Taken over from Dr. Alpha(http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3456057)
[Overview]
<p> Manectric has always struggled to find a tier where it can be a dominant force. In theory, its excellent Special Attack and Speed stats should make it a major threat in any metagame. However, in both the OverUsed and UnderUsed tiers it is outclassed by Jolteon and Raikou, who both have higher Speed and Special Attack than Manectric. Even in RU its niche as a fast Electric-type sweeper is threatened by Galvantula, who has higher Speed, a secondary Bug-type STAB, and the powerful Compoundeyes Thunder. Luckily, Manectric has a few weapons that Galvantula doesn't. Its access to Flamethrower, Overheat, and Switcheroo is rare among Electric-type Pokemon. These traits greatly increase Manectric's type coverage, and cripple an opponent with a Switcheroo'd Choice item. With these unique moves and the buff to the Lightningrod ability, Manectric can differentiate itself from Galvantula enough to retain a niche as a powerful special attacker.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch
move 2: Flamethrower / Overheat
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is probably the most common set that Manectric will run. Thunderbolt is the main STAB move, but Volt Switch also deserves a mention because it provides momentum. The choice between Flamethrower and Overheat should be based on how much you abuse Switcheroo. Those who want to keep the Choice item and play the hit-and-run game will prefer Overheat for its power, as the Special Attack drop will be negated once Manectric switches. Volt Switch also works well with Overheat, as you can negate the Special Attack drop by using Volt Switch, provided Manectric's item has been switched away. However, if you wish to avoid excessive switching, Flamethrower and Thunderbolt will allow Manectric to stay on in for longer periods, where it can take advantage of any Lightningrod boosts it has scored. As for the Hidden Power, a Grass typing is the primary option because Lanturn and Quagsire can easily wall Manectric without it. Hidden Power Ice is an option for Altaria and Gligar, who can take Manectric's attacks pretty well. Finally, there is the choice between Choice Specs and Choice Scarf. This depends on whether you're using Manectric as a special attacker or a revenge killer. A special attacker appreciates the added power of Choice Specs, while the revenge killer greatly appreciates the blazing Speed that a Scarf offers. Both items take advantage of Switcheroo, which allows Manectric to cripple defensive Pokemon, such as Munchlax or Quagsire on the switch in.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Equipping Manectric with Choice Scarf or Choice Specs is a matter of preference. A Choice Scarf makes Manectric a revenge killer that can outspeed most of the RU tier, while Choice Specs gives it more attacking power. Depending on which Hidden Power typing you choose, Manectric will have different suitable partners. Water-type Pokemon work well with Hidden Power Grass variants, as Manectric can absorb the Electric-type moves intended for them, and in return, these Water-types can take out troublesome foes, such as Claydol and Gligar, with ease. Omastar and Kabutops deserve a special mention for their ability to set up entry hazards. On the flip side, a Manectric that wields Hidden Power Ice will be walled by Lanturn and Quagsire, so Grass-types—or teammates with powerful Grass-type moves—are great for removing such Grass-types. Because Manectric will be switching a lot, Rapid Spin support is beneficial. A Modest nature can be used instead of Timid for more power, but Manectric will not be fast enough to outpace Pokemon with base 95 Speed or higher that have a beneficial nature.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Life Orb
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The main selling point of this set is the ability to freely switch moves, which is one advantage it has over the Choice set. Thunderbolt is the best choice for a main STAB move, as it is both powerful and accurate. Flamethrower is the better Fire-type move for this set, which aims to stay in for extended periods and sweep; the Special Attack drop caused by using Overheat forces Manectric to switch out, which is counterproductive. The Hidden Power type you select should be based on the rest of your team, and how Manectric can support it. If your team has trouble with Grass-weak foes that resist Electric and Fire, such as Quagsire and Lanturn, Hidden Power Grass should be chosen. If Gligar and Altaria trouble you, Hidden Power Ice will rid you of them. Volt Switch is a nifty placement for the fourth slot, and its switching effect is always a welcome advantage. This set lacks the ability to Switcheroo a Choice item, which is one of Manectric's distinguishing traits. If you intend to use this Manectric variant on your team, you must make sure to utilize its strengths, otherwise you may find yourself using an inferior Galvantula. Manectric is also vulnerable to entry hazards; while it does not have a Stealth Rock weakness, residual damage can accumulate rather quickly with Life Orb added to the mix, and Rapid Spin support is recommended to ensure that Manectric does not faint ahead of its time.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Due to the lack of a Choice Scarf, teammates that can handle faster Pokemon, such as Accelgor, Archeops, and Sceptile, make good partners for Manectric. Choice Scarf Krookodile can handle all of the above threats, and Honchkrow deserves a special mention because it can KO faster Pokemon with Sucker Punch, and appreciates the Electric-type immunity that Manectric provides.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Manectric doesn't have many options besides the ones listed. Discharge and Charge Beam can be used in place of one of the Electric-type moves on the Life Orb set, but these moves tend to be less effective than Thunderbolt in most circumstances. Manectric does have a decent physical movepool with notable moves such as Hone Claws, Wild Charge, Crunch, and Ice Fang available, but it is easily outclassed by other physical attackers due to Manectric's fairly low base Attack. Manectric can fit into a Rain Dance team by running a set with Rain Dance and Thunder. However, this will clash with Flamethrower, one of Manectric's few advantages over Galvantula. Along with Rain Dance support, Manectric can also use Thunder Wave, Light Screen, and Roar, though there better users of those moves.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Manectric will have different counters depending on which Hidden Power type it runs. Most Ground-type Pokemon, notably Quagsire, Gligar, and Claydol, can handle Manectric. Gligar and Quagsire will have to watch for which Hidden Power type Manectric has. Lanturn can handle Manectric even if it does have Hidden Power Grass, although Choice Specs Manectric will do decent damage. If you see an opposing Manectric in Team Preview, you must use your own Manectric's STAB move carefully, as the opponent's Manectric might try to take advantage of your Manectric's Electric-type STAB with Lightningrod. Bulky Pokemon that don't take super effective damage from Manectric, such as Hariyama and Bouffalant, can handle it pretty well. Munchlax and Clefable stop all sets dead in their tracks, but, like most Manectric counters, must be wary of being Switcheroo'd a Choice item. Choice Scarf Krookodile is an exception as it can switch into any Electric-type move, won't mind Switcheroo, and counter with Earthquake.</p>
[Dream World]
<p> Manectric's Hidden Ability is Minus. Minus is completely useless in single battles, and Lightningrod is a much better ability anyway.</p>