Intelligence i.S6 Oversize ReviewGroundstrokesAt 8.3 ounces (strung), the i.S6 OS is easy to swing from the baseline. Drew offers, "the tendency to flick topspin shots and try other wristy shots is hard to avoid with such a light racquet. Despite its low weight, hitting groundies with the i.S6 OS delivered a fairly cushioned feel and decent power. Even mis-hits didn't feel bad on my arm. The bigger sweetspot of the oversize was easy to find." John adds, "one of the first things I noticed when picking up the i.S6 OS was how light it was. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised by the stability of this racquet. Whether hitting forehands or backhands, off-center shots weren't jarring to my arm and the racquet didn't noticeably twist or torque. Thanks to a fairly open string pattern I was able to generate good spin from both sides. When pulled wide, a simple flick of the wrist sent the ball deep cross-court or down the line. Although the frame is very stiff the racquet still had a cushioned feel. Unlike most ultra-lightweight racquets I found that I had better than average control when swinging with my normal medium-fast swing." Don says, "it's difficult not to compare this racquet with the Ti.S6. I found the i.S6 OS similar in weight, power and control. However, it seemed to provide better damping, resulting in a more solid and comfortable feel. The string pattern also seemed more open, allowing for wicked spin. However, the price for this added spin is increased string movement. Due to the racquet's light weight, players with compact strokes will want to string it at the low end of the tension range to maximize the racquet's power potential. Anything above mid range requires a medium-full swing." Dan adds, "at a feathery 8.3 ounces the i.S6 OS felt almost hollow throughout the head. Even so, the racquet delivers pure power. It requires only a compact swing to create swift pace. The open string pattern allowed good topspin, but my slice shots lacked solidity. The faster I swung, the fatter my slices would sit up." Mark comments, "the i.S6 OS felt very light and stiff and because it's so light I could only generate power on my groundstrokes by swinging hard. This was easy, thanks to the light weight, but my percentage of mis-hits increased. However, I was able to generate good spin." VolleysThe i.S6 Oversize's combination of light weight and 115 headsize make it easy to get to almost any volley or lob. Mark explains, "hitting volleys was very easy with the i.S6 OS. The large head, great maneuverability and stiff frame are ideal characteristics for volleying (at least for me). Short, punch volleys are most effective with this racquet." John continues, "the i.S6 OS is predictably easy to maneuver, and is a weapon at net. The large sweetspot and light weight took the work out of hitting deep, potent volleys. Even when hitting the ball late or reacting to a hard-hit passing shot, I had no trouble hitting effective volleys." Drew says, "very quick around the net and making contact with the larger head was easy. I could block volleys with good placement but had to swing to get power, and this took a toll on control." Dan offers, "the i.S6 OS delivers plenty of pace on volleys hit in the sweetspot. However, off-center shots don't produce much power and the racquet can get pushed around a bit, perhaps due to its light weight. Manipulating spin and experimenting with 'english shots' is fun, thanks to the open 16x19 pattern in a 115 head. A great choice for doubles specialists or net rushers with a compact net game. When it comes to hitting overheads, hasta la vista, baby! Preparing early for surprise lobs is no problem and potential power is seemingly endless - no rolling blackouts here.." ServesServing with the i.S6 OS is fun and easy, thanks again to its light weight and oversize head. Drew comments, "it was no problem generating racquet head speed and spin serves had plenty of action. Flat serves in the sweetspot had good pace, but anything hit outside this area was substantially weaker." Dan continues, "for an oversize racquet of this weight, the kick and spin control were impressive. It's worth mentioning again that the open string pattern will cater to spin artists. You can feel the bite on the ball as it contacts the strings." John says, "the racquet's weight made it easy to swing it fast, which added a few miles per hour to my serve. Placement was a piece of cake and the open string pattern aided in the production of spin, making kick serves really jump." Mark comments, "it took me awhile to find the range on my serves, but once I did I was able to hit pretty good spin and kick serves. It's easy (and necessary) to generate a lot of racquet head speed with the i.S6 OS because it's so light. The wide open string pattern makes it even easier to generate spin, but I spent a lot of time straightening the strings between points." Don adds, "similar to the Ti.S6, this racquet is so light that it's easy to whip it around on serves. Players with short serving strokes will find benefit in the 115 head for power and open string pattern for spin." ReturnsWhether blocking back hard returns or taking a backswing against weaker second serves, the i.S6 OS' maneuverability is an asset. Once again, string tension is critical to taking full advantage of this racquet's attributes. Players who use compact strokes will benefit most with lower tensions, while faster swing types will prefer mid range or higher. John comments, "the most impressive thing to me about the i.S6 OS was its stability when returning serve. I was able to block back hard, deep serves with depth and pace. The racquet didn't torque or twist. When given the time to attack my opponent's serve I was able to hit offensive returns with power and precision." Don adds, "I expected the i.S6 OS to get pushed around more against serves. However, I was pleasantly surprised to be able to block back fast serves with little racquet twisting. Chip & charge returns were the natural choice against short second serves. The only caution here is to hit through the ball to avoid the dreaded sitter return." Drew says, "the light weight allowed me to adjust to difficult serves but getting the timing right was a bit of a challenge. I missed a few topspin returns, likely as a result of taking a bigger swing. I had better results when I went to a slice return, which is easier to control." Dan says simply, "concise, curtailed strokes yielded best results on serve returns." SummaryThe i.S6 OS is a worthy "upgrade" for Ti.S6 users seeking a more solid feel. Its styling is a bit more refined and the intellifibers seem to successfully dampen vibration without masking the feel of the ball. 2.5-4.0 players will benefit most from its light weight and above-average power level.