Racquet Review: Wilson Ultra Pro 99 v5

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 99 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.4 oz.
• Balance: 3 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 331
• RA Rating: 69
• Beam Width: 22mm / 23.5mm / 21.5mm
• String Pattern: 16x18

What’s New

The updated Ultra Pro is essentially a complete reboot. It has a bigger head size, thicker, firmer beam and a more open string pattern. The result is a frame designed to be more powerful and user-friendly. The racquet’s main innovation is SI3D technology which optimizes its bending profile at contact to increase power potential, spin generation and ball pocketing. 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 glossy Electric Indigo colorway gives the frame a sharp look.

What Works

When a racquet has a “Pro” label, it can often mean it lacks juice or has a fist-sized sweet spot. The Ultra bucks that trend. Thanks to its hefty 330ish swingweight and more head-heavy balance, it does challenge when it comes to maneuverability. However, get it to the strike zone on time with a healthy cut, and all that mass in the head and stiff layup will produce a formidable shot. That combination also creates top-notch stability for its weight, and some help when contact is off-center.

This fifth version of the Ultra Pro is a marked departure from the model it replaces. That frame had a smaller head size, thinner, more flexible beam and played like a descendent of the Blade line. It had great feel and control but required the user to provide the bulk of the power. Over the years Wilson tour players—such as Madison Keys and Borna Coric—used it competition, but it was a far cry from the rest of the Ultra family.

This update incorporates a mold which stems from the defunct Steam franchise. About a decade ago the Steam had a brief run but still managed to capture a devoted following. Some of which were junior players who would go on to play on the pro tours. When the Steam got mothballed, they refused to move on and used the mold but with a current racquet’s paintjob.

Now the Pro inherits the same thick, stiff, tapered beam of the Steam, which creates a playability more in line with the Ultra’s power and forgiveness. From a line perspective, it makes more sense. If a player were looking to transition from the Ultra 100 to a more advanced frame, this Pro has become a logical progression.

It’s splitting hairs as to whether the 99 square-inch head size is any more forgiving than a 98 or exacting than a 100. Regardless, the frame’s response is rock solid and shots generally predictable. Some control is sacrificed for the extra punch, but there’s enough of it to still be ambitious with targeting.

The Ultra’s 16x18 string pattern would normally scream serious spin production. As would the amount of string freedom and extended dwell time from the Crush Zone grommets. However, it doesn’t really play that way. For one thing, the greatest string spacing is toward the outer parts of the string bed; the sweet spot doesn’t look much different than most 16x19 frames.

But perhaps the biggest limiting factor is the racquet’s beefy swingweight and more head-heavy balance. The combination makes the frame tougher to whip up through the hitting zone and encourages more linear swings. The racquet just wants to plow through the ball on serves and ground strokes and drive it through the court.

If a player were looking to transition from the Ultra 100 to a more advanced frame, this Pro has become a logical progression.

Having the wider string pattern works out to give shots a little more lift and depth. If you do need to put extra topspin on a kick serve or forehand dipper, the opportunity is there when you really brush up the back of the ball. But on most working ground strokes it’s more drive than dive. This works out well for carving hard slices that skid low and jet past the baseline.

At net the Ultra is a virtual wall against pace. It shoots back hard-hit passes with nothing more than a basic block. It has a similar proclivity with chips and lobs off the return of serve. The frame’s structure is better suited to fast, full swings, but it has just enough feel to throw in the occasional off-speed shot. The extra room in the grommets creates a little flex in the string bed to grab the ball when touch is required. Overall, the racquet is better equipped to conduct business with baseline bullets, but it has just enough versatility to keep opponents guessing.

And although it adds nothing to its performance, the glossy Electric Indigo colorway is a crowd-pleaser.

What Needs Work

The Ultra Pro arguably has a limited audience. Think a strong junior, college player or someone who was once both. If you have sound mechanics and a fast swing you can absolutely mash the ball with the racquet. However, if you lack that kind of consistent technique, it can feel clubby through the air and difficult to control. A tester with a one-handed backhand also noted that the heftiness could try a shoulder’s conditioning over the course of a long match.

Wilson’s “Pro” racquets are aimed at serious players; the type who aren’t afraid to tinker with their equipment. It’s not that the Ultra Pro can’t be played effectively as is, but it probably needs some customization to dial in its performance.

That’s why the racquet is constructed with a pro-level swingweight, but a manageable static weight. The user can add mass as needed to refine playability without the frame becoming a club. Given the more head-heavy balance, putting weight in the handle is probably the best course of action. This should improve the frame’s handling.

The Ultra Pro is also ultra firm. It’s comfortable for its stiffness rating, but you feel the rigidity on off-center contact. It shouldn’t be an issue for players used to racquets without much flex. However, it’s probably not a good choice for those with a history of arm issues.

Bottom Line

The Ultra Pro 99 is a smart and welcome addition to the franchise. Fans of the old Steam and heavy-hitting baseliners will appreciate what it brings to the court.