Wilson Ultra Tour (Monfils)
- Thread starter mpournaras
- Start date
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Vcp97 310 is an awesome stick. No reason to mess around with the WUT if the VCP97 works better for you.
cool, thanks for that.
can i ask if you can feel advantages/disadvantages of both UT and V7 racquets, in similar spec?
do you have a preference toward a certain one?
(just wanted to "find an excuse" to get and tinker with a UT... but don't tell the wife...)
Both of mine were filled with silicone. One weighed 305g and the other 298g if I’m not mistaken.
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djNEiGht
Legend
I haven't hit with the UT with the added lead yet. Comparing it in stock form, v7 (tried both full bed synthetic and poly) had more stability/plow. UT (only have used with VS Nat Gut) swung much faster.cool, thanks for that.
can i ask if you can feel advantages/disadvantages of both UT and V7 racquets, in similar spec?
do you have a preference toward a certain one?
(just wanted to "find an excuse" to get and tinker with a UT... but don't tell the wife...)
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
It plays awesome at those specs.
Also want to confirm this racquet plays amazing with thin gauge strings. Strung up Luxilon Ace at 52/49 lbs and I was getting more spin and higher launch angle than my Yonex SV98 with RPM Blast 15L. Unfortunately Ace is also very low powered probably due to the thin gauge and I found myself wanting a bit more pop, but even adding some additional weight at 12 to compensate did not improve it much. The launch angle was actually higher than I'd like, and I'm still swinging out a bit harder to get the same aggressive ball I can hit on the SV98. I think I could probably lower the tension some more and keep the tension the same for mains and crosses. Although I'm playing primarily with the Yonex, it's always fun to pick up this racquet, I may try to tinker with this frame a bit more during the spring season.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
i wanted to try the UT without lead at 3-9 (I had 4g). I have two of them and one has 3 pts lower SW (by my rough manual method), so one has 1g at 12. That is about 324SW, 329g(no dampener) 32cm balance ( I added bluetack in the handle). It was actually really nice to swing with today. Nothing magical but I like where it's going, I'll continue with that. I even thought I had more power on both wings. I'll continue to test with different type of hitters to see how it goes and also to find my rythm.
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
Try to get your hands on an RDC or one of those Head machines to measure SW. I for one think it’s extremely unlikely that you have that much of a SW. Both of my ultras came in the 270s. Takes quite a lot of weight to bump it up.
Mine have leather grip, OG, 4 grams total at 3/9 and the SW is still 316, measured on an RDC. And they’re around 335g.
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Measured on a machine? Because the manual method and all are total crap. Tried those multiple times and when I finally got to an RDC, it was completely off. Like 10-15 points off.
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looks like a QC issue. checking the TW UT review again and their strung SW is about 324SW.... shocking QC really...
Gee
Hall of Fame
That is still way too nimble to my taste.
My 2 matched UTs came in at 280 SW. Besides a leather grip I added 8 grams of lead at the top of the handle and 5 grams at 3 and 9. After I put an overgrip and dampener the total weight is 346 grams strung with a balance at 31,6 mm.
Unfortunately I can't measure the sw. I guess something like 325-330 but it would be nice if somebody here can make an educated guess (or confirm mine).
Gee
Hall of Fame
Yes, 280 sw unstrung. BTW I use a hybrid with head rip control 1.20mm and MSV CoFocus 1.18mm.
280SW unstrung and lets say 10SW for the lead at 3-9 and about 30SW for the string... it should be around 320SW give or take a couple....
The app Racquet Tune can actually calculate that precisely if you know the starting specs.
Then consider +30SW for a 1.25mm poly string.
As for the dampener, it really depends on the dampener. I use a Babolat RVS and it’s pretty heavy (8g). Adds 5 SW measured on RDC
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Gee
Hall of Fame
Thanks for your tip Bruno,
I read about that app earlier. Unfortunately the Racquet Tune app is only available as an IOS version and I own an Android phone.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Here I am hitting against the wall with the Ultra Tour.
I customized my UT as follows:
I customized my UT as follows:
- 8 grams at 7" from butt
- 5 grams (5" long strips) at 3 and 9
- 2 grams at 12
- Oehms Premium leather grip
- Yonex Super Grap
- O dampener
Gee
Hall of Fame
Thanks and it does play solid!
Last year I bought a matched pair with the following specs unstrung (before I customized them further): 302.2 grams - 279,5 SW - 31.35 cm balance.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Good hitting.
It's weird hitting against the wall when you haven't done it for a while (I find). My shots always go higher on the wall and then it takes me a bit to get my rhythm and start hitting flatter and through the ball in order to keep the ball lower and coming back more 'uniformly' so that I can get into the groove and hit the ball after one bounce (rather than more loopy shots that bounce off the wall shorter and then I need to move closer to the wall or let it bounce twice before hitting - which feels weird).
I have similar specs on my UT. I haven't hit a ball for quite a while, it's going to be interesting when I get back into it.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Yeah,... Hitting against the wall is different than on the courts.
You better start slowly and a little nearby the wall like you start hitting within the service boxes. Then you can increase the velocity gradually when you've got the rythm. You also need to pay attention on an early preparation with your strokes otherwise you'll hit too high against the wall (like I did a few times as you can see in my video).
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
tried a new string setup on my modded Ultra Tour this time. Had some leftover Discho Iontec Hexa Black 17g so decided to use it in the mains crossed with Yonex Poly Tour Pro yellow 17g strung at 45/43 on a electronic constant pull machine. Man, it’s a shame Mamba tennis is no longer around selling Iontec anymore because this setup is really nice. Makes the Ultra Tour feel so much like the PC600. So buttery smooth and easier to play with than the PC600. The spin it was generating on groundstrokes was pretty wicked as well.
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Gee
Hall of Fame
Maybe you can try MSV Focus Hex instead of Discho Iontec Hexa. They are available in different diameters and colours as well.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
I've been playing around with my setup in the last weeks/months since I was hitting on a wall and now with my son (13y old). I tried from heavy, stock to in between specs/weight placements. I've always had weight at 3-9 because of the TennisWarehouse published TW. I wanted to try weight only at 12 (actually more like 10 to 2 (4g, 5g on my 2nd one). I feel the sweetspot is lower on this racquet and thought it could raise it at the top with weight there. I also think weight removed from 3-9 helped feeling looser on my stroke. I'll have to test against heavier hitters but so far it's pretty good.
Another thing I tried is having smaller grip, I removed the grip and now have two overgrips. That seems to add feel and I also feel more relaxed and like the lighter weight, but more head heavy balance ! I also have been playing with 1.15 strings, they do remove swingweight.
Specs are about 325g, 33.2bal and 333SW.... kind of pretty close to the Wilson Blade when I think about it ! I also added a bit of silicone in the handle (about 4g)
anyone else with weight mostly at the top instead of sides ? I know my final static weight was mostly possible because of the removed grip.
Another thing I tried is having smaller grip, I removed the grip and now have two overgrips. That seems to add feel and I also feel more relaxed and like the lighter weight, but more head heavy balance ! I also have been playing with 1.15 strings, they do remove swingweight.
Specs are about 325g, 33.2bal and 333SW.... kind of pretty close to the Wilson Blade when I think about it ! I also added a bit of silicone in the handle (about 4g)
anyone else with weight mostly at the top instead of sides ? I know my final static weight was mostly possible because of the removed grip.
I bought one recently, and have given it a good 10 hours or so. I like my rackets headlight, and its about 10 points headlight, and I have lead at 3/9 o'clock. I think I can get used to it, but I get this weird pain, that isn't golfers elbow/tennis elbow pain but its consistent. While playing today, the pain started coming just past the hour, and I switched back to the PS 6.1 BLX, which is nearly exactly similarly weighted(~350g), and the pain started going away.
Both rackets are strung with similar tensions(53lbs) with similar strings.
I cannot figure out what is causing this issue. I have never had this issue before - anyone else feel pain in the extensor carpi radialis longi(I think) with this frame?
I'm not mishitting the ball either. I did notice that due to the frame thickness increase, it doesn't feel as whippy, so maybe I'm trying to muscle it more? Any insight would be appreciated.
edit : trying to figure out which muscle hurts is mildly ridiclous given how many muscles are in the forearm...
Both rackets are strung with similar tensions(53lbs) with similar strings.
I cannot figure out what is causing this issue. I have never had this issue before - anyone else feel pain in the extensor carpi radialis longi(I think) with this frame?
I'm not mishitting the ball either. I did notice that due to the frame thickness increase, it doesn't feel as whippy, so maybe I'm trying to muscle it more? Any insight would be appreciated.
edit : trying to figure out which muscle hurts is mildly ridiclous given how many muscles are in the forearm...
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asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
It's the difference in the beam thickness, head size and the balance. Your 6.1 has a thinner beam, a smaller head and is more headlight. All those elements make it a whippier frame, and easier to swing.
Racquets can have the exact same static weight, but the differences in the areas I mentioned will have a greater effect on how each frame swings.
You can't get the UT moving fast enough, and as a result you are putting strain on your forearm trying to get it to move as quick as your 6.1.
Sometimes different frames requires different mechanics. Spec wise the two frames are two different for you to even mod the UT to the specs your 6.1.
You may get close by adding more weight in the grip of the UT to make it more headlight. But the differences in beam thickness and head size are areas you will have to overcome.
They are weighted to the exact same(overall weight is lighter by 5g compared to my PS 6.1 BLX, balance - both HL 10/11, SW - I don't know but mostly feels somewhat the same. I do notice a difference ONLY on put away shots where the ultra is slower by maybe 1/3 of a sec, and my shots are out by a small amount). I agree with your assessment that I was trying to move it as fast, and I agree that its most likley due to the headsize, and beam width. I'll rest for a few days and try it again, and if it starts hurting again, maybe its not for me..
Edit : Thinking about it more, I was trying to hit with more topspin than usual, but not by an extreme amount, due to the difference in string pattern, but the muscle that hurts doesn't seem to be a contributing factor when I move my arm in the way I generate spin, but who knows. So many interconnecting muscles, so that may have contributed to it?
Edit : Thinking about it more, I was trying to hit with more topspin than usual, but not by an extreme amount, due to the difference in string pattern, but the muscle that hurts doesn't seem to be a contributing factor when I move my arm in the way I generate spin, but who knows. So many interconnecting muscles, so that may have contributed to it?
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They are exactly the same. 4 3/8, with a heat shrink, leather grip, and an overgrip. I like that big size.
I barely have any weight on them. I started the day with 4 grams together at 9/3, and took some off when it felt slightly sluggish. I was left with likely only about 2 grams total. I need the stability in the top hoop, as I can feel the flex. It feels extremely similar when swinging without a ball. Its very nearly identical in all aspects, and thats why I'm so utterly confused.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
are you using the same tensions in both racquets? the PS6.1 BLX is 16/19 and the UT is a very dense 18/20.They are weighted to the exact same(overall weight is lighter by 5g compared to my PS 6.1 BLX, balance - both HL 10/11, SW - I don't know but mostly feels somewhat the same. I do notice a difference ONLY on put away shots where the ultra is slower by maybe 1/3 of a sec, and my shots are out by a small amount). I agree with your assessment that I was trying to move it as fast, and I agree that its most likley due to the headsize, and beam width. I'll rest for a few days and try it again, and if it starts hurting again, maybe its not for me..
Edit : Thinking about it more, I was trying to hit with more topspin than usual, but not by an extreme amount, due to the difference in string pattern, but the muscle that hurts doesn't seem to be a contributing factor when I move my arm in the way I generate spin, but who knows. So many interconnecting muscles, so that may have contributed to it?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
i find that it needs a little bit of lead at 12. 1-2g at most for me depending on the stock specs. and 0.25-0.5g between 1-3. 0.25-0.5g between 9-11.
D
Deleted member 768841
Guest
I hope the new Ultra “Pro” comes to TW, id love to give the racquet a try.
Yes unfortunately. What do you suggest? 2-3lbs lower? I haven't played with a 18/20 since I was a teen, and that feels like it was 300 years ago. Yes I am that old(or so I am told by my kids)
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I usually drop tension by 3-5# when going from a more open 16/19 to a very dense 18/20.
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
Based on your follow up info, It's the head size and beam thickness difference. That's it. It's nothing else. The two frames will never play the same because of the inherent differences. No level of modding can eliminate or mask the differences in head size or beam thickness.
However, based on my experience, dropping down in grip size can make a frame whippier, and the preparation phase quicker. Since buying another UT in a smaller grip size
may not be feasible..................try this experiment................remove the synthetic grip off your UT and replace it with just one overgrip, and add some lead in the buttcap to make up the balance (weight) difference. Give it a try. Also perhaps a bab skin feel or any other thin replacement grip to drop the grip size down of just an overgrip is two thin.
A smaller grip size will make almost any frame more whippy. This is why Nadal uses a 4 1/4 grip with that wide beam big headed Babolat.
As Devo said, "whip it good"
However, based on my experience, dropping down in grip size can make a frame whippier, and the preparation phase quicker. Since buying another UT in a smaller grip size
may not be feasible..................try this experiment................remove the synthetic grip off your UT and replace it with just one overgrip, and add some lead in the buttcap to make up the balance (weight) difference. Give it a try. Also perhaps a bab skin feel or any other thin replacement grip to drop the grip size down of just an overgrip is two thin.
A smaller grip size will make almost any frame more whippy. This is why Nadal uses a 4 1/4 grip with that wide beam big headed Babolat.
As Devo said, "whip it good"
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I did that with my own rackets, and I agree. Makes it whippy, but with my stokes already being whippy, and the smaller grip size causing tennis elbow late last year, I'm wary. Otherwise I really like the racket. I'll switch things up and try making it work.
I'll try reducing the tension first to see how that feels and take your suggestion right after.
Thanks so much!
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
Sure. BTW, string tension would typically effect your elbow, triceps, or shoulder...........not your forearm, unless your sticks were strung at 80lbs!!! Also, string tension also has absolutely nothing to do with your ability to swing a frame faster to hit the ball early or on time.
Reducing your tension will just be a waste of money.
If we eliminate the forearm pain issue for a moment, and assuming you are just trying to get a similar feel from your 6.1 and your UT, it's not gonna happen. For me a stiff 16/19 frame strung with low tension and thin gauge strings is the sweetest feel by far. For others they like a flexible frame, but that flex hurts my arm a bit.
If you're gonna restring the UT anyway, since it's a 18X20 you need to drop down at least 5lbs. 2-3lb you won't even notice.
Thanks. I'll try that.
