Executive Summary
The Wilson Ultra 100 v5 is Wilson's primary power-comfort offering for intermediate players. At 300g unstrung and ~68 RA, it sits in the accessible end of the advanced racquet spectrum — stiffer and more powerful than the Clash or Blade, but more controlled than a Pure Drive.
Key Characteristic: The Ultra's defining quality is its effortless pace generation. A moderate swing produces good depth and bounce, making it confidence-inspiring for club players who struggle to generate consistent power. The 100 sq in head and 16x19 pattern add forgiveness and spin potential.
Key Positioning: The Ultra 100 targets intermediate players (3.5–4.5 NTRP) who want the tools to hit with depth and consistency without the technical demands of a heavier, stiffer control frame. It competes directly with the Head Instinct MP and Babolat Pure Drive Team.
Performance Profile
The Ultra 100 v5 leads the Ultra Tour in power and comfort; the Tour leads in control and stability for advanced players who want more demanding specs.
Performance Comparison: Ultra Models
Ultra 100 leads in power and comfort · Ultra Tour leads in control and stability
Model Context
The Ultra family ranges from the demanding Tour to the accessible recreational variants. Most players considering the Ultra 100 should start with the standard v5 before considering the Tour.
Ultra 100 v5
The standard Ultra. Effortless power, comfortable feel, forgiving sweet spot. Best for players who want accessible pace without demanding technique. The most popular Ultra in recreational and club play.
Ultra Tour 95
The demanding Tour variant with a smaller head and denser string pattern. Significantly more control-oriented — rewards precise ball-striking and strong technique. A different racquet from the standard Ultra in terms of demands and rewards.
Ultra 100L
The lightweight variant at 277g. Same head size and pattern as the standard Ultra 100 but 23g lighter. Designed for players who need maximum maneuverability — juniors, seniors, or those returning from injury. Excellent comfort, slightly less stability than the standard.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Ultra 100 is primarily a club and recreational frame. Tour usage of the Ultra Tour (not v5) exists in custom form, but the Ultra 100 v5 is aimed at the club market.
Players who want reliable depth and pace without having to swing their hardest. The Ultra 100 rewards moderate swings with good baseline depth — an excellent choice for players who want to improve consistency rather than raw power.
The Countervail-enhanced Ultra 100 appeals to older players and those with elbow or shoulder sensitivity who want a comfortable, easy-to-swing frame that still produces competitive pace at club level.
String Setup Guide
The Ultra 100 rewards setups that complement its power character without making it uncontrollable. Reference range: 50–60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Standard setup (soft poly, 1.25mm): 52–55 lbs — preserves the Ultra's comfortable, lively character while adding control from the string.
- If the ball is flying: Switch to a firmer co-poly (1.27–1.30mm) at 54–57 lbs to tighten the launch angle.
- For arm-sensitive players: Multifilament at 54–57 lbs provides excellent comfort with natural feel and good durability.
- For spin: Shaped poly (Hyper-G, RPM Blast) at 51–54 lbs to maximize topspin from the 16×19 pattern.
Setup Reference
| Player Type | String | Tension | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Court Club Player | Babolat RPM Blast 1.25mm | 53–55 lbs | Control + spin combination |
| Arm-Sensitive Player | Wilson NXT 1.30mm | 54–57 lbs | Comfortable, natural feel |
Top 3 String Recommendations
Best for: Club players wanting spin and control without sacrificing the Ultra's comfortable feel.
RPM Blast's octagonal profile generates excellent snapback in the 16×19 pattern, producing heavy topspin from moderate swing speeds. At 52–55 lbs in the Ultra 100 it provides a good balance of control and comfort — the frame's power does the heavy lifting, while RPM's precision provides directional accuracy.
Best for: Players prioritising arm comfort and natural feel over maximum spin.
NXT's soft multifilament construction is one of the most arm-friendly string options available. In the Ultra 100 it creates a pillow-soft feel at contact — excellent for players with elbow or shoulder concerns. Durability is moderate, but comfort and feel are exceptional for players who value long, comfortable sessions over string longevity.
Best for: Players who want a full poly bed with arm-friendly feel and good spin potential.
Razor Soft's triangular profile and soft co-poly formula produce solid spin with a noticeably more comfortable feel than traditional round poly. In the Ultra 100's 16×19 pattern it delivers consistent topspin at lower tensions without harshness. A good middle-ground string for the Ultra 100's intermediate target player.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Ultra 100 v5 | Ultra Tour 95 | Ultra 100L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 95 sq in (613 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 300g / 10.6oz | 305g / 10.8oz | 277g / 9.8oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~330mm / 3–4 pts HL | ~315mm / 7–8 pts HL | ~335mm / 2–3 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 16x19 | 18x20 | 16x19 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~68 | ~65 | ~67 |
| Swingweight | ~315–322 | ~320–330 | ~295–305 |
| Beam Width | 22–25mm | 22–24mm | 22–24mm |
| Technology | Countervail | Countervail | Countervail |
| Target Player | Intermediate (3.5–4.5) | Advanced (4.5+) | Club / Senior / Junior |