Intro

The Wilson Ultra series provides users with easy access to power, so that playing tennis feels almost effortless. The Ultra 108 was originally launched in 2015 designed to give players extra power with a more open (16 x 18) string pattern and thicker beam. According to Wilson, it is the “most powerful and forgiving frame in the Ultra series.” This updated 3.0 model features strategic improvements to boost power. It begins with the frame twisting less upon impact (stability), executed by connecting a Power Rib construction in the shaft with a Perimeter Weight System in the head. Sweetspot Channels at 3 and 9 o’clock extend the cross strings for enhanced energy return. This frame also includes Crush Zone grommets in the throat, which condense at impact to increase power.

Meanwhile, the Ultra 100UL v3 is the lightest racquet in the Ultra Series that’s made for supreme arm comfort and maneuverability. It also comes with Wilson’s Power Rib Technology for loaded power and added stability. This frame features a lively 16 x 19 string pattern and Sweetspot Channels at 3 and 9 o’clock, which extend the cross strings for enhanced energy return. Other PowerProfile geometries along the throat, taper, and inside of the hoop also amplify this power-friendly stick.

The team at Tennis Express has carefully researched and tested the Wilson Ultra 100UL v3.0 and the 108 v3.0. We have created a comparison guide so you can see which racquet is best suited for your game.

Groundstrokes

108: This stick was easy to swing and provided a crisp feel at impact. I thought that power and spin came easy on both the forehand and backhand side. However, I needed to swing slow and compact to get the ball deep into the court. It has a heavier swingweight than the 100 UL, but it’s still lighter than most racquets. Because of its weight, I would often swing this racquet too fast, which resulted in missed shots. I was comfortable hitting the slice with the 108 as well. The large head made it easy to get under the ball and produce plenty of underspin.

100UL: With this racquet’s feather-like weight, I was able to move it through contact with great speed. I didn’t think the speed sacrificed control, though, as it delivered a predictable response from the baseline. I had easy access to power on topspin forehands and backhands, and I hit my targets accurately. At times, it did feel a little bit unstable because it is so light. When I started to miss topspin groundstrokes, I reverted to a slice, and this felt comfortable from any angle on the court.

Advantage: 100UL. Despite being lighter in weight, the Ultra 100UL felt a little bit more stable and controlled.

Volleys

108: This frame’s deluxe head size made it very forgiving at the net. A larger head means a larger sweet spot, and it’s hard to miss the 108’s sweet spot. Due to its lightweight, this racquet came around with quick speed whether I hit a half volley or blocked it out of the air. To my surprise, the weight didn’t cripple comfort at net, as it felt solid on both forehand and backhand volleys. I just held it out in front of my body and let the racquet do the rest.

100UL: This frame was very maneuverable at net. Its featherweight allowed me to move the racquet into position to hit blocks, drives, punches, and drop volleys. There were a few points where I got caught off guard because my opponent ripped a passing shot at my body. It was easier to hit volleys against a slower paced topspin groundstroke because the racquet has less mass. Still, I thought it gave me decent power and stability when I needed to stay in the point.

Advantage: 108. It’s hard to miss a volley with this frame due to its large sweet spot.

Serves

108: I felt very comfortable serving with the 108 thanks to the extended quarter-inch length. Not only did the racquet provide good reach, but it also enabled me to crank up the pace. It had tons of natural, easy pop on both flat and spin serves, and it wasn’t hard to get the ball deep in the service box. The extra surface area, longer stringbed, and luxuriant head size also helped me with effective serve placement. While it’s a little heavier than the UL, the 108 is still very light. I had no trouble whipping the frame up and out, watching the ball nail each target.

100UL: With it being as light as a feather, the UL is easy to whip through the contact point on serves. But, I felt like I had to swing with greater effort to generate pace and depth. When I attempted kick serves, I noticed this racquet was not quite as spin-friendly as the 108. I thought it was easier to get a flat serve in and also place the flat serve in either corner of the box. My best serves were hit near the top of the frame. I was surprised that contacting the ball in the upper part of the stringbed would still produce a powerful yet accurate flat serve.

Advantage: 108. It was more comfortable at impact and produced easy pop to start off points right.

Overall

The Ultra 100UL v3 is best suited for rising juniors or anyone who has struggled with elbow or shoulder problems in the past. It’s surprisingly stable for its weight, although it felt less stable than the heavier Ultras. Still, the 100UL had a predictable response, which will help improving players develop more consistency and confidence. If you’re looking for an extra lightweight frame that can add both power and precision to your shots, consider the Ultra 100UL.

Meantime, the Ultra 108 v3 is an excellent racquet for a beginner to intermediate player looking for easy power. Doubles league players, in particular, will appreciate the generous head size on volleys and serves. It didn’t quite produce the baseline power I was looking for, but instead yielded spin, comfort, and good control. The 108, too, is an arm-friendly racquet that provides significant value to anyone who has experienced arm discomfort before.

I would give the slight edge to the 100UL on groundstrokes, but I preferred the 108 on volleys and serves.

NOTE: I playtested both racquets using Wilson NXT Soft strung at 50 lbs. For optimal results, we recommend a string tension between 50-65 lbs.

About the Reviewer: Chris Griesedieck played high school tennis in the St. Louis area and competed in USTA junior tournaments in the Missouri Valley section. Today he is an active 4.5 USTA tournament player and is a PTR certified coach.