Wilson Pro Labs: Ultra Pro (16x19) Official Thread
- Thread starter zettavaska
- Start date
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Why are you comparing the EZone (Power racquet) with the Ultra (Ultra control oriented)??? Maybe the balance makes you feel that the head is heavier on the ezone. Obviously just from the balance of each racquets they will feel different in hand and game. You can consider checking the balance and swingweight of each to find the right answer
rooski
Professional
These indeed are very different racquets. In addition to what was said above, the UP is designed to be significantly customized (true platform frame) so it starts off pretty light...whereas the ez98 is pretty decent in stock form. Comparing these racquets bone stock is probably not what you want to do. The Blade Pro is probably more comparable to the ez98 than the UP IMO.
tophersuwita
Rookie
How is the racket compared to Pure Strike VS?
Much better
More solid feeling, much more flexible/soft, more feedback.
VS probably has a little better directional control but also a lower launch angle.
Both need some weight to play better. I playtested the VS when it was released, then tried it again recently for a couple months, just couldn't get it to work for me and really wanted it to be my racquet.
So my "much better" is obviously subjective and if you like Babolats you'd probably like the VS. It just has too much Bab DNA for me.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Can you elaborate a bit in this comparison? I've been using the VS for close to 2 years and I'm getting a bit upset by the grommets (Been too soft) and the overall quality of the frame BUT! I'm thinking if I change to the Ultra I will lose some power from the racquet but get a bit more feedback. I'm just considering everything. Thanks
tophersuwita
Rookie
I actually hate Babolat, but the PSVS particularly very sleek and plush. I also kind of like Strike 16x20 but we have no "special" connection. My rackets before that: Ezone 98 Tour, Prince ATS 98, Blade Pro 18x20, etc but no Babolat.
I once read somewhere in this forum that the VS is an easier Ultra Pro. So even I fall in love with their paintjob, I want to justify that they are different enough to be an investment
I once read somewhere in this forum that the VS is an easier Ultra Pro. So even I fall in love with their paintjob, I want to justify that they are different enough to be an investment
Sure, if there's anything specific let me know as well.
The UP definitely will give more feedback than the VS. You will lose a little power but the feel from the UP is much more satisfying. I also never found the VS to be so much more powerful. It is pretty slight in stock form and doesn't have the power like normal Strikes either.
Someone described the upper hoop of the VS as being stiff, and I agree. In stock form, there's no power up there, kind of dead feeling or it feels a little hollow. I'd also use the age-old "tinny" kind of feel to characterize the VS, overall.
The UP just feels smoother and cleaner. I understand there isn't power outside the sweetspot but it also won't feel as "rough."
What I did like of the VS was how whippy and fast it was.
This can be true of the UP depending how you mod it.
I tried lead in varying amounts and locations on the VS and just couldn't get anything to work. For me, I just never meshed with it, so I decided it wasn't to be. I could simply pick up other racquets and play better.
Shame because the frame is a looker and I was sure it would be the perfect, microscopic middle ground between the 18x20 and 16x19 Ultra Pro's.
Again, pretty subjective, I was accustomed to the feel of the UP and the VS couldn't compete.
tophersuwita
Rookie
Slightly out of topic, how much of truth you (and other UP users here) find in this statement, "In modern tennis, it's much more efficient to control power rackets than to power up control rackers"
Imo in certain level of play, if you cannot control power rackets then you lack proper topspin technique. But I really (and I mean really) hate the stiffness and thick beam of such rackets, and I seem to have massive low penetrating topspin with my VS (and Ultra Tour 95 Japan with 16x20 pattern too).
Nevertheless, I kinda miss easy plow and effortless stroke of power rackets in lazy friendship rally
Imo in certain level of play, if you cannot control power rackets then you lack proper topspin technique. But I really (and I mean really) hate the stiffness and thick beam of such rackets, and I seem to have massive low penetrating topspin with my VS (and Ultra Tour 95 Japan with 16x20 pattern too).
Nevertheless, I kinda miss easy plow and effortless stroke of power rackets in lazy friendship rally
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Actually I always felt the "tiny feel" in the upper part of the racquet, but I really like the other parts of the racquet I will try to find one and try to see if the 16x19 might be suitable for me. Thanks for the detailed feedback
I got a second hand UP 16 19. I immediately noticed that it's way more oblong and oval than my own. I'm assuming that it's because the crosses were strung very tightly compared to the mains. Is this warping something to be concerned about or will it go away with future stringings?
the most noticeable thing is that the one i got second-hand is "taller" than my other one.
i was wondering if folks here could help me with this issue. i am consistently noticing that after i string my racquets they end up looking shorter and rounder than when i have it strung by a company (e.g. tw or direct from manufacturer). i am having the same issue with my dunlop cx 200 tour and even though i'm using the same string as when tw strung it for me (head hawk power, which i absolutely loved) i notice that i am shanking more on "reach" shots and shots towards the top of the hoop. i strung it and it looks super round now. i use a cheap gamma two point drop weight machine. normally i string the mains and crosses the same tension, but maybe i need to go up by two lbs for crosses?
Going to be hard to beat this V4 paintjob.
Blade went from a forest green to emerald, so maybe they are going with a brighter blue?
it's just going to be a police cop
ivanjo
Rookie
Let's bring this thread, I hope everyone is still using the UP.
I'm still finding a hybrid string combo for my UP 16m and maybe you guys can show some light to what you prefer.
Dislike: I used to like Yonex PTPY on my eZone at 50lbs and since I play hybrid with other rackets including the UP with poly on main @ 46lbs and multi on cross @ 50lbs, I strung PTPY fullbed at 46-48 and I hated it. It's so trampoliney but not too much power when I want it and so pinging.
I stocked up on Head Velocity MLT packs when TW has it on sale but still shopping around for the poly on main.
I tried TF X-One Biphase hybrid and loved it but can't afford restring it too often with it that's why I bought MLT on sale.
So... What do you recommend string combo for my UP?
I'm still finding a hybrid string combo for my UP 16m and maybe you guys can show some light to what you prefer.
Dislike: I used to like Yonex PTPY on my eZone at 50lbs and since I play hybrid with other rackets including the UP with poly on main @ 46lbs and multi on cross @ 50lbs, I strung PTPY fullbed at 46-48 and I hated it. It's so trampoliney but not too much power when I want it and so pinging.
I stocked up on Head Velocity MLT packs when TW has it on sale but still shopping around for the poly on main.
I tried TF X-One Biphase hybrid and loved it but can't afford restring it too often with it that's why I bought MLT on sale.
So... What do you recommend string combo for my UP?
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Try to run a synthetic hybrid. Really liking OG sheep and cyberflash in the mains
why specifically do you want to use a hybrid
Tom Goehring
Rookie
I've used the Ultra Tour 18x20 since 2017. First off, WILSON specs are all over the place model with this model . I put 5 grams of silicone in the handle then got the swing weight up with lead (I like a 320 SW, use my Briffidi swing weight tool) got my balance to 10 HL and 333 static weight and it became a different racquet. I use a Gut main and Poly cross (Square sharp profile to get some bight) and it plays amazing. When Demoing the 16x19 it felt really stiff, silicone and lead will help a lot with this. If you bought the racquet from TW they will beef it up to the specs you like. Lots of guys lead the hell out of these things, I have a 1hbh so 320 sw is where I'm comfortable. I'm a 4.5 racquet tech so I enjoy messing around with platform frames like this.
ivanjo
Rookie
I really like the head light balance on this racket that swing fast. So I only add a little bit of lead tape on 10 & 2 without knowing the swing weight. Unfortunately no access to that SW tool in where I live.
Assuming I can swap the main on your setup with multifilament, maybe a round poly on cross, how's the launch angle and spin with this setup?
I tried lynx tour fullbed and I don't like how it felt and so low powered. I enjoy more plushness of the multi string and need ball bite for spin
i ultimately ended up sticking more with the 18 x 20 than the 16 x 19 despite thinking i would switch in 2022. in the 16 x 19 i've used full beds of 4G and Tru Pro Black Knight, and then i hybrided the two after they each broke from one-piece stringing, and it was decent. my friend really wants me to try restring zero so i'm going to string up the 16 x 19 again soon with that.
16 x 19 racquets tend to be more sensitive i feel to the string you choose it seems.
ivanjo
Rookie
I never tried 18x20 pattern yet and this UP 16x19 has a really low launch angle it seems. I'm not sure if I would like the 18x20 because generally it has an even lower launch angle compared to the 16x19. Do you think otherwise?
Some said that the racket is too advance for my level but it really gels with me compared to other rackets that I have and I've tried so far. My backup racket ends up to be Dunlop CX200 2021 version but it has more head heavy balance.
I loved the Artengo TR960CT 16m before I got the UP. But now, I can't play well with it somehow. Thinking of selling the Artengo, but that's a different story.
Tom Goehring
Rookie
True Pro black night is such a great string. Restring Zero is also really great. For some reason my arm reacts to BN in a bad way. Doesn't feel stiff but must be due to my wrist pain. You might try Head Lynx Tour 18Ga (It's 1.20, which most call 17ga)
Tom Goehring
Rookie
Seeing the type of racquets you enjoy, you might try the Dunlop Aerogel 300, you can pick them up on the Bay quite reasonable, even brand new. Better feel then all of the racquets you listed. Higher quality graphite. Amazing on serve. The 4D version is a bit stiffer on par with your UP. Tennisnerd has a classic racquet review on you tube about it.
ivanjo
Rookie
Interesting... It's my first time hearing that racket (I'm considerably new, maybe that's why). Thanks mate...
the 18 x 20 does indeed have a very low launch. i ended up wishing there was an in-between of the 18 x 20 and 16 x 19, so i actually purchased 18 g string and 15 g string and will see if either helps me find something more in the middle
UP 18x19??
Has anyone tried restring zero in this racquet? How did it go? I've usually gone with Tru Pro Black Knight 16 at 60 lbs but my friend has been wanting me to try out restring zero 16 so i'm planning on trying it out at 60 lbs as well.
I'm also considering trying a 15g, likely Tru Pro Pure Rush, to see if I can get the launch a little flatter.
I'm also considering trying a 15g, likely Tru Pro Pure Rush, to see if I can get the launch a little flatter.
If you're doing 60 lbs and still find the launch angle too high, you may need to consider a different racquet.
I never found the angle to be particularly high unless I strung really low (sub-45lbs) or my string had lost tension, even with 17 or 18g.
Shaped strings do tend to add some launch so maybe try round poly.
Razor soft would be a good option if you're looking for minimal lift/flatter trajectory.
Ultimately the 16 x 19 isn't my go-to racquet, especially as I'm focusing more on doubles lately. I'm sticking more to the 18 x 20 and the Dunlop CX 200 18 x 20 nowadays.
That makes sense, and I did not mean any offense, so hopefully you didn't take it that way.
none taken! i have actual haters to deal with that aren't here so don't worry haha
i am going to try this racquet again with the restring zero at 16 and then probably try the 18 x 20 with an 18 gauge string. i always end up wanting something in between the two
Definitely consider a round poly.
I think that could help with the launch angle.
Something on the firmer side as well.
yeah so far restring zero had good power but i found it slightly unpredictable in this frame. maybe restring sync would be better but i have so many other strings to try anyway right now.
ivanjo
Rookie
I tried zero + velocity mlt hybrid and did not like it. I'm more of a round poly with multi hybrid so I switch back to Head Hawk Power + Velocity MLT now and it feels so good. I'm now selling my remaining Zero to friends.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Fall of 2025
They only change the paintjob.
If you like the V4 and it's on sale IMO you should stock up. Not sure if the pro labs change at all between versions, but even if they did it would simply be different, not better - as with any iteration. Newer is not better, you'd just have a new racquet to get used to.
Last edited:
They don't change, just the paintjob.
ivanjo
Rookie
Sounds good. Even though I like the current paint job, I'm excited to see the new paintjob to come.
extreme_western
Rookie
anyone have any thoughts on the future of this frame with the mooted introduction of the steam as the mould for the ultra labs line? Do we think the h19 mould will remain or be discontinued?
Back in the ultra tour days I would see a decent amount in court, esp with college players. Then the 3 UP it started to fizzle and at this point I never see one of the v4 frames.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s moved out for the Ultra Pro 99, but again it could hang around as long as the prestige exists.
I wish the UP 99 was coming under the blade silo as the blade pro 99 since so many pros have it painted as a blade that it just makes sense. I’m also guessing that the next ultra will be some bright blue color, matte and all one shade like the recent Wilson frames. No one had leaked colors, only that the steam mold is back but that’s my expectation.
wilson is looking pretty cooked compared to their heyday now with two players moving away and having immediate success.
i feel like i see doubles players using this frame still like mate pavic and someone who made the mixed australian final a year or two ago.
Similar threads
