Haven't been a thread on this guy yet so I guess I'll start it!
Although Magnezone hasn't exactly gained any new tricks up its sleeve (or magnet) with the release of X&Y, I feel Zone will have a really great time this generation with the introduction of Fairies and the Defog buff.
Magnezones steel typing is really strong and partners well against opposing Faries. Flash Cannons can really hurt Sylveon, Florges etc while its electric STAB can hit Togekiss and Azumarill (who are hyped to be OU this Gen). Also, with the popularity of Fairies, other Steel types will be used in order to counter them such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. This can allow Magnezone to work well as a Fairy check but also as a and fairy supporter.
As many of us know, Defog received a buff this gen which allows it to get rid of hazards on BOTH sides. With the introduction of Sticky Web, Defog might become super popular to counter both SW and SR. People have been discussing possible strong Defoggers and Scizor, Skarmory and Scizor have been mentioned quite a bit. Luckily for Zone, they're all Steel types. This might mean that Zone can be used as a pseudo-spinblocker on Stall teams or even balanced teams too. With the introduction of Fairies too, people now have even more reason to run the mentioned Defoggers.
The one thing I think people underestimate about Zone is its stats. It has a very solid 70/115/90 bulk and an incredible (at least last gen) 130 base Special Attack. Sure it slow, but why does it matter when the Pokemon you're trapping is even slower or can't even touch you?
So what do you guys think? Is this enough for Zone to be prominent this gen? Or are there drawbacks to Zone that will make it less popular/drop to UU?
Although Magnezone hasn't exactly gained any new tricks up its sleeve (or magnet) with the release of X&Y, I feel Zone will have a really great time this generation with the introduction of Fairies and the Defog buff.
Magnezones steel typing is really strong and partners well against opposing Faries. Flash Cannons can really hurt Sylveon, Florges etc while its electric STAB can hit Togekiss and Azumarill (who are hyped to be OU this Gen). Also, with the popularity of Fairies, other Steel types will be used in order to counter them such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. This can allow Magnezone to work well as a Fairy check but also as a and fairy supporter.
As many of us know, Defog received a buff this gen which allows it to get rid of hazards on BOTH sides. With the introduction of Sticky Web, Defog might become super popular to counter both SW and SR. People have been discussing possible strong Defoggers and Scizor, Skarmory and Scizor have been mentioned quite a bit. Luckily for Zone, they're all Steel types. This might mean that Zone can be used as a pseudo-spinblocker on Stall teams or even balanced teams too. With the introduction of Fairies too, people now have even more reason to run the mentioned Defoggers.
The one thing I think people underestimate about Zone is its stats. It has a very solid 70/115/90 bulk and an incredible (at least last gen) 130 base Special Attack. Sure it slow, but why does it matter when the Pokemon you're trapping is even slower or can't even touch you?
So what do you guys think? Is this enough for Zone to be prominent this gen? Or are there drawbacks to Zone that will make it less popular/drop to UU?