Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5: A Tennis Player’s HONEST Review (2025)

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If it’s about that time for a new tennis racket, I just got my hands on the brand-new Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5, and it might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Wilson has built a solid reputation for delivering rackets that pack serious power without sacrificing control, and the new Ultra line is designed to help players dominate from every angle.

The Ultra v5 launch is one of the biggest tennis gear drops of 2025, and as soon as I stepped on court with the Ultra 99 Pro V5, I understood why.

As a female tennis player, I sometimes feel like new racket launches are geared more toward men or younger male athletes, but with this one, I was pleasantly surprised. The Ultra 99 Pro V5 gave me the stability and forgiveness I wanted, while still being light enough to swing comfortably through long matches.

Here’s my honest review of it after a few weeks of play!

Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 Tennis Racket
4.6

The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is built for advanced players who want a dependable mix of power, spin, and control in a sleek, durable frame. With its head-light balance, open string pattern, and expanded sweet spot, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 delivers confident performance from every part of the court.

Pros:
  • Strong mix of power and control
  • Open 16x18 string pattern adds spin and forgiveness
  • Head-light balance makes it easy to maneuver
  • Expanded sweet spot helps on off-center hits
  • Sleek, durable frame with eco-friendly components
Cons:
  • Slightly heavy at 11.3 oz strung
  • Stiff frame could feel harsh for those with arm issues
  • Best suited for advanced players (less forgiving for beginners)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

First Impressions: She’s Sleeeeek

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Ultra 99 Pro V5 is the design.

Wilson gave this racket a high-gloss finish in a striking indigo blue and it looks amazing in the sun. The thin beam geometry instantly makes it look sleek and professional, and holding it gave me the same little jolt of confidence I had when I first tried the Wilson Shift.

Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 tennis racket review

It’s not just about looks, though. At 305 grams unstrung (321 grams strung), the weight sits in a sweet spot for advanced players like me who want power but don’t want to feel weighed down. Add in the head-light balance and you get a racket that moves quickly through the air but still feels solid at contact.

I ordered grip size 3/8, and right away I noticed how comfortable it felt in my hand. A lot of women players I know complain about grip size being too big or clunky, but Wilson has nailed the ergonomics here.

On-Court Performance

Let’s get into the good stuff: how it plays.

Groundstrokes

From the baseline, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 feels powerful and precise. The 16×18 string pattern creates extra spin without making me feel like I was losing control of my shots, my forehands had depth, and my two-handed backhand felt crisp and reliable.

What impressed me most was the expanded sweet spot. Even when I caught the ball a little off-center, the racket still delivered enough power and forgiveness to keep me in the point. And for someone like me who doesn’t always nail the dead-center contact, that’s a big deal.

Volleys

At the net, this racket is stable but not clunky. The dual taper beam and stiff frame give it a solid punch, so I could finish points confidently without the ball sailing long and the head-light balance also made quick reactions at the net feel smooth and controlled.

Serves

Serving with the Ultra 99 Pro V5 was probably my favorite part! The frame shape and balance let me whip through my service motion without feeling like I’m over-swinging, flat serves come off with plenty of pace, and I’m noticing my kick serves have a little extra jump thanks to the open string pattern.

Spin and Control

One of the standout features on this racket is the SI3D technology, which optimizes frame bending in three dimensions for targeted power, spin, and control.

In real terms, that means I can go for heavy topspin without worrying about spraying balls long. My shots have been dipping inside the lines more often, which has been giving me the confidence to go after angles I might not usually attempt.

Design Details I Love

Wilson packed a LOT of smart design features into the Ultra 99 Pro V5, and a few really stood out to me:

  • Agiplast components: The bumper, grommet, and end cap are plant-based, which reduces the racket’s environmental footprint. I love seeing big tennis brands take sustainability seriously.
  • Click-and-Go bumper system: It’s durable, easy to replace, and gives the racket a longer lifespan.
  • Dual taper beam: It blends power with maneuverability, which I noticed on my groundstrokes and quick exchanges at the net.
Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 Tennis Racket
4.6

The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is built for advanced players who want a dependable mix of power, spin, and control in a sleek, durable frame. With its head-light balance, open string pattern, and expanded sweet spot, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 delivers confident performance from every part of the court.

Pros:
  • Strong mix of power and control
  • Open 16x18 string pattern adds spin and forgiveness
  • Head-light balance makes it easy to maneuver
  • Expanded sweet spot helps on off-center hits
  • Sleek, durable frame with eco-friendly components
Cons:
  • Slightly heavy at 11.3 oz strung
  • Stiff frame could feel harsh for those with arm issues
  • Best suited for advanced players (less forgiving for beginners)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Pros & Cons

No racket is perfect, so here’s what I liked and what I’d keep in mind:

Pros

  • Great blend of power and control
  • Open 16×18 string pattern adds forgiveness and spin
  • Head-light balance feels stable yet maneuverable
  • Expanded sweet spot makes off-center hits less punishing
  • Gorgeous indigo high-gloss design
  • Eco-friendly touches with plant-based materials

Cons

  • At 321 grams strung, it might feel heavy for some players (especially those moving up from lighter rackets)
  • The stiffness may be too much for players who prefer a softer, arm-friendly feel
  • Best suited for advanced players—beginners might struggle a bit to unlock its full potential

Female Player Perspective

I want to pause here because I think it’s important to talk about how this racket felt specifically from my perspective as a woman.

One of the things I sometimes struggle with is rackets that are marketed as “power frames” but end up being too heavy or too stiff for me to handle comfortably. The Ultra 99 Pro V5 managed to deliver that controllable power without leaving me with sore wrists after a couple of sets.

The grip size options were also a big plus. With smaller grips available, women players can find a size that actually fits their hands. For me, that makes a huge difference in comfort and consistency during long matches.

Specs at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at the Ultra 99 Pro V5’s specs:

  • Head Size: 99 sq. in. / 639 sq. cm.
  • Length: 27 in. / 68.58 cm
  • Strung Weight: 11.3 oz. / 321 g
  • Balance: Head-light (-2 pts strung)
  • String Pattern: 16×18
  • Beam Width: 22-24-21 mm
  • Taper System: Dual Taper Beam

Final Thoughts

After spending time with the Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5, I can confidently say it’s one of the best rackets I’ve tried in years.

It’s designed for intermediate to advanced players who want to step up their game with more spin, more power, and more confidence from every part of the court, and the combination of forgiveness, responsiveness, and sleek design make it a standout in Wilson’s lineup.

If you’re looking for a racket that helps you hit deeper, spin heavier, and serve with more authority (without feeling like you’re swinging a brick) the Ultra 99 Pro V5 is absolutely worth trying.

For me, this racket will definitely be staying in my bag.

Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 Tennis Racket
4.6

The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is built for advanced players who want a dependable mix of power, spin, and control in a sleek, durable frame. With its head-light balance, open string pattern, and expanded sweet spot, the Ultra 99 Pro V5 delivers confident performance from every part of the court.

Pros:
  • Strong mix of power and control
  • Open 16x18 string pattern adds spin and forgiveness
  • Head-light balance makes it easy to maneuver
  • Expanded sweet spot helps on off-center hits
  • Sleek, durable frame with eco-friendly components
Cons:
  • Slightly heavy at 11.3 oz strung
  • Stiff frame could feel harsh for those with arm issues
  • Best suited for advanced players (less forgiving for beginners)
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. #ad

#Author

Lauren Chervinksi | Author at Racket Royalty

Lauren Chervinski

Lauren Chervinski is an experienced entrepreneur, former nurse and pickleball enthusiast. With a passion for the sport that inspired her to begin her own pickleball website Racket Royalty, she has become a trusted source of information for others looking to learn more about this fairly new sport.
Lauren
FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

Can pickleball paddles get wet?

Yes, most pickleball paddles can get wet. However, paddle handle grip tape is often made of a tacky coating that will start to get really sticky if it is exposed to too much water.

If your paddle gets REALLY wet, it could warp and become difficult to use.

Will rain ruin your pickleball equipment? How does water affect pickleballs?

Pickleballs are made of hard plastic that is not affected by water, so they are safe to get wet.

As mentioned above, the handle of your paddle could get sticky when wet. As well, some nets will rust, sag, or loosen with rain. If you have a portable net set-up, it’s best to cover it or take it down in rainy weather.

How long do pickleball courts take to dry?

Depending on the court surface, pickleball courts are useable almost immediately after it stops raining, but you can wait an hour to be extra safe.

The biggest danger is slipping on the slick court surface from the rain, but this is usually only a problem on clay or soft carpet courts.

How long after rain can you play pickleball?

You can play pickleball immediately after it rains, but it’s best to wait an hour just to be safe.

Can playing pickleball in the rain cause injuries?

Yes, playing pickleball in the rain can cause injuries, but it’s not a huge issue if you’re extra careful.

Most injuries caused by playing pickleball in the rain are minor, like scrapes and bruises from slipping, but they could be more serious if you take a bad tumble or trip due to low visibility from the rain.

How to avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain?

To avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain, be sure to use extra caution when playing a match. Wear proper footwear (pickleball shoes), be sure the surface isn’t slick or slippery, and check to make sure the visibility is strong.

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