Wilson Ultra Tour (Monfils)
- Thread starter mpournaras
- Start date
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Oh, it is way past time!!
World Class Forehand
Rookie
fundrazer
G.O.A.T.
So spent like 45 minutes with Ultra Tour and about 20 or so with the Phantom Pro 320g.
Ultra Tour really is low powered...I mean I was expecting that, but I was still a bit surprised. Although as I got warmed up a bit and started getting some core rotation going things went better. Although I added maybe like 6g at 12 to fool around and see what happens.
Ultra Tour really is low powered...I mean I was expecting that, but I was still a bit surprised. Although as I got warmed up a bit and started getting some core rotation going things went better. Although I added maybe like 6g at 12 to fool around and see what happens.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Ultra tour is a platform stick. It absolutely needs to be modded to bring out the best. mine is 3g at 12, 1.5g from 2-3, 1.5g from 9-10, swap to leather grip, poster putty and lead under trap door. 11.7 oz static weight. Hits a really good ball.
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
Mine has .1 Oz at 3 and 9, Wilson leather grip and technifiber atp pro grip. One weighs in at 339 gm and the other is at 338. Hyper G at 50lbs.
I love it for the control, but I can honestly tell you that I am frequently told I one of the hardest hitters in town (talking my rally ball).
Great stick, finally have lost the urge to demo other sticks (going on 14 mos now without a new demo).
I love it for the control, but I can honestly tell you that I am frequently told I one of the hardest hitters in town (talking my rally ball).
Great stick, finally have lost the urge to demo other sticks (going on 14 mos now without a new demo).
fundrazer
G.O.A.T.
Yeah I'm aware. Wanted to give it a go in stock form first before trying any adjustments.
The extra weight made a huge difference though. Going to try and get in 1-2 more sessions before sending em back on Wednesday.
nohandedbackhand
Semi-Pro
This may have been discussed earlier but just in case anyone else was struggling to find the best lead set up for their UT - I just removed the molded foam grip (by heating it up and using a thin flathead screwdriver it comes off pretty easy with some gentle patience) and put on an **** tk82s pallet and butt cap (this means it would be super easy to extend yourself if you wanted). It fits perfectly on the hairpin! I would also assume (according to the discussions about Angell racquets and the RA change with pallet application) that this drops the RA a few points. The best part about this for me is that I was able to remove the hunk of silicone and lead at the top of the handle that was applied by the factory (between the grip and hairpin) which gives me a lot more room to customize. For example, I now have lead continuously from 9 to 3 and a Leather grip+overgrip and its still only 336 grams (4 points headlight, strung full poly) but with a monster swing weight and plow-through yet still swings fairly easily. I had tried this same setup before this mod and it always just felt too heavy and sluggish (I wonder if the amount of lead and silicone used at the top of the handle by Wilson varies depending on racquet qc, but then also if the application itself of it is also subject to qc haha..). Anyways, just wanted to share in case anyone else wanted to try this!
TennisHound
Legend
Don't you love those "Captain Obvious" statements, lol. Its almost as if Wilson researched how to suck all the power out of a racquet and used that technology with the Ultra Tour.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The UT in my view, and from my understanding (as has been very well covered already many times), is a platform racquet, therefore, the technology that Wilson used is called "you asked for it and we gave it to you, now show us you know what to do with it". Once you accept that and act accordingly, it's actually quite a good racquet. It's not supposed to be used by people who don't know what to do with it or are not prepared to make the necessary modifications.
There is no "Goldilocks" racquet out there that will suit everyone. That is the whole point of Pro Stock and Platform racquets. Here is a blank slate that you can use to CREATE a racquet that suits you personally... then it becomes the racquet that suits YOU and not every person that grabs it and wants to feel like Nadal or Federer or Djokovic. If others like it it's because they like the balance, weight, SW, TW, and grip shape that was created, and not because it's the perfect racquet. If they don't, it's not because it's not a good racquet, but they just don't like the parameters selected. End of story. Go back to the blank slate (the platform) and create your own preferences. If you're not prepared to do that, and/or it's too much hassle, then the UT is not for you (and here I use "you" in a general sense and not directed at you @TennisHound ).
n8dawg6
Legend
i was one of the TW playtesters of the UT97. there have only been two racquet releases in the last couple of years that ive been truly hyped about: the (fake) agassi radical reissue and the ultra tour 97. man i was stoked when i got selected for the ultra playtest.
then i actually used the racquet. i played w the ALU that came with the racquet for most of the time in a full bed. then i used the multi in a full bed. (probably should have tried a hybrid in hindsight, but hey). anyway, the racquet was too underpowered and i couldnt get it to work for me. i was devastated.
now that the price has dropped to normal racquet price level, i ordered one from TW in a size 2 grip (the playtest racquet is a 3). it arrived with a sticker that says “10.72 / 10 HL” ... which means its off-spec light and headlight. not sure if they meant to leave that on there. anyhoo, i put a skosh of alternating lead at 3 and 9, which is my first move when there isnt quite enough weight in the hoop. it took the extra weight well.
strung with cyclone 17 at 50 lbs, which, when the racquet finally got to me (UPS 2 day air took 5 days due to the blizzard) had definitely dropped into the 40s.
long story short its a completely different story. racquet is still underpowered but very comfortable and surprisingly stable for the weight. very predictable. it is what i wanted it to be in the first place. not sure if its the grip or the strings or the tension or what. i still think its overpriced but i think this is a good frame for anyone at any level who is interested in, ahem, “playing the game correctly.” stay tuned.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
That's what he said! 
UT for me is an excellent racquet. With a little lead at 3 and 9, and a gut-poly set up, you get a highly predictable response with a plush feel and uniform flex across the frame. I have very high levels of control but also the ability to flatten out for faster court penetration. It’s not a tweener of course, but no one should expect that, and it is all the better for it. But as is said above some customisation is needed, along with strings that provide some extra pop.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Here’s my experience with the Wilson paint quality-I’ve Bought 2 custom paint pro staffs from their website. One with gloss at 3&9 one with frozen finish at 3&9. The gloss started chipping/peeling pretty easily so I emailed them in a nice friendly manner. They asked me for pictures and I sent them. They then gave me a replacement free of charge. Can’t say enough about their customer service. Take it with a grain of salt because my experience was with their custom frames but still.
I play with these now, and truly love them. Leather grip, weighted up to about 340g, don't know the exact balance or swing weight. Nice control, great feel, power is attainable when you need it. So far, I haven't had major issues with paint chipping - a minor scratch on the light blue is about it, and I don't exactly baby them. Also, both of mine were pretty close to spec, so can't complain about the Wilson QC on the ones I got.
Anton
Legend
So I've been trying to play Ultra Tour on and off over the last two years, but I kept finding that it was tough for me to consistently create enough pace and action on the ball to do big damage from the baseline. Even though I had no problem keeping the ball deep it just didn't have enough action on it to bother my opponents.
However I've been playing around with 93P and got to playing it more eastern Fed style at 12.6oz, which brough me back to try that sort of setup on Ultra Tour that was at 12oz 6hl up to now.
After some swinging around and adjusting the weight I got it to 12.7oz 8.5hl and played it competetively yesterday. It worked out! While I still wasn't playing with a lot of "free" spin, I was definetly able to serve bombs and dictate points with solid court penetration. For a relative high static weight the racket swings suprisingly swift and feels very plush with my ngut/poly sting job (20+ hours on it??), touch and slicing feels great.
The Ultra Tour saga continues.
However I've been playing around with 93P and got to playing it more eastern Fed style at 12.6oz, which brough me back to try that sort of setup on Ultra Tour that was at 12oz 6hl up to now.
After some swinging around and adjusting the weight I got it to 12.7oz 8.5hl and played it competetively yesterday. It worked out! While I still wasn't playing with a lot of "free" spin, I was definetly able to serve bombs and dictate points with solid court penetration. For a relative high static weight the racket swings suprisingly swift and feels very plush with my ngut/poly sting job (20+ hours on it??), touch and slicing feels great.
The Ultra Tour saga continues.
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ProRadTour
Semi-Pro
I added 4 grams at 10 and 2 with good effect. I think 2 to four grams at 12 is a good starting point.
n8dawg6
Legend
2-4 g at 3 and 9ish for me ... it sholey dont need more for 4.0 tennis. im getting about 10-12 hrs on a full bed of poly before it gets erratic. great frame
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
2.5-3g at 12 for me.
ProRadTour
Semi-Pro
Have heard Wilson is not bringing back the Ultra Tour, which is a shame if this is true. Was hoping they would refine with new releases and introduce a 16 x 19 option.
hows the power? Rf97 user here, usually I like 220-230 unstrung and rf97 feels abit awkward and meh for me. got a heavier batch and frames coming in at 371 with overgrip only with alu.
Considering looking at the red and black pro staff 97 from a while ago or this, want something with abit more maneuverability. Is it comparable to the pro staff or my favourite six ones?
This seems like an attractive stick, silicone in the handle and leadtape seems like a dream, thanks all
Considering looking at the red and black pro staff 97 from a while ago or this, want something with abit more maneuverability. Is it comparable to the pro staff or my favourite six ones?
This seems like an attractive stick, silicone in the handle and leadtape seems like a dream, thanks all
1HBHfanatic
Legend
with the Wilson.ultra.tour, you can do this!!!:
HitTheBall
New User
Awesome
fundrazer
G.O.A.T.
I think it's too low powered for most players. Definitely needs weight. The price point probably didn't help either. $249 a pop is ridiculous. Now they've started marking them down like crazy.
I do think it's great that they tried something a bit different though. What would be even better is to take feedback and go forward with a 16x19 option or just up the power slightly.
aight when they go on sale i'm planning to get a batch of 6. Hows the qc on these? Whats everyones experience with the quality control weight wise
Just wondering how much i'd have to customise. Also, typically when racquets are 5 grams off spec is there a place the weight is usually at? Like if i've got one at 300 and another at 305, is the 305 one typically more handle heavy? Where does the extra weight get placed? Thanks
Just wondering how much i'd have to customise. Also, typically when racquets are 5 grams off spec is there a place the weight is usually at? Like if i've got one at 300 and another at 305, is the 305 one typically more handle heavy? Where does the extra weight get placed? Thanks
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
All over the place. Really. Some more HL some more HH.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Last week I purchased an used WIlson UT. The first time I hit against the wall with the WUT I was very impressed by the great feel of the sweetspot. It really reminds me of my Angell TC95. Not strange as both frames are foam filled and they have the same RA 63 value.
However I noticed the WUT doesn't have a grip band above the grip handle. Does anyone know why?
However I noticed the WUT doesn't have a grip band above the grip handle. Does anyone know why?
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
I finally demoed the Ultra Tour, out of curiosity. It really is an average frame, nothing standing out. I found it plays very similar to the IG Radical MP. I can't believ epeople will pay over 250$ for this one when you can buy an old radical for a third of the price, or get the Microgel Rad MP from TW at less than 100$.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Was it completely stock? Or did it have any lead?
The UT is a platform stick that is supposed to be customized to each individual. In stock form, it is very average. Leaded up it is very good. Better than a modded mg rad mp IME.
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The Wilson UT was never designed to be an out-of-the-box racquet that you grab and go hit the courts...
Many people talk about wanting a Pro Stock racquet but essentially misunderstand what that actually means. It doesn't mean a racquet that when pulled out of its new wrapping will make you into an amazing player. The racquet would be lighter than expected, maybe even have a smaller sweet spot, and even seem underpowered. The reason for that is that the initial product is the beginning of the creative and performance journey, and not the end-point.
If you look at the racquets of Pro Players you will find that they have many modifications that have been performed mainly in the way of weight added at specific points (either in plain sight or hidden under bumper guards or within the handle itself). Those modifications are what turns their racquet into what it is and how it plays. Without the modifications, those racquets would be entirely different and perform differently.
The Ultra Tour is that beginning... and creating the final product is the journey (which may be different for everyone, and what racquet personalisation is all about)... If anyone buys this racquet without that understanding then they will be disappointed with what they receive, and are frankly missing the point.
What, IMO, people need to do with this racquet is figure out whether they like the feel when the ball is hit. So, instead of going to the baseline and trying to hit the ball, go to the service line and try to have a rally with your partner/ opponent who is also standing on their service line (Mini Tennis). Do you like how hitting the ball feels? Is it too hard, too soft, or just right? Can you hit a FH, BH, and volley to your satisfaction? Do you like the balance of the racquet? Is the sweet spot small, adequate, or just right? After answering all of these questions (and often many more), you are in a place to know what to do next and where to go with your modification. It's a process of experimentation and deduction. If this is too much hassle for you, then don't buy this racquet because it is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are still interested... then you will end up with a racquet that will be right for you (and anyone that happens to also like the combination of weight additions you have chosen) but not right for everyone.
End of rant...
tribesmen
Professional
I really don't believe Wilson's intention was/is designed and launch a racquet for masses* that necessarily needs modifications.The Wilson UT was never designed to be an out-of-the-box racquet that you grab and go hit the courts...
Many people talk about wanting a Pro Stock racquet but essentially misunderstand what that actually means. It doesn't mean a racquet that when pulled out of its new wrapping will make you into an amazing player. The racquet would be lighter than expected, maybe even have a smaller sweet spot, and even seem underpowered. The reason for that is that the initial product is the beginning of the creative and performance journey, and not the end-point.
If you look at the racquets of Pro Players you will find that they have many modifications that have been performed mainly in the way of weight added at specific points (either in plain sight or hidden under bumper guards or within the handle itself). Those modifications are what turns their racquet into what it is and how it plays. Without the modifications, those racquets would be entirely different and perform differently.
The Ultra Tour is that beginning... and creating the final product is the journey (which may be different for everyone, and what racquet personalisation is all about)... If anyone buys this racquet without that understanding then they will be disappointed with what they receive, and are frankly missing the point.
What, IMO, people need to do with this racquet is figure out whether they like the feel when the ball is hit. So, instead of going to the baseline and trying to hit the ball, go to the service line and try to have a rally with your partner/ opponent who is also standing on their service line (Mini Tennis). Do you like how hitting the ball feels? Is it too hard, too soft, or just right? Can you hit a FH, BH, and volley to your satisfaction? Do you like the balance of the racquet? Is the sweet spot small, adequate, or just right? After answering all of these questions (and often many more), you are in a place to know what to do next and where to go with your modification. It's a process of experimentation and deduction. If this is too much hassle for you, then don't buy this racquet because it is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are still interested... then you will end up with a racquet that will be right for you (and anyone that happens to also like the combination of weight additions you have chosen) but not right for everyone.
End of rant...
Firstly, if it was true, it should have been written on the cardboard info that the racquet in the stock version is not suitable for playing and it needs to be modified according to personal preferences.
Secondly, if the racquets was really meant for modification, the stock weight 305 gr is much too high.
My conclusion is that Ultra Tour with is 305ge and 319SW is a blunder and not a impressive player's racket as TW had stated.
*you can buy Wilson Ultra almost in every store and that means it is meant for masses.
DonDiego
Hall of Fame
The Wilson UT was never designed to be an out-of-the-box racquet that you grab and go hit the courts...
Many people talk about wanting a Pro Stock racquet but essentially misunderstand what that actually means. It doesn't mean a racquet that when pulled out of its new wrapping will make you into an amazing player. The racquet would be lighter than expected, maybe even have a smaller sweet spot, and even seem underpowered. The reason for that is that the initial product is the beginning of the creative and performance journey, and not the end-point.
If you look at the racquets of Pro Players you will find that they have many modifications that have been performed mainly in the way of weight added at specific points (either in plain sight or hidden under bumper guards or within the handle itself). Those modifications are what turns their racquet into what it is and how it plays. Without the modifications, those racquets would be entirely different and perform differently.
The Ultra Tour is that beginning... and creating the final product is the journey (which may be different for everyone, and what racquet personalisation is all about)... If anyone buys this racquet without that understanding then they will be disappointed with what they receive, and are frankly missing the point.
What, IMO, people need to do with this racquet is figure out whether they like the feel when the ball is hit. So, instead of going to the baseline and trying to hit the ball, go to the service line and try to have a rally with your partner/ opponent who is also standing on their service line (Mini Tennis). Do you like how hitting the ball feels? Is it too hard, too soft, or just right? Can you hit a FH, BH, and volley to your satisfaction? Do you like the balance of the racquet? Is the sweet spot small, adequate, or just right? After answering all of these questions (and often many more), you are in a place to know what to do next and where to go with your modification. It's a process of experimentation and deduction. If this is too much hassle for you, then don't buy this racquet because it is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are still interested... then you will end up with a racquet that will be right for you (and anyone that happens to also like the combination of weight additions you have chosen) but not right for everyone.
End of rant...
Yes, I understand that for some of you it's a "platform", but my point is more about the price. The IG radical Mp and the MG Radical mp could also be deemed as "platform" sticks. The Ultra Tour doesn't bring anything more to the table than the radicals, so in my view nothing justifies paying that much.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Having owned both (MG rad mp & UT) and having played both in modded form, the modded UT does everything better for me.
Since you haven’t tried the UT modded, I’m not sure how you would know if it brings more or less to the table than the radical mp. If you tried the UT modded and still feel this way, then great. If you haven’t, then you really don’t know.
If your main issue is just the high price for the UT, that’s fine.
n8dawg6
Legend
i hear ya on the price, i just do think you get a little
more with the UT97. head size is a shade bigger/wider, weighs 10 g more (in theory), just seems to be a little more substantial. i like it better, at least.
oh yeah, paint looks better! until it chips
nohandedbackhand
Semi-Pro
I’ve owned and played both. In my opinion there is no comparison. Mg radical mp (at least the reissue which I tried in 2013) felt cheap and harsh despite customizing both to similar specs and with soft multi at low-mid tension. The low quality graphite was noticeable which for the price and as a reissue makes sense. The ultra tour is simply an H19 copy (exact mold) with slightly lower quality and stiffer layup (I have both ultra tour and h19) and Wilson’s spotty qc but it feels fantastic compared to most retail racquets as long as you don’t F up the set up (thick strings and/or high tension ruin it). There is nice throat flex yet stable hoop - the tw university tests confirm this and it has a very playable stock recoil weight. It’s obviously not a pro stock racquet but it’s a good option that can be played stock if need be and even better with light customizing. I can’t decide what feels better between it and the tec ltd. An ultra tour 16x19 would be nice to try Wilson
n8dawg6
Legend
thats how i feel about it
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Fair enough... Doesn't change the fact that for me, with slight modifications, this racquet plays awesome and rivals some much more sought after frames at heftier prices.
As to what Wilson's intentions were when they made the racquet... I can't comment, and the only people that can are the ones that were involved in its creation and release to the retail market. I'm saying treat it as a platform racquet and the upside is great.
Now, I completely agree that the price is too high. That is why I waited for someone who wasn't prepared to modify their racquets to buy one, get disappointed, and then put it for sale for half the price (in the land of Oz). Then I bought it... Modified it... and ended up with a racquet that has a lower static weight than some of the old-school Head racquets, is still very plush, has a bigger sweet spot, great stability, and TW, probably a higher SW, and yet is still easier to swing and more HL and maneuverable.
But that's just me... and that doesn't mean that it's a great racquet or that I'm right. It's just a great option for me and my collection... Which also includes all the old-school Head racquets (that I love), and many others.
For me, what it amounts to is the overall package and result. If I take out my PT630 and play a match (at my current level of fitness - which I'm always working on but as I age am finding results in more injuries if I'm not smart about it), I may win the first set, then battle in the second set but narrowly lose it, and then lose the third set due to fatigue (as it has been 3 hrs of bruising tennis). Next time around, with the same opponent, I may pick up the Ultra Tour (or my Tecnifibre TFight 315 18M Limited 2013) and finish that match in 2 hard fought sets (or even three) but with a win.
Now, if I could buy the PT630 with the same specs as an Ultra Tour, and at the same price... I would get the PT630 and enjoy that very unique and amazing feel. But that's never going to happen.
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Agreed... I bought mine from someone that paid full price, got disappointed, wasn't prepared to modify it, and sold it to me for half price.
All I'm trying to say is that there is no perfect racquet out there that will suit everyone.
I bought the IG Radical Pro some time back. I paid more for it than the UT (not by much). It was a great racquet for me and still is. The problem was that, for me, it only worked when my racquet head speed was at a leisurely rally pace. I gelled with it in all areas except if I tried to flatten out my shots and put the ball away by increasing my RHS, then I would lose all control of the ball. It wasn't my technique because I would put the racquet down, pull out my IG Prestige MP and be nailing everything.
Because I loved the feel of the IG Rad Pro probably even more than my IG PMP, I decided to tinker with it rather than sell it. I spent more time and effort on getting that racquet right than I did with the Wilson UT... but now they are both great. If I had just played with it stock, I would have sold that racquet puzzled at the fact that bar the put-away, it would have been an awesome racquet. I still get amazed today at just how good it is when I pull it out of the bag. Nothing is absolutely perfect...
Ultra Tour at $149 if you get two is a steal. Worth getting them and modifying them. I had one for a while leaded to 355g, 31cm, 320 SW. Played well as most posters on here have said. The VCore 95 has just been a better option for me. But a well made frame for the higher level player who wants to control the spec of their frame
