #2 but unfortunately they don't. So still battling between tour 18m or CX200 16m. Seems a waste of chance to not get this one

Oh about buying both, let's keep the peace in the marriage intact. As much as I want to get both, it's wise to just buy 1 since I just buy the UP
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Interesting suggestions, why do you suggest the regular CX200 16m instead of the Tour 18m? I just hit briefly with a Head Speed Pro (18m of course) and I find it's easier to use than my Head Gravity MP. Speed Pro 18m seems to have higher launch angle than the Gravity MP 16x20. But I find Percept 100D is even lower launch angle than the GMP.

About the $100 dunlop racket, I actually was hoping TW has the tour 16m in grip #2 but unfortunately they don't. So still battling between tour 18m or CX200 16m. Seems a waste of chance to not get this one

Oh about buying both, let's keep the peace in the marriage intact. As much as I want to get both, it's wise to just buy 1 since I just buy the UP
Well I already said, the regular CX200 is more in line with the other racquets you already have.
The 18M Tour would be an outlier and harder to use. Thin beam, 95 sqin and 18x20, very low powered.
Speed Pro has alot of power and is 100sqin with 18x20
Gravity MP also decently powerful also 100sqin
100D is probably least powerful of the three, but nothing like the 18M Tour.
Gravity can be tricky because the head shape, not everyone gets along with it.
Ultimately, you'll buy the one you think you want, but the logical choice, to me because you asked me, is the regular CX200.
 

ivanjo

Rookie
Well I already said, the regular CX200 is more in line with the other racquets you already have.
The 18M Tour would be an outlier and harder to use. Thin beam, 95 sqin and 18x20, very low powered.
Speed Pro has alot of power and is 100sqin with 18x20
Gravity MP also decently powerful also 100sqin
100D is probably least powerful of the three, but nothing like the 18M Tour.
Gravity can be tricky because the head shape, not everyone gets along with it.
Ultimately, you'll buy the one you think you want, but the logical choice, to me because you asked me, is the regular CX200.
Well explained and well taken. Let's do that... Thanks @Chairman3
 
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