I’ve always had a soft spot for the Ultra line. It doesn’t try to be overly clever or experimental — it just delivers dependable, easy power with a modern feel. And with the Wilson Ultra 100 V5, the 2025 update, Wilson has refined the formula in all the right ways. This is still the most accessible frame in the new Ultra lineup, but it feels more complete, more confident, and far more refined than earlier versions.
Strung up with Luxilon ALU Power at 53 pounds, I took this one out for a few hitting sessions and came away with one clear takeaway: Wilson has finally made the Ultra 100 feel as good as it plays. Gone is the slightly harsh, disconnected feel from previous generations. In its place is a racquet that’s solid, spin-friendly, and tuned for players who want effortless depth and a responsive stringbed without straying into “tweener” territory.
The Ultra 100 V5 is the most versatile of the new lineup — and that’s by design. It’s lighter, livelier, and more forgiving than the Ultra 99 Pro V5, which is Wilson’s control-focused, more advanced sibling in this series. If you’re looking for a deeper dive on the Ultra 99 Pro V5, you can read our full review of that one here. But where the 99 Pro demands full strokes and confident timing, the 100 V5 rewards a wider range of playing styles, especially at the club and competitive recreational level.
Let’s look at the specs:
- Head size: 100 sq in / 645 cm²
- Weight (unstrung): 300 g
- Balance: 320 mm
- String pattern: 16×19
- Length: 27 in / 680 mm
This frame leans into modern power with control. It’s more forgiving and easier to swing than the Pro, which comes in at 305 grams with a tighter 16×18 string pattern and a higher swingweight. That makes the Ultra 100 a much more natural pick for players who rely on depth and spin but don’t always want to muscle the ball. It still rewards a big swing, but the frame does more of the work.
In terms of tech, SI3D is the new star here. It stands for Stiffness Integration in 3 Dimensions, and it’s Wilson’s way of fine-tuning how the frame flexes across different planes. The result is better feel at contact and a little more controlled launch angle, even on aggressive topspin shots. Compared to older Ultras, this version feels more connected. There’s a distinct sense of longer dwell time, especially when hitting from behind the baseline. I felt more confident flattening out the backhand or rolling my forehand with a little more height and shape — the frame gave me plenty of margin without ever feeling out of control.
FORTYFIVE returns in the layup as well, giving the frame additional stability and comfort. That’s something you’ll really feel on returns and when absorbing pace. The old Ultra sometimes gave you a little too much trampoline effect when the pace picked up. This one handles the incoming ball much better — and more quietly, too. The overall feel is firmer than something like the Clash, but not rigid. It’s just… cleaner.
The design is another step forward. The Electric Indigo colorway looks sharp in person, with just enough flash to make a statement. It’s the kind of racquet that looks good in your bag but even better when you start landing heavy crosscourt forehands with it.
So how does it compare directly to the Ultra 99 Pro V5? Think of the 100 V5 as the more user-friendly, all-court sibling. It swings easier, feels a touch more forgiving, and won’t punish you for less-than-perfect footwork. The Pro version is clearly aimed at advanced players who like to hit a flatter ball and control points through precision. It’s stiffer, with a denser feel and more plow-through. But for many players — especially those who play doubles, mix up spin, or like to attack off second serves — the 100 V5 is going to be the more enjoyable stick, especially over a two-hour hit.
That’s not to say it’s without its limitations. If you’re a heavy topspin grinder looking for maximum bite and stability, you might find the launch angle a little high and the response a bit too quick. And if you’re coming from something like a Blade or even a Pro Staff, this will feel noticeably more explosive off the strings. But if you embrace the Ultra’s strengths — power, ease of use, and comfort — you’ll find it extremely rewarding.
Final thoughts
The Ultra 100 V5 is an excellent update to a line that has quietly carved out a loyal following. It doesn’t pretend to be a pro player’s frame, and that’s what makes it great. It’s easy to use, looks fantastic, and offers a truly modern blend of spin, power, and feel. Compared to the more demanding 99 Pro, this is the racquet for players who want results without a steep learning curve.
Whether you’re a strong intermediate, a regular league player, or someone just returning to the game looking for a frame that feels solid but doesn’t wear you out — this one deserves a demo. It’s a frame that fits the game most of us actually play.
