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YungHungCrock · Feb 13th, 2013, 5:23:54 PM

Hi, pretty good looking team here, especially for a first one, so let's take a look at it.

I was confused for a moment about your 160 Speed EVs on Metagross, since it doesn’t put it into any notable speed tiers. After checking Smogon’s analysis for Metagross, I think you might have misread, as it calls for 160 Special Defense EVs. The abbreviations are pretty similar, so it’s justified confusion: SpD is Special Defense, while Spe is Speed. Metagross simply doesn't need the speed, as it's either going to tank the hit with its solid defenses, or bypass it with Bullet Punch.

As for the above comment, I’m not sure what “Light Armor” is. Metagross’ other ability is Light Metal, which halves its weight, but this has little value for you. Metagross really doesn’t have much defense against a taunt, since it is pretty much always outsped, so its better off simply attacking.

The biggest thing I see with your team right now is that you have several speedy revenge killer-type Pokemon, but they may not be able to hit hard enough to break through many defensive teams.

Although Scarf Latios is a pretty effective revenge killer because of its insane speed, one of its other claims is excellent special coverage. It’s a shame to get locked into Surf and be unable to Psyshock your oppenent’s Keldeo. Your team also doesn’t have a boosting sweeper, which helps break through really dedicated defensive teams. For that reason, I’ll suggest a Calm Mind set for Latios.

...

For Infernape, I think you should consider Iron Fist over Blaze. Infernape is notoriously frail, and getting him into that 1/3 range is difficult without being outright KO’d. Iron Fist give a boost on your two main attacks, Fire Punch and Mach Punch, with the latter especially making it a more effective revenge killer. The Adamant nature can stay, as many of threats Jolly beats aren’t very notable (Mienshao, Zoroark, Raikou, and there’s no reason to stay in on Salamence), but remember you won’t get the Speed tie with the other 108s, who will likely OHKO him.

As a final small change, I’d recommend switching up the item on Jolteon. If you’re really dead set on bluffing a Choice item, then Expert Belt give you a little more power on super effective hits, but I think you’re best off with a Life Orb. The 20% difference between Life Orb and Wise Glasses is significant, and Jolteon’s defenses are low enough that the recoil isn’t hampering any defensive capability.

Hope these changes work out for you, and good luck in the future!

Feb 13th, 2013, 5:23:54 PM	#3
YungHungCrock Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 14	Hi, pretty good looking team here, especially for a first one, so let's take a look at it. I was confused for a moment about your 160 Speed EVs on Metagross, since it doesn’t put it into any notable speed tiers. After checking Smogon’s analysis for Metagross, I think you might have misread, as it calls for 160 Special Defense EVs. The abbreviations are pretty similar, so it’s justified confusion: SpD is Special Defense, while Spe is Speed. Metagross simply doesn't need the speed, as it's either going to tank the hit with its solid defenses, or bypass it with Bullet Punch. As for the above comment, I’m not sure what “Light Armor” is. Metagross’ other ability is Light Metal, which halves its weight, but this has little value for you. Metagross really doesn’t have much defense against a taunt, since it is pretty much always outsped, so its better off simply attacking. The biggest thing I see with your team right now is that you have several speedy revenge killer-type Pokemon, but they may not be able to hit hard enough to break through many defensive teams. Although Scarf Latios is a pretty effective revenge killer because of its insane speed, one of its other claims is excellent special coverage. It’s a shame to get locked into Surf and be unable to Psyshock your oppenent’s Keldeo. Your team also doesn’t have a boosting sweeper, which helps break through really dedicated defensive teams. For that reason, I’ll suggest a Calm Mind set for Latios. ... Shiny Latios ftw Latios (M) @ Life Orb Trait: Levitate EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) - Calm Mind - Dragon Pulse - Surf - Psyshock / HP Fire / Roost I slashed Psyshock first on the fourth slot to take care of those pesky musketeers, but each move has its advantages. In addition, Latias can always be considered for this role, but given the offensive nature of your team Latios probably fits better. For Infernape, I think you should consider Iron Fist over Blaze. Infernape is notoriously frail, and getting him into that 1/3 range is difficult without being outright KO’d. Iron Fist give a boost on your two main attacks, Fire Punch and Mach Punch, with the latter especially making it a more effective revenge killer. The Adamant nature can stay, as many of threats Jolly beats aren’t very notable (Mienshao, Zoroark, Raikou, and there’s no reason to stay in on Salamence), but remember you won’t get the Speed tie with the other 108s, who will likely OHKO him. As a final small change, I’d recommend switching up the item on Jolteon. If you’re really dead set on bluffing a Choice item, then Expert Belt give you a little more power on super effective hits, but I think you’re best off with a Life Orb. The 20% difference between Life Orb and Wise Glasses is significant, and Jolteon’s defenses are low enough that the recoil isn’t hampering any defensive capability. Hope these changes work out for you, and good luck in the future!