Racquet Review: Wilson Ultra Pro v4

Price: $249 (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)
Head Size: 97 sq. in.
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11.4 oz.
Balance: 6 pts. HL
Swingweight: 318
RA Rating: 62
Beam Width: 20.6 mm
String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

Other than its attractive new blue/purple color-shifting paint scheme, it’s the status quo for the Ultra Pro. It has the same exact specs and technology as the previous generation. Straight from Wilson Pro Labs, with its thin, constant beam and lower-powered, predictable response, the racquet is nothing like the other more powerful and user-friendly members of the Ultra family. The Pro’s straightforward, customizable design and steady performance have made it a popular choice with numerous touring pros.

What Works

When a new frame is rolled out, even most updates, the brand’s latest technology or innovation typically comes with it. Some bells and whistles to potentially increase power, spin, or feel—or a combination of such attributes—to attract prospective players. The Wilson Ultra Pro v4 makes no such claims. Advancements like FortyFive bending or any of the recent enhancements that inhabit the manufacturer’s other models are all absent from the frame. And while it might appear to be no-frills, the racquet’s performance is by no means generic.

Compared to the classic definition of a player’s frames, the Ultra Pro is rather trim, with a strung weight just north of 11 ounces. Coupled with a head-light balance and a sub-320 swingweight, the racquet is positively feathery through the strike zone. Generating serious swing speed is a breeze, which helps compensate for the racquet’s lack of inherent power. Damage can be done off the ground, but it takes some effort and know-how to elicit pace. It’s the type of frame that derives aggression from shot placement as much as power.

The frame’s 16x19 string pattern affords a nice combination of spin and accuracy. Even when taking big cuts, the ball obeys and consistently finds its targets. The thin, flexible beam offers a comfortable and connected feel at contact with a soft pocket. There’s an 18x20 model that’s even more precise, but not quite as proficient in terms of producing ball speed and spin.

That said, regardless of model, the frame is a mirror more than an amplifier. Take the serve. Again, it’s easy to whip the racquet through contact, resulting in nice pop on flat serves and jump on kickers. It’s accurate, regularly hitting spots to start points on favorable terms. Just don’t expect extra mph for less work, as you might find from chunkier and firmer options. Which is the kind of honest outcome many advanced players seek from their frames. Heavy-hitters who provide their own pace and are looking for a racquet that accurately keeps their big swings in the court will definitely appreciate the Pro’s measured natured.

Another aspect they’ll welcome is the frame’s performance at net. The plush feel, smooth handling and superb touch makes for full-service volleying; cradle the ball, punch it deep, dig out a half-volley of the shoe tops, the racquet can do it all. All-courters, net rushers and doubles specialists will really appreciate its net performance.

What Needs Work

The term “platform” racquet often gets affixed to frames that are ripe for customization, and the Ultra Pro might be the ultimate example. In fact, Wilson intentionally keeps the static and swing weights low in order to allow their touring pros the latitude to refine the specs to their exact preferences. That’s why its recipe consistently remains unchanged—it’s more of a shell racquet that’s not intended to be used in stock form.

As is, the racquet possesses decent stability, which could be adequate for steady intermediate players trafficking in moderate swing and ball speeds. But it plays too light for players in more advanced circles, which is the intended audience. So adding weight to the frame is required to beef up the sturdiness to defend pace and increase put-away power. It’s a tinkerer’s delight, but not the best choice for players preferring more of a finished product.

Still, even a heavily customized version of the racquet remains a challenge. The smallish sweet spot and low flex make off-center contact unforgiving. Players who have grown accustomed to getting any measure of help from their racquets will probably not get enough of it from this one.

Bottom Line

The Ultra Pro is quick, versatile and precise with great feel at contact. It’s best-suited for talented and discriminating players who find the opportunity of fine-tuning a frame’s playability part of its appeal.