I don't think there is an available closed form translation between the two. But as a reference you can search the RA measurements of the RF97 (SI of 5.2mm) and the RA of the Blade (SI of 7.2mm i believe) and the SI of the UP of of 6.4mm is in between
Both directly from Wilson. I feel NO difference between the 2.Wondering if you ordered from the same source?
If so, I am curious to see which hairpin version of this same model feels better for you, or no difference at all?
My best guess is low 60s strung. My Head GTPP are listed at 63, these feel just a touch softer. Mind you some of that feel may be from WHERE the frame flex is. Wouldn't surprise me if these re 64-65 unstrung, making 62-63 strung, but the flex is even across the frame, not just at the throat.Thanks. That make sense. Which makes it around 63-64 RA as guess-timated by folks in earlier postings.
My calibrated arm sensed exactly that (63-64 RA) when I played with one.Thanks. That make sense. Which makes it around 63-64 RA as guess-timated by folks in earlier postings.
When you stripe that DTL backhand I ask myself if you are a robot ....My calibrated arm sensed exactly that (63-64 RA) when I played with one.
It's good.Darn, this sounds like a great replacement for my Prince TT95. Leather grip, lead at 12 and ready to go.
How's the quality control so far?
Update: I hate to give a perfect score for anything, because I think there is always room for improvement. However ....
UP 16x19
Backhand slice: 10/10
There is slice, then there is driving slice. I can't imagine a racquet being better at that low, spinny, skidding, rope-like slice than this. I haven't hit slice shots like this in 10 years. For me, 10/10.
Update: I hate to give a perfect score for anything, because I think there is always room for improvement. However ....
UP 16x19
Backhand slice: 10/10
There is slice, then there is driving slice. I can't imagine a racquet being better at that low, spinny, skidding, rope-like slice than this. I haven't hit slice shots like this in 10 years. For me, 10/10.
The launch angle is higher and power seems equal or better.I played the Ultra Tour for about a year and enjoyed it but felt the launch angle was low and also that it could use some more power. I switched to the Blade v7 18x20 because it improved on those two things the Ultra Tour was lacking and even though the flex feel wasn't as sweet as the feel of the Ultra Tour it was still comfortable/soft. Reading this thread has my hopes up that maybe the Ultra Pro 16x19 has a better launch angle and more power than the Ultra Tour. For those who have played both UT and UP how do they compare in launch angle and power level?
Update: I hate to give a perfect score for anything, because I think there is always room for improvement. However ....
UP 16x19
Backhand slice: 10/10
There is slice, then there is driving slice. I can't imagine a racquet being better at that low, spinny, skidding, rope-like slice than this. I haven't hit slice shots like this in 10 years. For me, 10/10.
How does UP 16x19 compare to blade v7 16x19 in terms of launch angle, power and stability? I would imagine it also swings easier than the blade? Thanks!
I played the Ultra Tour for about a year and enjoyed it but felt the launch angle was low and also that it could use some more power. I switched to the Blade v7 18x20 because it improved on those two things the Ultra Tour was lacking and even though the flex feel wasn't as sweet as the feel of the Ultra Tour it was still comfortable/soft. Reading this thread has my hopes up that maybe the Ultra Pro 16x19 has a better launch angle and more power than the Ultra Tour. For those who have played both UT and UP how do they compare in launch angle and power level?
The UP 16x19 has a higher launch angle and more power. So much so, that I feel that I almost have to pay more attention to my strokes and technique with it than the UT 18x20. Maybe this is because I am used to 18x20s and I have no problem creating all kinds of spin and shape to the ball as is. I, therefore, notice the reduction in precision and the increase in both launch angle and power, which becomes a departure from the norm. Today I had several balls fly on me off both sides causing a reduction in confidence. If I wasn't 100% committed on all shots the ball would be too loopy and would not drop in but go long. I would then revert back to the UT 18x20 and my game would go back to normal.
The UT 18x20, for me at least, has a much more punishing/ knifing slice. I find it easier to execute my shots and it requires less mental energy to play my game. I still get plenty of clearance over the net, but not so much that the ball goes long. The comfort is there, but it is not as plush as the UP 16x19.
They are both brilliant racquets, but today at least, I felt like I had to work to control and channel the power and loopiness of the UP 16x19, whereas, with the UT 18x20 I could just swing out and go for my shots. I felt like I could be more precise and I could better predict where the shot would go and how it would come off my racquet.
Both racquets were strung with the same string, and at similar tensions (resulting in similar Dynamic Tensions - 37 for the UP and 38 for the UT). I have played with the UP for about 2hrs or so more than the UT (didn't want to change racquets mid-match in my comp). I'm not sure this would make that much of a difference in feel and performance, but it's possible.
Maybe the answer is to next time string the UP a little tighter and leave the UT as is... maybe that would result in a bit more control from the UP and that's all it would take. Not sure, but only time will tell. They are both great racquets and well worth working with. They are both staying firmly in the collection.
Confirmation from Wilson that the Ultra Pro 16x19 will not be in Europe until 2021, the exact date uncertain.
When shall we riot?
This is what I'm talking about.I haven't noticed a huge difference in launch angle and power with the UP, at least not where I have to make a noticeable adjustment to it. Perhaps it depends on your strokes. For me it's a pretty seamless transition between the two.
I will be your proxy if you want someone to mail one over to you. Although I know you said you're holding out due to the shipping costs, the offer is there if you change your mind.
I might ask you to help me also in the near future... but apart from shipping cost it’s also Wilson QC problems that prevent me from asking. And the fact that France might get a new confinement soon so no tennis for a whileI will be your proxy if you want someone to mail one over to you
I might ask you to help me also in the near future... but apart from shipping cost it’s also Wilson QC problems that prevent me from asking. And the fact that France might get a new confinement soon so no tennis for a while
Possibly an unpopular opinion: Everyone seems to agree that the launch angle of the 16x19 UP is higher than the 18x20 UT, but I'm questioning if there really is a noticeable difference. The difference in actual string density is so small that I'm not so sure if the actual launch angle is so much higher or that we just think it is because we expect it to be higher. Anyone that want to challenge me on this?
My Yonex Vcore Pro 97 16x19 for instance has a denser string pattern than my Blade 18x20. In reality the launch angle of the Blade is higher, but in my mind I'm expecting it to be lower and more control oriented just because it says 18x20.
Maybe the biggest clincher for many, though, is the extra pop and work you get on serve with the UP 16x19. The ball quality off the court is plain to see. It's objective (whatever attributes combine to give that).
Wilson QC is less of an issue on the UP since they are platform sticks that most would expect to add lead to.I might ask you to help me also in the near future... but apart from shipping cost it’s also Wilson QC problems that prevent me from asking. And the fact that France might get a new confinement soon so no tennis for a while
I haven't noticed a huge difference in launch angle and power with the UP, at least not where I have to make a noticeable adjustment to it. Perhaps it depends on your strokes. For me it's a pretty seamless transition between the two.
Possibly an unpopular opinion: Everyone seems to agree that the launch angle of the 16x19 UP is higher than the 18x20 UT, but I'm questioning if there really is a noticeable difference. The difference in actual string density is so small that I'm not so sure if the actual launch angle is so much higher or that we just think it is because we expect it to be higher. Anyone that want to challenge me on this?
Compared to the UT, which is my reference point having hit it for some time now, I'd describe the 16x19 as nuanced. It's the same frame with a distinctly different drill pattern. Tight 18x20 vs. open 16x19; surely you'd expect differences, and you get them. What is not so subtle is the launch angle and the amount of bite you get on the ball. It's not like going to the Pure Aero or anything, but it's noticeably higher albeit tempered by the inherent control of the frame. I hit with my son regularly, and his contact point against my UT is typically around the chest up to the armpit and pushing (and he's tall, so the UT is not lacking in kick/spin). With the UP 16x19 (one session, granted), it was consistently ear height. I could see the difference, and he commented on it. And he also commented on the push/penetration at that height--even on my first serves. (Ironically, he likes a ball at that height and preferred playing me with the UP 16x19 vs. the UT, so there's that as well).
I warmed up with my UT and switched to the UP just before games. And it was like catching the ball in a fish net and throwing it into the court. Almost like you were through the ball before it was off the string bed (obviously not, just talking perception here). How my slices are actually more rope-like with the 16x19 than UT, I don't know, but I like it. Maybe the biggest clincher for many, though, is the extra pop and work you get on serve with the UP 16x19. The ball quality off the court is plain to see. It's objective (whatever attributes combine to give that).
I remember hitting the IG PP years ago and thinking it was almost the perfect racquet if not for the stiffness and actual 95" head size. Whether Wilson should have put the tighter 16x19 of the IG PP in this 97" head is debatable, but I think they made the right call with the UP 16x19. It just works. Hopefully, I continue to think so. It's possible that Wilson has out-Prestiged Head again
I have a relatively flat swing. I learned to play tennis in the mid 1980's, continental grips and flat forehands. I think flat strokes will highlight hiw launch angle changes from racquet to racquet. Change in technique can have a low launching racquet give plenty of height, but it's mostly technique that is managing that. My experience is, hitting the UT and UP, same flat stroke, UP will launch a little higher that UT. Not a lot higher, but noticeable.
Same thing happened when I tested the Prestige MP vs Prestige Pro. Pro launched a little higher than MP.
As another example, I used to play the Steam 99S. Even with a flat stroke that racquet launches moonballs .....
I'm going in circles a bit, but I've got the weight back at 3 and 9 and an extra overgrip to help counterbalance. I don't mind the bigger grip size either, as I'm probably closer to 4 5/8 anyway.
Playing a match tonight. We will see how it goes again. My 97HD is ready with a fresh set of gut/poly in case I need to switch.
Great review. I love reading your perceptions and hearing your opinions on gear.
I felt and experienced the differences between the two racquets (UP and UT), and as you said, they were expected. Both are brilliant racquets, but to me, have minute and nuanced differences. It just means that in certain situations I noticed different outcomes that I need to, and will be in the future, cognizant of. For example, if I'm in trouble, and due to my insufficient footwork, I've been slightly jammed up, with the UT 18x20 I can swing straight through the ball and produce a flat ball that, due to the precision and control of the frame, gets re-directed with depth but hardly any spin. The same shot with the UP 16x19 sometimes, and I repeat sometimes, results in a ball with a slightly higher launch angle that goes long or overshoots the mark.
I'm relaying my experience... not trying to express a "popular opinion".
I noticed a difference in the launch angle, this was my experience on a particular day, and I do not claim that my technique is perfection every single day (as I don't think anyone can... not even Rafa or Federer). I observed that more balls flew on me or landed long when using the UP 16x19 than the UT 18x20, on this particular day. This was the first day I played both racquets back to back. As I stated, the UP 16x19 has had 3 more hours of play on it, as I used it for 2 sets of competition, and that may have resulted in a looser string bed than the UT, exacerbating the differences between them.
I can play with both the UP 16x19 and the UT 18x20 and could change between them in a match, as I did yesterday. But I do feel the differences and I can accept that others may or may not. I'm ok with that... I hope others are too.
As @Pneumated1 has stated there are differences in string pattern and spacing, there are differences in how the ball behaves once it leaves the strings and how it behaves after the bounce. All I was saying is that, since I feel the differences, I need to make adjustments when playing with each racquet. They may be minute adjustments, they may be big adjustments... that is all individual... and not right or wrong... just personal. Mine are minute but distinct adjustments. That doesn't mean that one racquet is good and the other bad, it doesn't mean I'm criticizing a particular racquet, just pointing out the differences I felt and MY experiences.
I played with all three racquets yesterday (the UP 16x19, UT 18x20, and BP 16x19). All are brilliant, but they also have slight and nuanced differences between them that make them different. All things have strengths and weaknesses... nothing is perfect... and it's ok to have different perceptions and opinions. I accept those of others and hope others accept mine.
I have a relatively flat swing. I learned to play tennis in the mid 1980's, continental grips and flat forehands. I think flat strokes will highlight hiw launch angle changes from racquet to racquet. Change in technique can have a low launching racquet give plenty of height, but it's mostly technique that is managing that. My experience is, hitting the UT and UP, same flat stroke, UP will launch a little higher that UT. Not a lot higher, but noticeable.
Same thing happened when I tested the Prestige MP vs Prestige Pro. Pro launched a little higher than MP.
As another example, I used to play the Steam 99S. Even with a flat stroke that racquet launches moonballs .....
Great review. I love reading your perceptions and hearing your opinions on gear.
I felt and experienced the differences between the two racquets (UP and UT), and as you said, they were expected. Both are brilliant racquets, but to me, have minute and nuanced differences. It just means that in certain situations I noticed different outcomes that I need to, and will be in the future, cognizant of. For example, if I'm in trouble, and due to my insufficient footwork, I've been slightly jammed up, with the UT 18x20 I can swing straight through the ball and produce a flat ball that, due to the precision and control of the frame, gets re-directed with depth but hardly any spin. The same shot with the UP 16x19 sometimes, and I repeat sometimes, results in a ball with a slightly higher launch angle that goes long or overshoots the mark.
This doesn't make one racquet better or worse... It just means I need to be aware of this when making my shots... it needs to become part of my muscle memory, especially when I'm used to the UT (and racquets like it). That's all.
All racquets have certain characteristics and we just need to learn how to use each in order to maximize their efficacy.
I'm looking forward to your further impressions and experiences with these racquets.
The biggest issue I’m having is deciding which I like more. Like you said there are minute and nuanced differences between the two. I’m going to keep a pair of each in my bag for a while until I can figure it out. I may just pick one or the other depending on how I’m feeling/playing that day.
How do you have yours leaded up? I have 2 grams at 3 and 9 and 3 grams at 12, along with a leather grip and overgrip. This puts one of them at 338g and the other at 340g total static weight.
Well said. It's interesting, though, because I've always considered myself a flatter hitter, but the response off the UP 16x19 seems a natural fit for me with no adjustment; I was surprised, but of course I need to hit it more. The interesting thing is that if I'm not intentional in the spin dept. with the UT, the ball can fly on me or wander just wide if I'm trying to carve something short crosscourt. Even my backhand slice will float on me at times with it, likely due to a fraction less pocketing in the denser string bed (although dwell is still very good). To your point, there's really no explanation for the latter because it's probably one of my best shots, and the UT has that laser string bed. We're talking minute differences between frames here, but they do make a difference. The wash for me was volleys. I try to get to net whenever I can, and I don't see how could go wrong either way. That said, I find myself going for stick volleys more with the UT, while I could see caressing the ball a little more with the UP 16x19.
I have to mention one backhand, in particular. I had to have been eight feet inside the baseline and hit a crosscourt winner that landed just inside the service line/sideline corner. I wasn't trying to cut off nearly that much court and missed my line by two feet and got more carve than I intended. The bend on that ball is still replaying in my mind. I just don't see hitting that with a UT as amazing as that frame is. Maybe a 16m string bed is what I do best and I've been denying myself for years.
Also, I string my UTs at 48/45 with a soft main (usually gut)/GW hybrid but the UP at 53/50. Tension may have made the difference. Who can say for sure what variables actually make the difference, but when it works, it works, and we're wise to stick with it. That's for sure.
This is very interesting... I have had the opposite experience so far, especially when I played them back-to-back. My BH slice was a bit floaty and I felt like I had to angle the face of the racquet a bit more into a closed position to make sure I could knife the slice, whereas, with the UT I could keep a more neutral grip and just knife the daylights out of the shot.
I think you may be right regarding the tension. My UT is strung at 46M (T1 Black Knight 1.18mm)/ 43C (Babolat Origin 1.25mm). The UP 16x19 is strung with the same strings but at 50M/47C. The DTs of the stringed are almost the same with the UT being at 38 (my most usual preference) and the UP at 37, but being the more open pattern and softer feeling... maybe it would be a good idea to string it next time at 52M/49C. That may solve all the differences and give me that tad more control and end up being the "magic pudding" formula. Also, the grip is a bit thicker than ideal with the UP, so I don't know whether to just wait for it to compress over time... or change it to a leather grip (which is what I have on my UTs)?
Talk soon.
Here is a guy hitting with and giving thoughts on the Ultra Pro 16m as well as the Blade Pro and Pro Labs 6.1. He must be a TT guy. It's funny, when he's hitting casually with the UP his ball seems so floaty and spinny, but when he shows point play the ball tightens up and he can flatten the ball out. Of course here he's also hitting it stock, and clearly this is one that needs to be built up to sing.
Do you know what that stock grip is?