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Wilson Ultra Review: Compare 4 Versions of the Ultra & Other Tennis Racquets

Will Boucek · January 5, 2024

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The Wilson Ultra is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market. Below, we’ll review the Wilson Ultra, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Ultra is right for you.

Review Summary & Ratings for the Wilson Ultra

The Wilson Ultra tennis racquets are made for beginner to intermediate players seeking more power and spin from the baseline, and it is also playable at the advanced level.

The Ultra is used by several professional tennis players including Victoria Azarenka. It comes in several different weights and sizes, making it a great racquet for multiple skill levels. The Ultra is one of the best tennis racquets for power on the market.

See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Wilson Ultra below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.

Our Ratings for the Wilson Ultra

• Groundstrokes: 8
• Excellent power-oriented racquet for all skill levels
• Great for players who control from the baseline
• Lightweight & easy to swing
• Adds power & solid spin to groundstrokes
• Stiff frame can feel uncomfortable
• Not great on volleys or touch shots

Different Versions of the Wilson Ultra Tennis Racquet

The Wilson Ultra tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Wilson Ultra racquets on the market today.

• Wilson Ultra 100 v4
• Wilson Ultra 100L v4
• Wilson Ultra 100UL v4
• Wilson Ultra 108 v4

We’ll review each version in more detail below.

What did Wilson Update with the Ultra v4?

With the newest versions of the Ultra, Wilson did not make significant changes.

• All versions other than the UL stayed virtually the same, with the UL weighing 0.1 oz. heavier .

You can still purchase  the old version of the Ultra and its family of racquets  for a discount.

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations

Wilson Ultra 100 Review: A Power Baseliner’s Racquet

We’ll start with the standard version, the Wilson Ultra 100 v4. Below are the specifications and on-court performance you should expect from this racquet.

Wilson Ultra 100 v4 Racquet Specifications

• Weight: 11.2 oz. strung
• Head Size: 100 square inches
• Length: 27 inches
• Balance: 330.2 mm
• String Pattern: 16×19

The 100 square-inch head, thick beam, and open string pattern all make it a powerful racquet. The sweet spot is generous and it’s also a fairly lightweight tennis racquet, making it easy to swing.

Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com

The Ultra 100 Racquet Prioritizes Power & Topspin

With this tennis racquet, Wilson has prioritized power. The Ultra is one of the top 7 tennis racquets for power .

You’ll find it easy to create depth on your groundstrokes from the baseline without swinging too hard. The 100-inch head size gives it a large, forgiving sweet spot so you feel comfortable on both forehand and backhand groundstrokes.

The Ultra is also a stiffer racquet which adds to the pace. It will help you increase power on your serves as well.

The Wilson Ultra will also add spin to your ball because of the open (16×19) string pattern. Because the racquet is light, you’ll be able to generate plenty of racquet head speed, further adding to the spin potential.

This makes the Ultra a great tennis racquet for intermediate players who are learning to hit with more topspin. It’s also great for people who like to play from the baseline and hit big forehands or backhands.

The Ultra 100 is Great for Serves & Groundstrokes

The Ultra 100 performs well on both groundstrokes and serves.

• On groundstrokes,  the Ultra is easy to swing, and explosive on contact. The 100 version offers great spin as well.
• On volleys,  the racquet lacks stability making it hard to play at the net. It can also feel unstable defending against fast paced groundstrokes.
• On returns,  the Ultra 100 will generate good power to attack second serves. Defending against big servers will be a bit more difficult.
• On serves,  this racquet performs best. It will maximize your power and spin so you can hit flat, slice, or kick serves with ease.

Overall, the Ultra is great for players who like to stay at the baseline and want to add power and spin to their shots.

Reviewing Other Versions of the Wilson Ultra

The other versions of the Ultra are better for players of a lower skill level.

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The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Ultra

Below are several tennis racquets similar to the Wilson Ultra.

• Head Extreme – Another power-oriented racquet, the Head Extreme has a higher level of comfort and better feel than the Ultra.
• Babolat Pure Drive – This racquet offers more control and better comfort than the Ultra, but still has a powerful frame.
• Babolat Pure Aero – A more spin-friendly alternative to the Ultra, this racquet is a popular choice among players with big heavy groundstrokes.
• Dunlop FX 500 – A slightly more stable racquet that is a little less powerful when compared to the Ultra.

My Experience Playing with the Wilson Ultra

I played with the Wilson Ultra 100 v3 several times over the course of a few weeks.

The racquet is very easy to swing. I felt like I could effortlessly hit the ball deep in the court with decent topspin. However, when I made contact with the ball slightly off-center the racquet felt unstable to me. My backhand is weaker and it did miss long sometimes when I didn’t make clean contact, especially defending against faster pace.

When serving, the Wilson Ultra made it easy to create spin. I was able to hit great kick serves and slice serves. Because it is so light though, I felt my accuracy was a bit off.

On returns and volleys, the Ultra lacked the stability I need against hard hit balls. For beginner and lower level intermediate players, this shouldn’t be a problem though.

I actually prefer the Head Extreme tennis racquet over the Ultra. It had better feel and control for me, while still providing excellent power.

When I did make good contact with volleys, I was able to hit with decent control and depth. However, if you play with advanced (USTA 4.5+) players who hit the ball harder, you might have trouble controlling your volleys.

After testing and reviewing the Wilson Ultra, I think it’s a great racquet for beginner to intermediate players who like to play from the baseline. The racquet can help singles players control the point with power, depth, and spin.

Wilson Ultra Video Review

In the video below, I review the 4 versions of the Wilson Ultra racquet.

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

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Wilson Ultra 100 Review and Playtest

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• 25.0% 8.6 Power
• 25.0% 7.8 Control
• 20.0% 8.5 Topsin
• 10.0% 8.5 Maneuverability
• 5.0% 7.9 Touch
• 5.0% 8.0 Comfort
• 5.0% 8.0 Slice
• 5.0% 8.2 Stability
• 25.0% 7.9 Touch
• 15.0% 8.5 Maneuverability
• 15.0% 8.6 Power
• 8.0% 8.0 Comfort
• 7.0% 8.5 Topspin
• 3.0% 8.0 Slice
• 2.0% 8.2 Stability
• 22.0% 8.6 Power
• 20.0% 8.5 Topspin
• 20.0% 7.8 Control
• 10.0% 7.9 Touch
• 3.0% 8.2 Stability
• 30.0% 7.8 Control
• 22.0% 7.9 Touch
• 13.0% 8.0 Comfort
• 13.0% 8.6 Power
• 8.0% 8.5 Topspin
• 6.0% 8.0 Slice
• 3.0% 8.5 Maneuverability

It is always a good day when I get to test and review another Wilson tennis racket . If you are anywhere as dedicated to tennis as I am, you” ll probably get the same feeling of enthusiasm when new rackets are released on the market, especially when it is from a popular and innovative brand.

Groundstrokes: 8.3

Volleys: 8.1

Returns: 8.1

When the Wilson Ultra 100 first came, it immediately received massive attention, which is only natural considering how well-liked the Ultra line is. Safe to say, I did have high expectations from this racket, considering the Wilson legacy, but also the massive endorsement and the aggressive marketing campaign they had. 

After trying out this racket, I have a lot of strong opinions about it. If, by any chance, you are considering buying this too, make sure to read this Wilson Ultra 100 review first, which I intend to keep honest and straightforward. 

Wilson Ultra 100 Specifications

Groundstrokes – score: 8.3, volleys – score: 8.1, serve – score: 8.3, returns – score: 8.1, overall – score: 8.17, different models, wilson ultra 100 v2, wilson ultra 100 v3, wilson ultra 100 cv.

“This is a beautiful racket.” That’s the first thing that came to mind as I opened up the package. It has a great classical design, with clean lines, a modern edge, and a nice painting job. It features a mid-size head at 100 sq. in, with an open 16×19 string pattern. It is loaded with explosive power and can generate a good amount of spin too. 

The weight also falls in the mid-range, at 11.2 ounces, which provides good stability, and is easy to maneuver.

This racket is 27 inches long to provide enough leverage on the court, even at difficult angles. It is a well-balanced racket, highly responsive, and works well all around the court. Playing with this racket it’s very comfortable due to the handle that is made of a unique cushion foam material that fits the hand anatomy like a glove.

The racket itself does a great job of dumping down harsh vibrations. Like other Ultra series rackets, the brand has integrated new technology to enhance performance and playability.

• Introverted Power Rib: the unique throat geometry provides stability and prevents twisting during impact. 
• Perimeter Weight System: it is integrated into the frame for additional power and stability. 
• Sweetspot Channel: provides more power and increases the ball’s dwell time on the stringbed. 

Wilson Ultra 100 specs: 

• Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
• Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
• Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 g
• Balance: 4 pts HL 
• Swingweight: 312
• Stiffness: 73
• Beam width: 24.5 mm / 26 mm / 23.5 mm
• String pattern: 16 mains / 19 crosses 
• Composition: Carbon fiber graphite 

At the groundstrokes, Wilson Ultra 100 delivered nothing but excellence. This racket’s power potential is mind-blowing, and it stays true to the Ultra series legacy. It was easy to add depth with each shot and go for full swings without spending too much physical energy. Forehand and backhand slices were my favorite, and I found myself effortlessly hitting the difficult angled shots too. 

Despite having an open string pattern, the frame is quite stiff due to the new technological improvement of the brand. Thanks to that, this racket can generate a good amount of spin, which increases playability. 

During the playtest, Wilson Ultra 100 was easy to maneuver and highly responsive. At 11.2 ounces weight, it is very stable and offers a lot of control, helping the player to get the most out of the strokes. 

The large sweet spot, the forgiving frame, and the high margin of errors offer a user-friendly experience that even beginners or recreational players can enjoy. This handle is incredibly comfortable from the first moment you get to hold the racket. It delivers a nice, plush feeling which allows for an immediate connection with the ball. 

The only minor downside we could find is that the frame isn’t as flexible, considering the stiff bed string; however, it’s nothing you can’t get past with a little practice. 

Up in the net, the Wilson Ultra 100 tennis racket offers a blend of everything that a player needs during volleys. Once again, power is the predominant feature; however, it never becomes overbearing. It can generate some serious speed, and it’s relatively easy to keep pace, even during fast exchanges. 

With a little effort, this racket can deliver a good amount of spin that will help you immediately put the opponent in defense mode. It is very responsive, extremely easy to maneuver, and allows the player to get back into positions fast. I was genuinely surprised at how stable Wilson Ultra 100 is, which is not quite common with twinner rackets. 

The technological updates paid off because the frame delivered good stability, even during big hits. Not for a moment did I feel like I was being pushed around with this racket, and I was able to have a good sense of control over the ball. 

The plush feeling Wilson Ultra 100 has to offer will give you the confidence you need at the net. It is very comfortable to play with and forgiving enough to cover up small mistakes or late responses. 

The sweet spot is quite large; however, you should be careful not to miss it; otherwise, you’ll feel the harsh vibrations on your arm, which was the only noticeable drawback I could find. 

Overall, I would say Wilson Ultra 100 delivered a good performance, exiting all of my initial expectations. It can work well for doubles, too, as much as for single games. It is important to highlight that this racket is suitable for beginner to intermediate levels only. 

If you are an advanced player, this racket won’t feel stable or solid enough, so it’s better to consider other tennis rackets for advanced players . 

At serves, Wilson Ultra 100 did everything right, delivering a good performance and easy playability. I loved how stable it felt yet again, which was very helpful during the first big serves and helped me score some precious points. The control levels were pretty decent too, which was a nice surprise. 

I loved how is to maneuver this racket, making it easier to hit the difficult angles and keep the ball low to the ground, which put my opponent in difficulty more than once. 

The racket can generate a good amount of speed and spin, which can help the player be more aggressive throughout the game. Power came shining through, which is a great feature to have, especially if you are a big server. The frame is very responsive and forgiving, with a large sweet spot, which makes the player feel more comfortable. 

It’s not a problem generating speed, but keeping pace can sometimes be a struggle. I only wished for more consistency at serves and an established rhythm. However, if you are still a beginner or a fresh intermediate, you barely notice these drawbacks since, at this phase, you’ll be learning basic techniques and skills anyway. 

In return, the Wilson Ultra 100 performance was a true joy. It delivered all the promises for high performance and checked all the right boxes, offering the player various features. The best thing about this racket is that it combines easy maneuverability with high speed, which you need at returns. 

It will boost your confidence on the court, helping you block big serves and make it even more offensive during the game. The frame is loaded with easy power, which you can use to add more depth to the ball for deeper penetration on the opponent’s court. It can also generate more than enough spin to help the player confidently make big cuts. 

I have to admit that I was quite skeptical at first because, considering the tennis racket weight , I was expecting to be pushed around at times, but this simply wasn’t the case with Wilson Ultra 100. The racket’s forgiving enough to allow the player more than enough time to get back into position or at least at neutral. 

The large sweet spot and the high margin of error are other major bonuses, which can come in handy when you are still in a learning phase. Sometimes I wished for more flexibility and higher control levels to be more precise when hitting targets.

Regardless of these drawbacks, I would say that Wilson Ultra 100 did a great job at returns, giving me little to complain about.

Overall, Wilson Ultra 100 is a great Wilson tennis racket and one of the best additions to the Ultra line. It offers all the right features a beginner or intermediate player can ask for. I was impressed with the racket’s enhanced performance and the ability to adapt anywhere on the court. 

In technical terms, Wilson Ultra 100 is classified as a twinner and can generate a great amount of power and spin. It is easy to maneuver, has a very forgiving frame, and is highly responsive. I wasn’t expected to deliver good stability or any control at all, but it surprised me for the better. 

Backhand and forehand slices were my favorite while using Ultra 100, while I also found it very easy to add more depth with each shot. The racket works well all around the court, but it truly shines in all its potential during groundstrokes and returns. 

The technological updates really have paid off to increase playability and make the racket quite comfortable throughout the game. 

However, I should warn you that the frame is quite stiff for the taste of some, so if this really bothers you, then maybe you should opt-out of other options. Luckily, I didn’t have such a problem, so I really enjoyed playing with the racket, which made tennis fun. The Wilson tennis racket brand has outdone itself, proving once again that it is one of the best tennis brands on the market.

I understand that Wilson Ultra 100 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s perfectly normal. You don’t have to settle for a racket that doesn’t apply to skill levels or needs. The Wilson brand offers similar rackets from the same line but with slightly different features and changes in performance. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options, and decide which Wilson Ultra racket fits you best. 

All you have to do is take a look at the technical specifications to know that Wilson Ultra 100 v2 is very similar to the Ultra 100. Both rackets are tweeners and feature a mid-size head and a standard length. Ultra 100 V2 has an open string pattern, but due to the same technological updates that have been received has a vaguely stiffer frame. 

Groundstrokes: 8.5

Returns: 8.2

It can generate a good amount of spin, and speed, which is great for full swings. This racket can easily be weaponized in the baseline, and thanks to the slightly higher swing weight, it allows the player to go for powerful strokes. 

I found Wilson Ultra 100 v2 to be more consistent at keeping pace, but rather than that, I barely notice any other difference. Just like the Ultra 100, this racket has a lively response, is well-balanced, and is easy to maneuver. It’s a great option for beginners to intermediate players, which will also find Ultra 100 v2 very comfortable to play with. 

• Balance: 4 pts HL
• Swingweight: 314
• Stiffness: 74
• Beam width: 23 mm / 26.5 mm / 22.5 mm

Wilson Ultra 100 v3 is the lighter version of Ultra 100. It offers high performance and a good blend of power and spin. It is extremely easy to maneuver, but weighing only 300 grams when unstrung might lack stability and control. 

Volleys: 8.2

Returns: 8.3

This can be easily fixed by adding extra weight to the frame if you need adjustments. This is a slightly more flexible frame, which makes it more comfortable to play with. The swing power is lower, too, meaning it delivers less power during strokes or serves.

However, you shouldn’t expect much of a difference in performance because the changes in specifications are minor. Wilson Ultra 100 v3 is the best option for recreational beginners and junior players, who haven’t yet mastered all their skills, and need a friendly-user experience while playing with it. 

• Weight: 11.1 ounces / 315 g 
• Swingweight: 310
• Stiffness: 72
• Beam width: 24 mm / 26 mm / 23 mm

Wilson Ultra 100 CV is arguably the most comfortable tweener on the Ultra series line. This racket is nowhere as stiff as the Ultra 100 frame. It is very forgiving and allows a high margin of errors, making it a perfect fit for a wide range of beginners and early intermediate players. 

Volleys: 8.0

There is not much difference in terms of spin and speed between the two rackets, as they have striking similarities in their technicalities. However, the most noticeable difference is the higher balance of the Wilson Ultra 100 CV, which provides a crispier feeling and more power during strokes in particular. 

This feature also means less control and stability, so keep this in mind before choosing between these two. Wilson Ultra 100 is a great racket, nonetheless, offering easy playability and maximum comfort. 

• Weight: 11.1 oz / 315 gram 
• Balance: 7 pts HL 
• Beam width: 23 mm / 26.5 mm / 22.5mm
• Composition: Carbon fiber graphite

Wilson Ultra line offers some of the best tweeners on the market. There is a reason why there is so much hype around these Wilson tennis rackets , which are loved by millions of tennis fans across the world. 

During the playtest, all of the Ultra rackets delivered an amazing performance all around the court. The technological enhancements make them more comfortable and offer easy playability. While the technical differences are minor, if I have to choose a top favorite, that would be Wilson Ultra 100. 

Wilson Ultra 100 is the blueprint of the Ultra twinners racket and offers everything a player needs to master new skills and be more confident and aggressive on the court. It is packed with power and spin and offers a good sense of control, which I love. The choice comes down to personal preferences; however, rest assured that you can’t go wrong if you opt for this one. 

For more information about Wilson Ultra 100, consider the following frequently asked questions regarding Wilson tennis rackets and tips to help you find the racket for your game.

Q: Is Wilson Ultra good for beginners?

Yes, Wilson Ultra is an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its forgiving nature and high level of comfort. It features a unique blend of power and spin, making it easier to control your shots even if you are just starting out with the sport.

Additionally, the lightweight construction of this racket also makes it easy to maneuver on the court.

Q: Who plays with Wilson Ultra?

Wilson Ultra rackets are popular with many professional players, including Maria Sakkari, Andy Murray, Sam Querrey, and Caroline Wozniacki.

These rackets are also a favorite among recreational players who seek powerful performance and comfort when playing on the court. However, for beginners and recreational players, both versions are great options.

Q: What is the difference between Wilson Ultra 100 v2 and v3?

There are some minor differences between Wilson Ultra 100 v2 and v3. The updated version features a larger sweet spot and slightly different frame geometry, which makes the racket more forgiving and comfortable to play with. 

It also has a higher swingweight, making it better suited for players who rely on power in their shots. However, for beginners and recreational players, both versions are great options.

Q: What is the Wilson Ultra good for?

The Wilson Ultra line is known for its high performance and easy playability. It offers a good blend of power, spin, and control, making it ideal for recreational players looking to improve their game.

Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate player with some experience under your belt, the Wilson Ultra racket can help you develop new skills and feel more confident on the court.

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I am Mario, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport. Here at TennisRacketBall, we strive to set ourselves apart from other review sites by making an effort to purchase and test the products whenever possible. We do not allow ourselves to be bribed! We are 100% honest with our reviews even when manufacturers do not like it.

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Wilson Ultra 100 v2 Tennis Racquet

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Product description.

Re-issue to Wilson’s Ultra racquet series, it's time to unleash your power with the Ultra 100L v2. The 2.0 version of the Ultra is designed to ramp up the power without losing feel and playability. Wilson developed the Ultra 100 L tailored towards intermediate to beginner player seeking a lightweight that awards remarkable power and spin. The Ultra 100L comes with Wilson's uncontaminated design, offering a fresh aesthetic, including matte finishes and a next level velvety paint job. Wilson has also updated the Ultra 100L with new state of the art technologies. Wilson modified and improved the racquet’s throat geometry at the central bending and twisting area of the frame. In result, Wilson’s new Power Rib technology yields greater stiffness and stability correlating to added power and enhanced directional accuracy. Wilson has also transformed their grommet system with new Crush Zone technology that compresses at impact to provide increased ball dwell time on the strings, providing a better feel with more potential energy that helps drive explosive power. Collectively, these two technologies increase the Ultra’s sweet spot by 15%. With a 100 square inch head size, a 10.6 ounce strung weight and a 3 point head light balance — the Wilson Ultra 100 L v2 offers the perfect combination of power, comfort, and spin.

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Wilson Ultra 100 V4 Review

If you look for power and ease of use, this Wilson Ultra 100 V4 review might interest you! A nice update from Wilson.

The Wilson Ultra is Wilson’s power line, with the exception of the Ultra Pro , which is a control-frame. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Wilson Ultra V3 (click to read my review), but V4 is a significant improvement.

Why is it an improvement? Well, Wilson has listened to the feedback, made it slightly softer (dropped the stiffness a bit), and added their Forty-Five braid into the layup. The new Ultra is a lot more comfortable and responsive on impact. I did not sense any harshness from this racquet, although the high stiffness might mean that sensitive elbows should be slightly careful with how they string it.

They also made the new Ultra a bit thinner in the shaft, which makes it travel faster through the air.

Wilson Ultra 100 V4 specifications

These specifications come from Tennis Warehouse , but they line up well with the racquet I got as demo from TWE . Mine had a slightly lower swing weight at 311 strung with Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 at 22.5 kg or 50 lbs.

How does the new Ultra play?

Right from the first ball, it’s clear that the Ultra feels nicer to swing but also on impact. It offers good power, but nothing excessive or uncontrollable. It handles flatter shots well, as there is not much of a launch angle. And it produces good power and “whip” on serves. Exactly how a power racquet is supposed to perform.

All my play-testers and tennis nerds who tried this frame liked it from the beautiful blue to purple color-shifting cosmetic to how it performed on the tennis court. It’s an improved racquet in pretty much all aspects. That still doesn’t mean that it’s a frame full of finesse. This is still a racquet for you who want free depth and extra pop on your shots.

But if that is what you’re looking for, the Ultra 100 V4, should be on your demo list!

Have you tried the new Wilson Ultra 100 V4, and what do you feel about it? 

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

HEAD Laver Cup Racquets 2022

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How would compare the Ultra 100 V4 to the latest Yonex Ezone 100? Especially with regards to comfort ?

Coming in a video tomorrow.

Soy jugador de nivel intermedio y estaba jugando con la ultra v3 y cambie a blade v6 por su rigidez y sensación metálica aunque me ayudaba mucho en el servicio pero la bola me salía muy a las líneas aveces y con la blade e ganado confianza y más precisión pero cuando estoy en zona de defensa me quedo muy corto, mi duda no sé si actuilizar por ultra v4 o blade v8

How does the Ultra 100 V4 compare to the Wilson Blade V8?

The Blade V8 offers better control and comfort, while the Ultra is more powerful and easier to swing.

How do you compare with a Donnay Formula 100 ?

Hi, the Ulta is much stiffer and more powerful

Thanks for your answer. So I keep my Donnay then;-)

Thank you for your review!!! I wonder how does it compare with the Pure Drive 2021? Thank you, greetings from Chile.

I wonder if the high stiffness of the Ultra 100 V4 might give trouble later on. I recall that you initially liked the Dunlop FX 500 but after some time mentioned the high stiffness eventually impacted the arm. I hear similar comments from people that initially loved the Pure Drive but in the end had to stop using it. Just food for thought…..

Yeah, I’m always aware of that. It has not happened to me yet, and I’ve been using it on and off, but it’s always something to consider. Generally, this is why I think it’s usually safer to stay away from 70 RA, even if you don’t feel the harshness when hitting for the first week.

I play with the 2022 model of the Ezone 100 which has an unstrung stiffness of 69 (measured by Tennis Warehouse). Before that I used the 2020 version of the Ezone 100 and with an unstrung stiffness of 71, I could definitely feel it in the arm. The 2022 model is far better for my arm even though stiffness rating is only 2 points lower. My arm is sensitive and I only use multifilament strings these days. The Ultra 100 sounds interesting though. Must order a demo and see how it feels.

Your work is extraordinary Jonas. Tennisnerd is unique. It will be interesting to follow your tennis journey when you one days will age as well …..maybe that could be an interesting topic : how does age and reduced fitness affect choice of racquet and strings :)

How does it compare to the Wilson Ultra 100 v2 Countervail?

I think this one has better feel/comfort.

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• wilson ultra 100 ul racket review

Wilson Ultra 100 UL Racket Review

The Wilson Ultra range is aimed at players that are looking for an all rounder racket that does it all.

They provide great power, easy access to spin and a user friendly platform that anyone can play with. You don’t need to be a tennis whizz to get along with an Ultra racket.

With this in mind, the aptly named UL version of the Ultra is an ultra light alternative to the standard Ultra 100.

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It is incredibly easy to swing, fast, aerodynamic and is perfect for a player learning the game.

A beginner , improving intermediate or junior player looking to progress on to the adult game would all be well suited to the Ultra 100 UL.

It can be argued that the Ultra is Wilson’s answer to the Babolat Pure Drive range of rackets, as it offers a neutral platform that combines power and precision, perfect for clean ball strikers.

However, where the Pure Drive is a powerhouse of a racket, the Ultra is more of a forgiving, plush stick to play with.

It is generally a bit softer and more flexible than a Pure Drive and offers less out and out pop off the string bed, in place of more racket head speed and comfort.

This makes it a very easy to use racket that anyone can pick up and play with. And no racket in the Ultra range is more accessible than the UL.

It’s incredibly lightweight construction makes it very whippy, meaning you can swing through the ball quickly with confidence.

Despite the more comfortable nature of this racket, Wilson have worked hard to engineer more torsional rigidity into the frame, thanks to their new Power Rib construction.

This works alongside the Perimeter Weight System and Sweet Spot channels to achieve a very responsive, stable and powerful racket.

We liked the Ultra 100 V3 a lot. It is an all rounder racket that effectively does all things for all people.

It is a well balanced racket that combines spin, power and control extremely well, offering a unique combination of characteristics.

It is slightly on the stiffer side, which is to be expected from a more power focussed racket, but that is something to bear in mind if you have experienced arm injuries in the past.

Personally, I enjoyed playing with the Wilson Ultra 100 UL. It is a power focussed racket that retains some of Wilson’s famous feel in its DNA.

It has a large sweet spot so is a very forgiving racket, yet can be used with real precision and agility thanks to the light swingweight.

It is not as stable or solid as some of the more beefy Ultra rackets in the range, so at times this can let it down, especially when receiving a heavier ball from your opponent.

However, for the type of player this stick is aimed at, it fits the bill down to the ground.

Groundstrokes

7.5 out of 10

This is a very easy racket to swing thanks to it being ultra lightweight, meaning it is incredibly easy to generate power and spin on the ball.

I usually don’t go for ultra light rackets as they can lack that solid feel and plow through that a heavier racket will offer in spades.

This is something that the Ultra 100 UL couldn’t escape, as its lack of mass did mean I couldn’t get the same weight of shot I am able to from using a 300g plus stick.

That being said, the Ultra 100 UL did offer a great deal of spin and power as I could swing the racket so quickly.

This meant I could push my opponent around with ease and get the racket into position very quickly. It felt refreshing to play with such a light racket.

Although I felt a heavier ball could push the racket around at times, when I was trying to be aggressive and attack a neutral ball I could place it exactly where I wanted it.

Compared to other oversized powerful rackets, the Ultra 100 UL was a lot more dialed in and I felt a lot more connected to the ball than when using the Wilson Clash 108 for example.

6.5 out of 10

Volleying with the Wilson Ultra 100 UL was an interesting experience. Like most extremely lightweight sticks, it was very easy to maneuver and felt comfortable in the hand.

I could get the racket into position very quickly, which helped a great deal with reaction volleys.

The racket also had a crisp feel on routine volleys and I was able to carve out angles and soft touch volleys relatively easily.

So, what’s the catch? Well, as is the case with the majority of lightweight rackets of this type, the Ultra 100 UL did feel a little unstable at times when up at net.

When my opponent would hit a powerful passing shot, particularly low to my feet, it was sometimes difficult to steer the volley back into court.

Also, the lack of weight made pushing the ball deep consistently a challenge.

Sometimes the ball would fall a bit short of my target simply because I didn’t feel the same amount of stability as I would have from the 300g version.

Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely more of a stable racket than some of the larger headed, power focussed rackets on the market, but it fell short of the lofty expectations set by the original Ultra 100.

This lightweight racket performed better on serve. It was easy to drive the racket up at the ball and generate a lot of spin on second serves, and power on my first serve too.

The Ultra 100 UL felt responsive and easy to swing, which meant I could continue to generate as much power as I wanted throughout the duration of my play test.

It was surprisingly feelsome for a stiff, power focussed racket.

It was relatively easy to pick my spots and hit them, as I didn’t have to focus as much on generating my own power or controlling the additional weight of a head heavy racket.

Generally speaking I tend to prefer a more weight racket to return serve with.

This allows me to lean on the natural weight of the racket and still get good plow through even when hitting with a more compact backswing.

It won’t come as a surprise therefore that the Wilson Ultra 100 UL was not my absolute favourite racket to return big serves with.

Despite the large sweet spot and added stiffness, it didn’t feel strong enough to return heavy kick serves or powerful bombs very convincingly.

However, when it came to taking the return into my own hands and generating my own power and spin, the Ultra 100 UL performed a lot better.

It was light and whippy and I could create sharp angles with ease.

Therefore it was great for opening up the court when I stepped back and took a longer swing at the ball, but for blocking the ball back and remaining solid under pressure, I would have preferred a more weighty stick.

7 out of 10

The Wilson Ultra 100 UL is a great balance of power, speed, spin and control. Its ultra light weight is its defining feature, as it can help you get the racket through the ball with ease.

It did lack a certain level of stability and sturdiness at times, it was incredibly easy to pick up and play with, making it the ideal choice for a beginner or improving junior.

Recreational doubles players would also be well suited to this racket, as it has a decent amount of feel and can be maneuvered very quickly.

In terms of the play test itself, the racket performed well at what it was designed for. Offering a blend of characteristics in a light, accessible package.

Although it was my absolute favourite spec of racket, it is certainly worth considering for a player looking for a powerful racket that will still offer a good amount of control and spin.

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Nov 21, 2023 • Clash Wilson

Wilson Clash 98 V2 Tennis Racket Review: Is It For You?

When we first stepped onto the court with the Wilson Clash 98 V2 in our hands, we were eager to find out if the rumours were true. Were we going to experience the perfect balance of power and control this racket is known for? The Wilson Clash series has redefined…

Nov 16, 2023 • Ultra Wilson

Wilson Ultra Pro 18 x 20 V4 Tennis Racket Review

Precision and Control Redefined When we first stepped onto the court with the Wilson Ultra Pro 18 x 20 V4 in our hands, we were eager to experience the level of control and precision that this racket promised. The Wilson Ultra Pro series has a storied history of delivering control,…

Wilson Ultra 100 V4.0 Racket

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This powerful weapon gets updated with more comfort and speed for 2022

Introducing the Wilson Ultra 100 v4 ! Like previous generations, this modern player's racquet specializes in speed, spin and power. At roughly 318 grams strung and boasting a sub-320 swingweight, the Ultra 100 v4 is not only ideal for intermediate players but it should also tempt the advanced ball striker who craves raw speed. For 2022 Wilson adds its uniquely flexible FORTYFIVE weave to the carbon fiber layup. This technology helps the racquet bend vertically (which compliments topspin mechanics) along with providing a welcomed boost in pocketing and comfort. Wilson has also reengineered the beam, including a thinner shaft for speed. Ultimately, with some nice tweaks to the feel and response, this an impressive update to the Ultra franchise. Aggressive players looking for a powerful and spin-friendly racquet should add this to their demo list.

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Wilson ULTRA 100 V4 Tennis Racquet

The Ultra 100 v4 ushers in a new generation of Ultra with supreme style and invigorating performance. Thanks to a new construction and a new geometry, this racket plays unlike any Ultra before it. Highlighted by the integration of FORTYFIVE° into the lay-up for a softer, more comfortable feel along with enhanced stability, this frame upgrades the delivery of easy power for its users. Key geometrical updates include an expanded Sweet Spot Channel at the tip of the hoop for extra power and reduced bulk in the beams for a sleeker, more aerodynamic look. On the subject of looks, this racket has no rival: color-shifting blues dance to the different angles of sun rays deflecting off the racket surface for a dazzling display. Features:

• Un-Strung Racquet
• FORTYFIVE° strategically embedded into the lay-up provides enhanced stability while increasing comfort
• Revolutionary design integrates beautiful, color-shifting blue tones with a matte finish for captivating look
• Expanded Sweet Spot Channel features cavity on inside of frame to extend cross strings and increase grommet movement for more power
• Crush Zone grommet system compresses at impact to boost power and ball dwell time on strings
• Revised geometry applies more comfortable, ergonomic design and reduces bulk while maintaining stability
• Parallel Drilling provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response
• Agiplast plant-based bumper, grommet and end cap components reduce environmental footprint

ULTRA 100 V4 Tennis Racquet

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Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail Racquet Review

• Can be hard to control

Ultra power. Ultra spin. Wilson delivers on both promises with the new Ultra 100 Countervail . With the update comes new technologies, including Power Ribs in the throat area, Crush Zone grommets and Countervail material in the frame. In addition, the Ultra 100 Countervail's 100 square inch head size, 11.2 oz strung weight and 320 swingweight are user friendly specs for a wide range of players. After a month of playing the Tennis Warehouse playtesters reported back with mixed opinions. The playtesters found a powerful response from the baseline, a large sweetspot and ample amounts of spin, but they also struggled with the accuracy and stability at times when they were trying to be more aggressive. That was also the case on volleys and returns, where the TW playtesters found easy access to power and depth but found themselves aiming for larger targets to keep their shots in the court. Some playtesters found ample power and spin on their serves, while others were left wanting more pace and control. Overall, the Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail delivers all court performance for intermediate to advanced level players looking for an impressive blend of pop and spin.

Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail Racquet Scores

Groundstrokes - score: 83.

The Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail is loaded with potential from the baseline. Tiffani compared this racquet to the previous Ultra 100 as well as a racquet with similar specs. She offered, "I really enjoyed the first version of this racquet, and the follow-up Ultra 100 Countervail felt just as good from the baseline. The addition of Countervail muted the feel of the racquet somewhat, but the racquet still had a firm feel overall. I enjoyed a powerful yet controllable response. This racquet didn't feel as powerful as the new Pure Drive that I also tested recently, but the power was plenty enough for me. I actually liked that it wasn't as free wheeling with the power because if I wasn't feeling quite on top of my game I didn't need to reel in my targeting as much as I did with the Pure Drive."

Jason felt comfortable hitting with the Ultra 100 Countervail from the first swing. He commented, "Since it has very similar specs to my own racquet, the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19, I was able to transition seamlessly into the Ultra 100 Countervail. I loved how easy it was to swing this racquet, and to generate both power and spin. I think that the addition of Countervail and the Crush Zone grommets help provide a softer response in comparison to the previous model. I would've preferred a bit more heft in the hoop to help with knifing my slices, and adding more weight would also shore up some slight instability issues on off-center shots."

"The Ultra 100 Countervail was very easy to use from the baseline," added Hannah . "I found the response to be consistent off the strings, granting me good control, especially when I was drilling. The large sweetspot, excellent maneuverability and access to spin allowed for an overall pleasant experience. I think that this racquet plays to the strength of a counterpunching game style really well. However, when I tried to add pace and step inside the baseline I struggled to be precise with the Ultra 100 Countervail. My directional control suffered, I lost stability and it took a lot of work to get extra pace on the ball to end points. I think adding weight in the hoop would help with this. As far as the feel is concerned, the Countervail technology is prevalent compared to the previous iteration. The feel of the new Ultra 100 Countervail is muted, offering less connection to ball on contact compared to the previous version. I found this to have pros and cons. I don't mind the dampened feel because I think it adds comfort, but because I was already struggling with directional control, I was craving more connection to the ball at times."

The specs of the Ultra 100 Countervail are right where Brittany likes them to be, so it was no surprise that this racquet was easy for her to pick up and use right away. She stated, "The first things I noticed from the baseline were power, a generous sweetspot and easy depth. I really enjoyed just hitting groundstrokes. The spin potential also allowed me to hit more angled groundstrokes and have my groundstrokes drop in right in front of the baseline. There was enough mass that my slices were effective whether they were offensive or defensive slices. When I was going after shorter balls or attacking balls (or hitting swinging volleys) I felt just slightly disconnected from the string bed due to the feel, and I was missing wide a lot more than I am used to. I didn't feel as confident going for riskier shots so I was pulling back and going for safer shots."

Volleys - Score: 85

The TW playtesters found success at the net with the Ultra 100 Countervail by keeping it simple with the "point and shoot" method. Net play was Hannah's favorite part of this playtest. She praised, "I thought the low stability would carry over to the net, but I had no stability issues and had a lot of success volleying with the Ultra 100 Countervail. While the lively response and overall control was consistent and comfortable from the baseline, it felt even better at the net. This played to my strengths. These characteristics and the above average maneuverability allowed me to simply get the racquet in place and execute effective point and shoot volleys. I found the directional and depth control to be great from the net, and I really enjoyed volleying with this update."

"I enjoyed hitting volleys deep in the court," continued Brittany . "I also liked the maneuverability. I wouldn't say it was the fastest racquet up at net, but it was quick enough for me to get it into position on fast reflex volley exchanges, and it still had stability when I had to return a hard hit passing shot. I was missing a bit of feel so I opted to not hit touch volleys."

Tiffani was in agreement, saying, "I felt confident with the Ultra 100 Countervail at net because I felt it offered good stability and pace. I just needed to keep it simple and block the shots back into the court. I didn't have a lot of luck when I tried to use finesse, but that isn't my typical style so I didn't miss that shot much."

Jason had some ups and downs when it came to volleying. He noted, "This racquet felt quick when I was volleying. It definitely had some nice point-and-shoot qualities about it, so I could really hit my targets, and the open string pattern helped control my touch/drop volleys. I did struggle more on my overheads with this racquet than I did with the previous model. It felt slightly more sluggish than the older model."

Serves - Score: 82

The TW playtesters had some mixed results with the Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail on serves. Brittany was impressed when serving. She shared, "I thought Wilson did a great job creating an excellent combination of maneuverability and plow through. It was very easy to get the racquet moving and up and over my head to generate racquet head speed. At the same time, there was enough plow through for my serves to have power and weight behind them. I found my serve could be a weapon, and I was very confident going after my first serves from the very first point to the last. Second serves had enough spin and kick to keep me in a neutral position to start the point."

Hannah was craving a little more accuracy from the Ultra 100 Countervail on serves. She offered, "This racquet was easy to serve with. It felt extremely comfortable to swing and I was able to control my serves in general. I knew exactly what to expect at contact, and although muted, the feel on the serve felt good on my arm. I think I only missed one or two serves out of the first 20 I hit with the Ultra 100 Countervail. However, when I started trying to place my serves it was almost impossible to remain precise with direction. This was frustrating, but again, I think adding weight would help with this and in general. This racquet fits the bill for someone looking for consistency."

Jason enjoyed the added spin potential on both his first and second serves, saying, "I was definitely getting more spin than power on my serves. I could feel the ball really pocket into the stringbed, which gave my slice and kick serves some bite."

"Although I was finding plenty of power from the baseline, I wasn't getting the pace as consistently or as easily as I expected on serves," critiqued Tiffani . "Most of the time I spent serving with this racquet I was switching between it and the Pure Drive, and it just wasn't a fair fight in the power department. The Pure Drive remains one of my favorite serving racquets. However, the Ultra 100 Countervail offered more consistency as well as decent power and spin."

Returns - Score: 82

On one hand, the Ultra 100 Countervail provided easy depth and power. On the other hand, the TW playtesters were looking for a little more stability and precision. Jason felt the racquet could use a little customization for better stability on returns. He explained, "The easy maneuverability really allowed me to go after a variety of serves. I found a nice combination of power and spin on my returns, resulting in my shots landing closer to the baseline. It can get pushed around a bit on the big first serves, but a little tungsten tape will fix that."

Missing some precision, Tiffani found herself aiming for bigger, safer targets. She stated, "This racquet was a good mix of power and control for me on returns. The key for me was to choose smart targets. I felt confident moving the ball around and hitting deep returns as long as I wasn't aiming for the lines. I found more success returning with this racquet than I did serving."

"While I had some positives and some negatives with returns, I ultimately was able to find a rhythm," Brittany exclaimed. "I enjoyed how aggressive I could be and how deep my returns were landing. I like to aim deep down the middle to return first serves, so I didn't have to worry about losing control. I did notice the racquet twisting in my hand a couple of times when I made contact, but it didn't occur often enough to make me worry about it."

Hannah wanted more stability on her returns. She explained, "Sometimes my returns came up short, and in general it was difficult to produce an effective return that put me on the offensive. I like to step in on serve returns and either go deep up the middle or pull my opponent off the court with an angle, and the Ultra 100 Countervail didn't give me a lot of options to do that."

Overall - Score: 81

Brittany - "I liked the power, maneuverability and spin potential. There was a generous sweetspot as well."

Jason - "Really easy to use. Easy access to power and spin. Softer response than previous model."

Tiffani - "The Ultra 100 Countervail offered power, but it was controllable power."

Hannah - "The Ultravail 100 Countervail is a comfortable option that does everything well. The results were consistent, and when I played with a counterpunching mindset I always knew what shot I was going to get. I really like volleying with this racquet; it was maneuverable and blocked back shots really well."

Brittany - "I would have liked a little more control and feel, especially when I was going for riskier shots, as I felt a little disconnected. I'm also not a fan of the flared butt cap."

Jason - "It can get pushed around and it has some instability problems. I struggled more on my overheads with this racquet than the last model."

Tiffani - "I was searching for a bit more power on my serves, and the stock grip on this racquet gets slick."

Hannah - "The Ultra 100 Countervail felt unstable from the baseline, and it was very difficult to be precise from all areas of the court. The muted feel made it tougher to achieve accurate control."

Comparing the racquet to others they've tried, our testers said:

Brittany - "I thought this was an excellent update to the previous models (Ultra and Juice). This version played a lot like the previous versions, but it's slightly better in almost every area, including feel. Other racquets that play like the Ultra 100 Countervail include the Babolat Pure Drive, Prince Textreme Warrior 100, Tecnifibre TFlash 300 and Yonex VCORE SV 100."

Jason - "The Ultra 100 Countervail played nearly identical to the previous Ultra 100, but it's more muted and slightly more powerful. It's also comparable to the Yonex DR 100 or Babolat Pure Strike 16x19."

Tiffani - "I enjoyed the first iteration of the Ultra 100, and I like the Ultra 100 Countervail as well. For whatever reason, I hit with more spin with the original version, but that could come down to string choice since my PlaySight numbers were not drastically different."

Hannah - "The performance didn't necessarily vary a whole lot from my experience with the previous iteration of the Ultra 100. However, with the addition of Countervail the Ultra 100 Countervail has a completely different feel. With the muted feel it is more comfortable in a lot of ways, but it is a tradeoff; I felt less connected to the ball most of the time. Compared to other Wilson racquets I've playtested this year, I prefer the Pro Staff 97 and the Blade 98 over the Ultra 100 Countervail . I'm an aggressive baseliner, and these other racquets offered more power and precision."

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles

Brittay: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and a two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Yonex EZONE DR 100.

Jason: 4.0 baseliner with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. Currently using a Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (Project One7).

Hannah: Open level player with a semi-western forehand and two-handed backhand. She currently plays with the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 (Project One7).

Tiffani: 4.0 level baseliner with a semi-western grip on the forehand and hits a two-handed backhand. Currently playing with the Prince Textreme Tour 100P.

Review date: August 2017. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us. All content copyright 2017 Tennis Warehouse.

Controversial church aims to ‘make Moscow a Christian town’

MOSCOW, Idaho – For many local residents, this town is just about perfect.

Surrounded by the rolling Palouse hills, the city of 25,000 is home to the University of Idaho and trendy coffee shops and restaurants.

It’s a place where progressive residents and local entrepreneurs get along just fine, said Ryan Rounds, a resident, veteran and a former University of Idaho student.

“Moscow is an amazing city that tries to strike a balance between the ‘hippie’ population and the business/development-oriented population,” he said.

In Latah County about half the population voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. And while the city has plenty of churches, only 30% of Moscow identifies as “religious,” according to an analysis from Best Places.

One congregation is hoping that will change – an ambition that’s been a source of tension for years.

Led by controversial pastor Douglas Wilson, Christ Church of Moscow has for years been planning a spiritual takeover of the town – hoping to transform its soul.

Wilson does not mince words about his views on Moscow.

“Basically this is a blue dot in a very, very red state and the blue dotters are pleased,” he said. “Our mission is ‘All of Christ for all of life,’ and if you drill that down, then for all of Moscow.”

The church website explains the church’s mission further.

“Our desire is to make Moscow a Christian town,” it reads, “ … through genuine cultural engagement that provides Christian leadership in the arts, in business, in education, in politics, and in literature.”

Not everyone in the community is on board with that plan, Wilson admits.

He said the idea of a spiritual takeover of Moscow started with his father, James, who came to the area after retiring from the Navy to start a Christian bookstore at the nearby Washington State University campus.

In his 1964 book, “ Principles of War: A Handbook on Strategic Evangelism ,” Jim Wilson explains that the concepts of physical warfare can be applied to strategic evangelism.

According to his dad’s text, Douglas Wilson said, a takeover of Moscow is feasible because of the city’s relatively small size and its reputation. And a takeover is strategic because it would mean a significant loss to the enemy.

The Wilsons are revered by the 1,300 people or so affiliated with Christ Church and loathed by many others – in both cases because of their conservative, Reformed evangelical biblical teachings.

Wilson promotes the church’s beliefs in a direct, take-no-prisoners approach to preaching and writing. That approach is highlighted in a recent video featuring Wilson sitting on a burning couch and smoking a cigar where he says, “It’s not the job of the preacher to be a firefighter out in the world. We’re not supposed to be running around putting out other people’s fire. We are supposed to be arsonists in the world.”

Wilson’s tactics often clash with the town’s welcoming ethos.

In recent months, numerous community members have aired their concerns about the church in Moscow-Pullman Daily News’ letters to the editor.

Wilson’s past behavior has also given locals reason for concern. In 2001, he presided over the wedding of a convicted pedophile, a decision he still defends.

Then, in 2004, Wilson organized a conference about Southern slavery.

“It was a history conference that people said was a pro-slavery conference,” Douglas Wilson said.

Despite the controversies, the church continues to grow. Nancy Wilson said it’s part of God’s plan.

“It’s the story God’s writing. We’re surprised,” she said. “It’s been a really good story and every story has tension.”

Wilson and his followers don’t limit themselves to spiritual matters. They also have a prominent role in the local business community. Two members recently ran for City Council, but lost.

“I would say any tension between the town and the church is one-sided in that the city bends over backwards to try and accommodate the church and school, granting them special use permits for buildings so they don’t stay unoccupied, while trying to maintain a business district,” Rounds said.

Douglas Wilson, though, says his church’s influence on the town is organic and that the church has no official role in them.

“It looks like a power move, but we’re running into people trying for City Council for the same reason you run into them at (the local tire store). They’re just part of the community. People have homes here and buy businesses. It happens. It’s not a directive,” he said.

Besides, members of the two local congregations that are part of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – which Wilson was instrumental in forming – make up only about 5% of the town. Christ Church has about 900 members and Trinity Reformed Church, a church plant of Christ Church, has about 400.

Nevertheless, apprehension remains. Many residents avoid supporting businesses with ties to the church.

The Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse, said she tries to patronize businesses that share her values.

“I look for a ‘welcoming and affirming’ decal from PFLAG,” she said, referring to the social organization that supports parents, families and allies of the LGBTQ community. “I look for products that are ethically sourced, and employers that treat their employees fairly and with dignity.”

The Wilsons said they want to support all local businesses, even ones that disagree with their theology.

“We don’t boycott liberal businesses,” Nancy Wilson said.

Christ Church has also been in local headlines lately because of New Saint Andrews, a Christian college that the church helped form. Earlier this year, the City Council voted to restrict new colleges and universities downtown and to reject the expansion of existing ones. NSA purchased a second downtown building prior to the vote and will be allowed to continue with plans to convert the building – a former nightclub – into a music conservatory.

“We want to do nice things, good things. Like open a conservatory on Main Street instead of a nightclub,” Douglas Wilson said.

Along with those plans, Christ Church also is building a larger facility on the edge of town for Logos, its K-12 school.

Heather Wilson, daughter-in-law of Douglas Wilson, said members of Christ Church are used to people lashing out at it. Recently her son’s pickup was vandalized for having a New Saint Andrews bumper sticker.

“A lot of it is remanufactured Moscow misconceptions. People have a habit of yelling things out of context,” she said. “We take care of our kids, be good neighbors, but people always have something to say. People are looking to find offense and give offense when really, at the end of the day, we’re just trying to be good neighbors.”

Douglas Wilson said the divide that’s happening in Moscow is reflected nationally. He said the country seems to be in a “slow-motion civil war with no bullets.”

“The only possible solution is a massive religious revival,” he said. “Short of that and we’re headed for trouble.”

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‘Make it a Christian town’: the ultra-conservative church on the rise in Idaho

Increased influence of Christ Church, whose leader wants to create US ‘theocracy’, comes as social conservatives aim to gain traction

A Guardian investigation has revealed that a controversial church whose leader has openly expressed the ambition of creating a “theocracy” in America has accumulated significant influence in the city of Moscow, Idaho .

Christ Church has a stated goal to “make Moscow a Christian town” and public records, interviews, and open source materials online show how its leadership has extended its power and activities in the town.

Church figures have browbeaten elected officials over Covid restrictions, built powerful institutions in parallel to secular government, harassed perceived opponents, and accumulated land and businesses in pursuit of a long-term goal of transforming America into a nation ruled according to its own, ultra-conservative moral precepts.

The rise of Christ Church may be playing out in a small Idaho city but it comes at a time when the US is roiled by the far right, including Christian nationalism, and when social conservatives are seeking to roll back basic tenets of US life such as legal abortion, as well as dominating powerful national institutions, such as the supreme court.

While the church’s previous controversies have centered on its founder and pastor, Douglas Wilson, a new generation of male church leaders – including Wilson’s son – have found ways to expand the church’s reach in Moscow and beyond, even gaining footholds in mainstream popular culture in the broader US.

In recent months, Christ Church has advocated for resistance to Covid mandates in Moscow, and Wilson has attempted to give theological ballast to opposition to restrictions and vaccination programs, as well as warning of political violence.

Last month, a video version of a post by Wilson at his well-read blog was removed from YouTube. The blogpost , entitled “A Biblical Defense of Fake Vaccine IDs”, was based on a conspiracy theory asserting that the vaccine response was a “power play” on the part of the Biden administration, which intended to leave the restrictions in place permanently.

Wilson further claimed that “we are not yet in a hot civil war, with shooting and all, but we are in a cold war/civil war” and urged readers to “resist openly, in concert with any others in your same position”, claiming that this would not be “rebellion against lawful authority” but “an example of a free people refusing to go along with their own enslavement”.

The post was met with outrage, including from other prominent evangelicals .

That was not the only time that Wilson’s activities and positions have led to criticism from other evangelicals, and associations with Wilson have led to crises in other churches.

In recent months, members and clergy resigned from Minneapolis’s Bethlehem Baptist church, and staff resigned from its associated Bethlehem College and Seminary (BCS), in part over the appearance of newly appointed BCS president Joe Rigney on Man Rampant , a video series hosted by Wilson and streamed on platforms including Amazon Prime. The show promotes Wilson’s long-held position that men need to assert themselves in society .

Christ Church was founded in Moscow in the 1990s, and experts who have studied the church estimate the size of the congregation and its offshoot churches at about 2,000, or 10% of the city’s total population.

But they also say that the church is increasingly drawing people to the area who are attracted to the idea of northern Idaho as a conservative “redoubt” against American modernity, and by the church’s “ reconstructionist ” position, which holds that the world will need to be governed according to their interpretation of biblical morality before Christ returns to earth.

Christ Church’s previous controversies have garnered national attention.

Recent reporting focused attention once more on the church’s – and Wilson’s – handling of a series of sexual abuse cases, and the theological subordination of women.

In 2005, Wilson asked a judge for leniency in the case of Stephen Sitler, a former student at a Christ Church-aligned college, New Saint Andrews College (NSAC). Sitler was at that time convicted of sex offenses involving children.

After his release on probation in 2007, Sitler was married in Christ Church in 2010, by Wilson, to a woman who, by Sitler’s and her account, had been introduced to him by Edwin Iverson, then a Christ Church elder and now pastor of a Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) church in Colville, Washington.

Wilson has faced scrutiny over other positions.

In the early 2000s, Wilson received criticism over a book, Southern Slavery as it Was, which he had co-written in the previous decade with J Steven Wilkins. Wilkins is a Louisiana pastor who was a co-founder of the neo-Confederate organization, the League of the South. His church is a member of Wilson’s congregational umbrella group, the CREC.

The book depicted slavery in the antebellum southern United States as “a relationship based upon mutual affection and confidence”, and argued that the enslaved enjoyed “a life of plenty, of simple pleasures, of food, clothes, and good medical care”.

Wilson has repeatedly disavowed any interest in national electoral politics, but Christ Church’s eventual aim is what Wilson explicitly describes in a 2016 book as “theocracy”, or “a network of nations bound together by a formal acknowledgement of the lordship of Jesus Christ”, as opposed to secular society ruled by “civil governments, [which] are in necessary degrees satanic, demonic, and influenced by the god of this world, who is the devil”.

These beliefs have led Christ Church into conflicts with local government, but additionally, Wilson and other Christ Church members have founded a range of local and national institutions which are affiliated with or sponsored by the church.

Christ Church itself is an unincorporated nonprofit, which means that it is not obliged to provide details of its finances to government authorities. Many entities associated with the church are either also unincorporated, like the Logos School, or, like publisher Canon Press, are operated by a network of limited liability companies (LLCs) which are similarly limited in their accountability.

But insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity said that all members tithe 10% of their household income, and wealthier members are expected to make an even larger contribution.

Within a network of educational institutions, publishing houses, churches, and national associations that Wilson has founded or led, a small number of men, from a small number of families, have come to exert significant power within the organisation and Moscow.

Not least among these is Wilson’s own family, with him as its head.

At NSAC, for example, the college president is Wilson’s son-in-law, Ben Merkle. Another son-in-law, Luke Jankovic, sits on the board of trustees, as does Wilson himself and Christ Church’s associate pastor, Toby Sumpter.

Douglas Wilson is also on faculty at NSAC, and is listed as a senior fellow in theology. Also on faculty are his son Nathan (ND) Wilson, a fellow of literature; and his brother, Gordon Wilson, a self-described “young earth creationist” who believes that God created the earth in seven days, is senior fellow of natural history.

According to tax filings, Merkle and Gordon Wilson each draw salaries from the college, which lists tuition and costs for undergraduate students at $19,900 per year.

Merkle, Jankovic, and all three Wilson men are also elders at Christ Church, along with a founding director and former trustee at NSAC, Moscow resident Andrew Crapuchettes.

Until June 2021, when the company was acquired by a competitor, Crapuchettes had been chief executive of Moscow’s largest private employer, EMSI, for more than 19 years.

During that period, EMSI was a major employer of NSAC graduates. According to LinkedIn data, there are 55 current employees at EMSI who are NSAC graduates, from a college which has graduated only 635 people throughout its history.

In addition, a number of Christ Church elders hold senior positions at EMSI. They include Luke Jankovic – the NSAC trustee who is Wilson’s son-in-law – who is now executive vice-president of higher education.

Also, EMSI’s chief operations officer and chief financial officer is Timothy van den Broek, a teaching elder at Trinity Reformed church, Christ Church’s suburban offshoot.

Van den Broek began his career at EMSI immediately after graduating from NSAC, and he sits on the boards of church-aligned businesses and organizations, including the charity, the Hope Center, and Classic Learning Initiatives, which aims to devise alternative standardized testing for students at Christian private schools who wish to attend private Christian universities like NSAC.

Since his departure from EMSI, Andrew Crapuchettes has started a new venture, a jobs website called Red Balloon, which advertises itself as connecting “employers who value freedom with employees who value it too”, in “a world beyond cancel culture, where employees are free to work … without fear that they will find themselves on the wrong side of their employer’s politics”.

Many of the website’s initial clients appeared to be either church run or founded organizations, or companies belonging to other church members.

Now, Crapuchettes has branched out into property development, and this year won approval from Moscow city council for the “annexation” of 27 acres of land on Moscow’s south-western edge for a new, 109 unit subdivision called Edington.

A local businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the church already had a disproportionate presence in the downtown area, and that developments like Edington were evidence that “they are trying to attract more people here”.

He added that the church’s anti-mask and anti-vaccination positions, as well as its attempts to “take over local institutions” like a food co-op, had polarized the community.

He also referred to an ad for New Saint Andrews College that had been seen as transphobic by many in Moscow had “galvanized the town against them”. He called it a demonstration of the church’s preparedness “to throw red meat and recruit on the basis of hate”.

In response to detailed emailed questions about various aspects of Christ Church’s operations, Douglas Wilson did not offer any specific response, but wrote that the Guardian’s “approach illustrates an absurd fixation and anti-church bigotry that we have come to expect from certain elements of the leftist media”.

Asked about EMSI’s hiring practices under his leadership, Andrew Crapuchettes wrote that: “Under my watch, EMSI grew into a global company with offices on two continents, and in an ever-tightening labor market, we hired talent wherever we could find it, including from the 3 local colleges – Washington State, University of Idaho and New Saint Andrews.”

This article was amended on 12 November 2021 to correctly refer to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, rather than the Council of Reformed Evangelical Churches.

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