when I wrote the Primeape analysis a few months back, I didn't include a Choice Band set. I didn't really think it was worthwhile, but I've played with it a bit and it's really cool. we didn't bother adding it right away because we wanted something onsite as soon as possible. so heeeere is CBape.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Primeape can make up for its middling power while still fully utilizing its great Speed. Primeape can also separate itself from Sawk with its access to U-turn, which allows Primeape to switch out against the Ghost- and Psychic-types that can wall it and bring in a partner to Pursuit trap them. Close Combat is used for a high Base Power STAB move that Primeape can spam late in the game. U-turn is used to scout the opponent's team before Primeape can mindlessly spam Close Combat, while also allowing it to switch out of its checks and counters and wear them down throughout the match. Finally, Ice Punch and Stone Edge are both used for coverage moves. The former hits Flying- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Altaria, Tangela, and Vileplume, that either resist Primeape's STAB or take little from it. The latter can also hit Flying-type Pokemon and gives Primeape coverage against Bug-types.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Vital Spirit is used so Primeape can switch into Sleep Powder from Grass-types, then use U-turn to either deal good damage to them or scout out a potential switch. Primeape can also use Earthquake for coverage against Poison-types or Punishment to deal good damage against opposing setup sweepers, but these moves are typically less useful than Ice Punch and Stone Edge.</p>
<p>Primeape loves having Pursuit support to take out the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that wall it, making Skuntank and Sneasel ideal partners. Even with a Choice Band, Primeape lacks the power of heavy hitters such as Sawk. With this in mind, powerful wallbreakers are very useful to give Primeape an easier time later on in the match. Charizard, Eelektross, and Jynx are great to fill this role. Another way to help Primeape throughout the match is to set up hazards against the opponent. Hazards are so greatly appreciated because of Primeape's ability to force switches with U-turn and wear down its checks and counters. Scolipede and Garbodor are both great Spikers and Metang can cover Primeape's Psychic- and Flying-type weaknesses and use Stealth Rock. Finally, other users of U-turn and Volt Switch are great partners for Primeape, as they can keep up offensive momentum throughout the match. Swellow, Probopass, and Zebstrika are the best examples of this.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Primeape can make up for its middling power while still fully utilizing its great Speed. Primeape can also separate itself from Sawk with its access to U-turn, which allows Primeape to switch out against the Ghost- and Psychic-types that can wall it and bring in a partner to Pursuit trap them. Close Combat is used for a high Base Power STAB move that Primeape can spam late in the game. U-turn is used to scout the opponent's team before Primeape can mindlessly spam Close Combat, while also allowing it to switch out of its checks and counters and wear them down throughout the match. Finally, Ice Punch and Stone Edge are both used for coverage moves. The former hits Flying- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Altaria, Tangela, and Vileplume, that either resist Primeape's STAB or take little from it. The latter can also hit Flying-type Pokemon and gives Primeape coverage against Bug-types.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Vital Spirit is used so Primeape can switch into Sleep Powder from Grass-types, then use U-turn to either deal good damage to them or scout out a potential switch. Primeape can also use Earthquake for coverage against Poison-types or Punishment to deal good damage against opposing setup sweepers, but these moves are typically less useful than Ice Punch and Stone Edge.</p>
<p>Primeape loves having Pursuit support to take out the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that wall it, making Skuntank and Sneasel ideal partners. Even with a Choice Band, Primeape lacks the power of heavy hitters such as Sawk. With this in mind, powerful wallbreakers are very useful to give Primeape an easier time later on in the match. Charizard, Eelektross, and Jynx are great to fill this role. Another way to help Primeape throughout the match is to set up hazards against the opponent. Hazards are so greatly appreciated because of Primeape's ability to force switches with U-turn and wear down its checks and counters. Scolipede and Garbodor are both great Spikers and Metang can cover Primeape's Psychic- and Flying-type weaknesses and use Stealth Rock. Finally, other users of U-turn and Volt Switch are great partners for Primeape, as they can keep up offensive momentum throughout the match. Swellow, Probopass, and Zebstrika are the best examples of this.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
- Separates itself from Sawk thanks to U-turn, allowing it to switch out on Ghost- and Psychic-types that switch into it and bring in something to Pursuit trap and kill them
- Works exceptionally well because Primeape is usually Scarf, so people will often play carelessly against it, only to get POPPED
- Close Combat for strong STAB and the ability to clean up late-game
- U-turn to scout for Psychic- and Ghost-types and to deal decent damage w/ Choice Band to most things that can wall Primeape
- Ice Punch for coverage against Flying- and Grass-types
- Stone Edge rounds off coverage, hitting Bug-types that can wall Primeape
- Vital Spirit's cool for switching into Sleep Powder from Grass-types then using U-turn to either deal heavy damage to them or scout a potential switch
- Can use EQ or Punishment too but not as good
- Loves Pursuit support to take out the things that wall it; Skuntank and Sneasel are good for that
- Since it plays the role of a late-game cleaner, something to break walls is really nice; Charizard, Eelektross, Jynx, etc. can all do this well
- Works well with other VoltTurners, such as Swellow, Probopass, and Zebstrika
- Likes spikes/rocks to ko stuff like alomomola because its not as strong as sawk and also wearing down stuff like golurk for the ohko (ex. garbo/scoli) and it makes uturn spamming better too
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