Racquet Review: Wilson Ultra 100 v5

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.2 oz.
• Balance: 4 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 320
• RA Rating: 67
• Beam Width: 24mm / 26mm / 24.5mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

The Ultra underwent a few tweaks from its predecessor to better the frame’s response at contact. The racquet’s main innovation is SI3D technology which optimizes its vertical and horizontal bending as well as its torsional stability to increase power, spin and ball pocketing. The frame’s stiffness has lowered in the process, giving it a bit more comfort and control. It also possesses Crush Zone Grommets for increased dwell time, Dual-Taper Beam for bigger hitting and Parallel Drilling for string bed forgiveness. The bumper and grommets can more efficiently be replacement thanks to the Click-and-Go System. And the Electric Indigo colorway gives the frame a brighter look.

What Works

The Ultra is Wilson’s power franchise and this latest certainly lives up to the tradition. A relaxed swing and decent contact are all that’s needed to find easy and repeatable depth on ground strokes. And when you do pump up the swing speed the racquet responds accordingly. Aggressive shots like flat first serves jump off the string bed and zip through the court with plenty of pace. It’s the type of racquet that can help a novice player get more balls in the court, and an advancing player put more shots by their opponents.

However, it’s not all engine and no steering. For this category of racquet the power is actually pretty manageable. It gives shots a boost, but doesn’t go overboard which helps regulate distance and directional control. The 16x19 string bed is judiciously spaced and capable of ample spin production for those who can create it for another layer of safety to shots. It’s not pinpoint accurate, and there’s still the occasional flier, but you don’t need to pick billboard-sized targets.

But more than anything, contact is where this newest Ultra separates from its past self. Since Wilson introduced the Clash franchise, it has been tinkering with the bending properties of its frames. The impact on this Ultra is a more flexible, dampened and plusher feel with much improved ball-pocketing. Outside the more than generous sweet spot you do still notice the firmness of the beam, but it’s not uncomfortable and more forgiving than its predecessor.

This softer flex has by no means turns the frame into a noodle. Stability is still quite good for a racquet in this weight class. The chunky beam can quickly turn around a heavy serve or a short-hop from just inside the baseline with nothing more than a shoulder turn and a half-swing. And the combination of a more tempered response with a stable racquet face improves the overall control and dependability of the frame.

At net the racquet shines when redirecting pace back into the open court. Just set the face in front of the ball and a quick block is all it takes for good depth and pace on the volley. Finesse shots aren’t quite as natural—again, not unexpected with this type of frame—yet there’s enough ball connection in the string bed that it can be serviceable in those situations. Fast, fuller strokes are more in its wheelhouse, but it’s well-rounded enough for staple all-court and doubles tactics.

What Needs Work

As far as stiffer, power frames go, the Ultra is one of the more comfortable ones around. Even with a full bed of polyester strings it does a solid job of soaking up contact. But it’s still capable of relaying a firm feel, especially outside the sweet spot. It shouldn’t be an issue for most, but players with a history of arm troubles could find it a little unforgiving.

Similarly, the stock weight should be sufficient for 95% of users. However, highly advanced players may find the frame a bit too light in certain situations. For instance, it’s no trouble generating the necessary spin for kick serves and slice backhands, but the shots don’t penetrate after the bounce; they lack the heft and nastiness provided by a heavier frame. Players in search of a bit more finishing punch may want to add some weight to the hoop, or try the bigger-hitting Ultra Pro 99.

Bottom Line

Controllable power, forgiving playability and a more refined response. The new Ultra is ultra-friendly to use.