mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Completely agree. The modded UT was my stick of choice until I just recently discovered the VCP97 310. I still pull the UT out of the bag occasionally and enjoy the buttery feel.
Wilson Ultra Tour (Monfils)
- Thread starter mpournaras
- Start date
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
The replacements accessories are not being made anymore either. The buttcap #3 and grommets are no longer available. I order my sometime ago and still on backorder! I am just hoping that the distributor comes through!
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
That sucks.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Yeah, without the grommets, the racquet will decay if you use it for scooping volleys! mI do not like how Wilson is handling discontinued racquet accessories! Head and Babolat keep making then available for many years after they discontinued a particular racquet! Hope the person that told me this wrong. Cannot believe Wilson would abandon a customer in this fashion.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Well said. I have 3 UTs and only 2 spare sets of grommets.
Sure, all the shiny new racquets coming up soon look really cool, but being able to pick up a couple Ultra Tours for $139 a piece and $4 off Alu Power with racquet purchase? Yes please. 
The string special only included the 15 gauge Alu, but TW was kind enough to get me the 16L gauge with the discount applied.
I love my Phantom 93Ps but this felt like one of those rare, special racquets that I will want to keep around for a long time.
Weighed it up to my preferred spec range, and I'm not sure if this also had to do with the Alu Power, but the frame felt like it was literally an extension of my arm. Super smooth, super buttery, performs well in all aspects. Really fun to play all around.
Grommets are also available now, if anyone is wondering.
The string special only included the 15 gauge Alu, but TW was kind enough to get me the 16L gauge with the discount applied.I love my Phantom 93Ps but this felt like one of those rare, special racquets that I will want to keep around for a long time.
Weighed it up to my preferred spec range, and I'm not sure if this also had to do with the Alu Power, but the frame felt like it was literally an extension of my arm. Super smooth, super buttery, performs well in all aspects. Really fun to play all around.
Grommets are also available now, if anyone is wondering.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
If only they'd actually sell it in a 28" 'Monfil Autograph Edition', instead of just putting his image on the 27" header cards.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Better let Serena know!
bleno567
Professional
If only they'd actually sell it in a 28" 'Monfil Autograph Edition', instead of just putting his image on the 27" header cards.
28" and 16x19 please. If anyone wants 27", simply cut it down.
PBODY99
Legend
Gee
Hall of Fame
First I wanted to put weight into the handle in order to lower the balance but I don't know how to do that as the UT is foam filled.
That's why I placed 4 grams of lead at the bottom of the handle. How did you the putty with lead into the handle?
You can also use the rubber tungsten tape used in golf clubs - if you google search for them, or search "tungsten golf club weights" on am*z*n, you can find them, and you can cut them into little cubes at 2 grams each. You can fit up to 3-4 of these cubes inside the butt cap, and possibly more if you get creative with how you cut them. I put in 2 myself to get to 4 grams on my UT and I filled the rest of the space with half a cotton ball, otherwise if the adhesive wears out, then it will bump all around inside.
So I never put lead under the bumper before, but I'm thinking about doing it with my UTs - will I need to put in a brand new bumper guard in place afterwards? Even if my racquets are about 2-3 weeks old? Or will I be able to put the current bumper/grommet back in after I put the lead tape inside?
pennc94
Professional
Depends if your grommets are all stretched out due to knots. If they’re relatively unstretched you might be able to get them back on. A heat gun or a hairdryer are your friend here.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
technoob10
New User
Is it me or does the new blade v7 18x20 feel kind of like indirect update to the ultra tour as well? The slightly more headlight balance and lower stiffness rating resembles the ultra tour but I guess the higher swingweight would make it more powerful than the ultra tour.
TennisNewbieHehe
New User
Its more like a higher swing weight and more powerful(thicker beam) ut97. Headlight diff is big. Swing weight also. I think a leather will be great addition to the new blades
bfroxen
Rookie
Here's my experience with the Ultra Tour.
I have been playing with a set of three Yonex DR 98s (285g version) with a bit of weight in the trap door (321g, 32.4cm balance, 318 SW, strung w/ overgrip). I broke one of them a few weeks back when it slipped out of my hand while serving, and since I can't find a replacement, I've been looking for a new racquet. The Ultra Tour seemed like it might be pretty close in specs, and reviews say it's comfortable. I wasn't sure about the 18x20 pattern, but I thought it might help my string situation. My arm can't handle poly, and my favorite nylon string, TF Multifeel, doesn't last very long in my DR 98s.
I ordered four UTs, figuring I'd play with one and return the others if I didn't like it. The specs were pretty far off on all four racquets, but they were fairly close to each other. The one I chose was in the middle of the four. It was 310g (vs. 305g spec) with a balance of 30.5cm (vs. 31.5cm spec). Strung with TF Multifeel 16 (at 2 lbs less than I string the DR 98s and figuring it settled a bit lower due to new grommets), it was 327g, 31.73cm balance, and 307 SW. For comparison, TW's strung average is 323g, 32.41cm, and 319. Obviously, mine are very light in the hoop and heavy in the handle. Perhaps the heavy handle is due to them being size 5.
For the first playtest, I added 4g at the tip, to get the SW up to 319, and an OG, which brought it to 337g. It felt heavy and I lost accuracy on my shots. It didn't hurt my arm, but it has a tinny vibration, similar to a Head MG Radical OS that I have. When I switched back to the DR 98, I much preferred the weight and buttery smooth feel (a phrase I often see in UT reviews) of it. I tried playing with the UT again, with the 4g removed, but it still didn't feel right.
So, looking through this thread, I saw @moon shot's post showing the weights at the top of the molded handle. That's exactly where I needed to reduce mass to get to my DR 98 specs, so I ordered a TK82S pallet. Removing the stock handle was easy enough, but getting the Head pallet installed was a bit of a challenge. The hairpin is slick! I didn't find anything that would stick well to it, and the pallet was a bit loose. I ended up wrapping a layer of masking tape around the hairpin at the top and bottom. The tape stuck to itself well enough to hold it in place. Then, I wrapped masking tape, without overlapping, from the top to the bottom of the hairpin. I added three layers per side of masking tape to the short sides to get a nice fit with the pallet.
The Head pallet doesn't work very well with the transition from hairpin to throat. I wish I would have cut a half inch off the top of the pallet and shaped the inside of the pallet to match the transition of the racquet. Unfortunately, I cut it to length before figuring this out, so the handle feels significantly shorter than the stock handle. Also, the TK82S in size 5 is quite a bit smaller than the Wilson size 5. A Wilson size 4 butt cap fit perfectly, but I decided to build up the pallet with a bit of masking take and stick with the size 5 butt cap.
The molded grip and weights were 48g, so I was confident that I'd be able to meet my target specs. After putting everything back together, I added 4.6g at 10:00 & 2:00 and 5.4g in the trap door to match my DR 98s perfectly.
I hit with the ball machine today to compare the modified Ultra Tour to my DR 98s. Dropping weight and moving to a much more polarized weight distribution felt great. I was much more accurate with the Ultra Tour than I had been prior to the modification. I could switch between the two racquets and feel mostly confident in my shots. I was still more consistent with the DR 98, which isn't surprising, since it's what I'm most used to. The Ultra Tour still felt tinny.
Bottom line, I could switch to the Ultra Tour, but I don't love the feel, and the modifications are too much of a hassle. Anyone have a 285g DR 98 with 4-5/8 grip? ;-)
I have been playing with a set of three Yonex DR 98s (285g version) with a bit of weight in the trap door (321g, 32.4cm balance, 318 SW, strung w/ overgrip). I broke one of them a few weeks back when it slipped out of my hand while serving, and since I can't find a replacement, I've been looking for a new racquet. The Ultra Tour seemed like it might be pretty close in specs, and reviews say it's comfortable. I wasn't sure about the 18x20 pattern, but I thought it might help my string situation. My arm can't handle poly, and my favorite nylon string, TF Multifeel, doesn't last very long in my DR 98s.
I ordered four UTs, figuring I'd play with one and return the others if I didn't like it. The specs were pretty far off on all four racquets, but they were fairly close to each other. The one I chose was in the middle of the four. It was 310g (vs. 305g spec) with a balance of 30.5cm (vs. 31.5cm spec). Strung with TF Multifeel 16 (at 2 lbs less than I string the DR 98s and figuring it settled a bit lower due to new grommets), it was 327g, 31.73cm balance, and 307 SW. For comparison, TW's strung average is 323g, 32.41cm, and 319. Obviously, mine are very light in the hoop and heavy in the handle. Perhaps the heavy handle is due to them being size 5.
For the first playtest, I added 4g at the tip, to get the SW up to 319, and an OG, which brought it to 337g. It felt heavy and I lost accuracy on my shots. It didn't hurt my arm, but it has a tinny vibration, similar to a Head MG Radical OS that I have. When I switched back to the DR 98, I much preferred the weight and buttery smooth feel (a phrase I often see in UT reviews) of it. I tried playing with the UT again, with the 4g removed, but it still didn't feel right.
So, looking through this thread, I saw @moon shot's post showing the weights at the top of the molded handle. That's exactly where I needed to reduce mass to get to my DR 98 specs, so I ordered a TK82S pallet. Removing the stock handle was easy enough, but getting the Head pallet installed was a bit of a challenge. The hairpin is slick! I didn't find anything that would stick well to it, and the pallet was a bit loose. I ended up wrapping a layer of masking tape around the hairpin at the top and bottom. The tape stuck to itself well enough to hold it in place. Then, I wrapped masking tape, without overlapping, from the top to the bottom of the hairpin. I added three layers per side of masking tape to the short sides to get a nice fit with the pallet.
The Head pallet doesn't work very well with the transition from hairpin to throat. I wish I would have cut a half inch off the top of the pallet and shaped the inside of the pallet to match the transition of the racquet. Unfortunately, I cut it to length before figuring this out, so the handle feels significantly shorter than the stock handle. Also, the TK82S in size 5 is quite a bit smaller than the Wilson size 5. A Wilson size 4 butt cap fit perfectly, but I decided to build up the pallet with a bit of masking take and stick with the size 5 butt cap.
The molded grip and weights were 48g, so I was confident that I'd be able to meet my target specs. After putting everything back together, I added 4.6g at 10:00 & 2:00 and 5.4g in the trap door to match my DR 98s perfectly.
I hit with the ball machine today to compare the modified Ultra Tour to my DR 98s. Dropping weight and moving to a much more polarized weight distribution felt great. I was much more accurate with the Ultra Tour than I had been prior to the modification. I could switch between the two racquets and feel mostly confident in my shots. I was still more consistent with the DR 98, which isn't surprising, since it's what I'm most used to. The Ultra Tour still felt tinny.
Bottom line, I could switch to the Ultra Tour, but I don't love the feel, and the modifications are too much of a hassle. Anyone have a 285g DR 98 with 4-5/8 grip? ;-)
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Dr98 buttery? I tried it before with full poly but buttery was not a word I would associate with it.
Tommy Haas
Hall of Fame
Not the DR98. Try the Ai98. The DR was made because people weren't used to the flex of the Ai98. Osaka really plays with a painted Ai98. Kyrgios plays with a painted Xi98. Those were the last of the flexible Yonex frames before they went stiff.
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
What racquet is buttery when you’re playing with a full bed of poly?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I owned the Ai98 for many years and while flexible, i didn’t think it felt buttery. In fact it felt a bit similar to an APD.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
PC600 is definitely buttery smooth. Ultra Tour is pretty buttery.
parasailing
Legend
I would say the DR 98 + is pretty comfortable racquet but not the DR 98 which felt stiff.
parasailing
Legend
I think the AI 98 had too much flex in the throat and was stiff in the hoop. The best thing about the AI 98 is that it swings very fast.
parasailing
Legend
I would say the Prince EXO3 Tour is one of the softest racquet you can get.
parasailing
Legend
If you can find one with the proper spec. I got an Ultra Tour with typical Wilson poor quality control which after putting the necessary amount of weight has exceeded my 2015 Blade 18x20s and offers less power.
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
My point is that a full bed of poly is the STIFFEST stringbed you can put in any frame no matter how flexible.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
Got my grommets from TW! So happy!
parasailing
Legend
Wouldn't Kevlar string produce a stiffer stringbed? I don't think many would go that route but just saying.
My PT57A . Although my Tgt 293.2 has that same feeling a little bit.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yep. Agree. The ai98 does flex but it is not buttery. Thats something i would describe my austrian head radical os or an older pog. Buttery is a combination of soft flex in a solid feeling frame.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Like
nohandedbackhand
Semi-Pro
Hopefully they incorporate the same clash tech they did to the blade but with ra under 60, keep the balance more headlight and swing weight low for customization, and keep the foam. Ooh and leather grip. A girl can dream..
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
dr. godmode
Hall of Fame
I want the UT to stay exactly the same. No Clash tech. Just offer at 16x19 string pattern as well
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I'm with you on the 16x19 pattern as well... as long as the stringbed is not erratic as a result.
Gee
Hall of Fame
I agree.
Maybe they should offer a heavier (e.g. 330 grams 10 pts HL) version as well so you don't need to customize so much.
marxknight
Rookie
This thread made me buy my own share of UTs and frankly they are a pleasure to hit with but needed just a little customization to get to my ideal specs.
But, is it me or the paint is too fragile on this frame?
But, is it me or the paint is too fragile on this frame?
Pre980
Rookie
My UTs all have leather grip and weight at 3 and 9 o'clock to stabilize twist weight. Altogether, I'm at 11.7 oz.
Yes, @marxknight, the paint is fragile, no doubt. Kinda sucks, but oh well.
Yes, @marxknight, the paint is fragile, no doubt. Kinda sucks, but oh well.
I had Ai 98. I would say it is not buttery. It is plush
marxknight
Rookie
Exactly my setup just without the leather but added weight to the handle weighing them at just 12 oz.
Any suggestions on what to do about this situation so the paint won't come off like the shell of a hard-boiled egg?
Pitti
Rookie
I’ve been using the Ultra Tour for almost a year now. Note that I’ve been using it in stock form with a full bed of multifilament strings, and so far I’m really pleased with it. Here’s my personal review on it:
I’m a recreational player who was a bit more serious about tennis about 10 years ago but then gave it up completely until last year. I wanted to get a new racquet to start playing tennis again. I play it with full bed of multifilament because I have a slightly sensitive elbow and I play flatter than most people.
Im not the strongest guy out there. And I’ve seen that as some people have said, this racquet lacks some power. But with a multifilament string at a not very high tension, the racquet comes to life. I’ve found it’s working best for me at 51-52 lbs: enough power and spin, but still controlled.
The control of this racquet is great. I’m used to 18x20s, and I chose this racquet in part because of its string pattern. With this racquet I’ve found great directional control. I can also swing fast, with enough confidence that the ball will still be controlled. If you hit hard and focus on your footwork, this racquet provides an incredible amount of control. If you relax and stop hitting like that, your shots will fall short.
Comfort is amazing and maneuvrability is great: this racquet lets you react quickly, specially at the net. It also has a big sweet spot.
Strokes wise, I’ve loved to slice the ball with my backhand, and to hit my 1hbh with it. Forehands are very controlled. I play flatter shots, but I could get some good spinny forehands with the racquet. At the net I found I needed to push the ball a bit more to put volleys away, but at the same time I found cross court volley drop shots incredibly easy. At the serve, I’ve found it neutral. Not very powerful, not very spin friendly. But great for placement. I’ve been able to open some good angles with my serve.
The paint chips very easily, but I’ve been “repainting” the spots with some permanent felt tip pens, so it doesn’t looked like chipped unless you look at it closely.
So: I like this racquet. I’ve read here and there that adding weight to it improves it, but so far I’m liking it it as it is... but with a powerful stringbed.
I’m a recreational player who was a bit more serious about tennis about 10 years ago but then gave it up completely until last year. I wanted to get a new racquet to start playing tennis again. I play it with full bed of multifilament because I have a slightly sensitive elbow and I play flatter than most people.
Im not the strongest guy out there. And I’ve seen that as some people have said, this racquet lacks some power. But with a multifilament string at a not very high tension, the racquet comes to life. I’ve found it’s working best for me at 51-52 lbs: enough power and spin, but still controlled.
The control of this racquet is great. I’m used to 18x20s, and I chose this racquet in part because of its string pattern. With this racquet I’ve found great directional control. I can also swing fast, with enough confidence that the ball will still be controlled. If you hit hard and focus on your footwork, this racquet provides an incredible amount of control. If you relax and stop hitting like that, your shots will fall short.
Comfort is amazing and maneuvrability is great: this racquet lets you react quickly, specially at the net. It also has a big sweet spot.
Strokes wise, I’ve loved to slice the ball with my backhand, and to hit my 1hbh with it. Forehands are very controlled. I play flatter shots, but I could get some good spinny forehands with the racquet. At the net I found I needed to push the ball a bit more to put volleys away, but at the same time I found cross court volley drop shots incredibly easy. At the serve, I’ve found it neutral. Not very powerful, not very spin friendly. But great for placement. I’ve been able to open some good angles with my serve.
The paint chips very easily, but I’ve been “repainting” the spots with some permanent felt tip pens, so it doesn’t looked like chipped unless you look at it closely.
So: I like this racquet. I’ve read here and there that adding weight to it improves it, but so far I’m liking it it as it is... but with a powerful stringbed.
Pitti
Rookie
I’m currently trying tecnifibre XR3 on the racquet and so far it’s good. I also tried TGV which was great, and even overpowered the racquet when it lost tension at the end of the string life. I’ve played for lots of years with a 6.1 team 18x20. I still carry it with me. But the UT is a great racquet, and I’m happy that I bought it.
marxknight
Rookie
Well let's hope it won't be fully destroyed in the near future.
Gee
Hall of Fame
From what source did you learn this?
