Balanced VoltTurn Core

[HMinnow]

This is my first RMT. Getting into competitve and was working on a team to breed. I really wanted to use Gliscor and Galvantula, a couple of my personal favorites, and the rest of the team came together from their. I've done a fair amount of playtesting with somewhere around ~30 games. Not many losses in particular that are the fault of my team. Most are simply misprediction, or alternative lacking in prediction. I'm still pretty new to competitive battle and am looking for ways to improve my team.

Gliscor (M) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 48 Def / 216 Spe
Impish Nature
- Taunt
- U-turn Protect
- Earthquake
- Knock Off

Gliscor is an effective option for leading and with this set can outspeed a lot of common hazard leads as well as many common threats. Its easy to switch in with its numerous resistances, as well as its immunity to ground and electric. Immunity to all hazards but Stealth Rocks and even being neutral to those helps as well. Taunt is effective for dealing with Hazard leads as well as a small number of pokemon who think they can switch in to you. A good example is how absolutely useless this set makes leading Smeargle. U-turn preserves momentum and in general keeps the team moving. Earthquake is the obligatory stab with good coverage. In the last slot I have Knock Off which I've tested with, though Roost is an option I've thought about. Knock Off also counters Gengar who otherwise this set would be useless against. In most of my testing Gligar has been a real star who is exceptionally useful against pretty much anything.

Amps (Galvantula) (M) @ Choice Scarf Specs
Ability: Compound Eyes
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Sticky Web
- Bug Buzz
- Thunder
- Volt Switch Energy Ball

My other option for a lead. Sticky web is a fantastic hazard though using it is a little more complicated then most think. With Scarf I can pretty much ensure I can use it against nearly anyone. Its not often what I go for first though. Its very predictable so I tend to open with an attacking move instead. Bug Buzz is a wonderful stab that has some useful coverage especially on prediction. More then once a poor Espeon has switched in expecting to bounce a sticky web and died a horrible death to Bug Buzz. Thunder is the second stab that is effective for getting OHKO's on some real priority targets. Galvantula is my answer to the surprisingly regular Charizard Y leading. Most go right for the evolve expecting Sticky Web and eat a Thunder instead. Last slot is Volt Switch to gain momentum and give the a nice VoltTurn core.

CircumScizor (Scizor) (M) @ Choice Band Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- U-turn Roost
- Pursuit Swords Dance
- Superpower Bug Bite
- Bullet Punch

The powerhouse of my team. This set is meant to hit hard. U-turn because Scizor. Pursuit gives me some decent coverage but is mostly used against predicted switches. Superpower is an extremely effective simply because Scizor is on the move constantly so the drops really don't matter. And very little likes a Banded Superpower from Scizor outide of devoted walls. Technician Bullet punch is fantastic as it is but also gives me Fairy coverage.

WorldOfGoo (Goodra) (F) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Gooey
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Dragon Tail
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam

Special wall and able to take a lot of punishment, Goodra holds the team together pretty well. I know most usage dictates T-Bolt and Dragon Pulse, but I prefer Draco Meteor and Dragon Tail. Fire Blast is a very useful move to deal with Greninja who oft times thinks he can hit pretty hard with an Ice Beam, just to die to a Fire Blast, which I picked over Flamethrower because the extra damage really does do its work. Ice Beam hits Dragonite and Garchomp pretty painfully if you can hit them first, though your just as likely to be OHKO'd right back if they hit you. Its more effective on a predicted switch.

UFO (Donphan) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge

Probably the least wanted member of my team. Direly in need of a Defensive Spinner, I tested Forretress but the Weakness to Fire my team shared because of it was dire. Its unfortunately the reason for me avoiding Excadrill as well. the weakness to fire is really something that makes life hard. On top of that Stealth Rock user was something I rather lacked and this opened up that option. Moveset is pretty much entirely usage. EdgeQuake coverage is nice though I know that Ice Shard is one of the alternative usage moves.

Simply (Cloyster) (F) @ White Herb
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Shell Smash
- Rock Blast
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard

Shell Smash Cloyster really doesn't fit on my team for any reason other then a sweeper. That said is a very effective team member who doesn't contribute to the weaknesses of the rest of my team and can in fact cover some very useful threats that the rest of my team, currently, doesn't, thanks to its ice coverage on the physical side.

I really could use any help anyone would be willing to offer. It would be great to hear whats wrong with my team from some players who know more about the game then I and who have more experience.

 

[Rafael J. Feliciano]

Hey there HMinnow... nice team you got there... though I do have some suggestions so I will list them by Pokémon:

Gliscor: I personally would run Poison Stall Gliscor:

Gliscor (M) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 48 Def / 216 Spe
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Toxic
- Earthquake
- Roost/Knock Off/Substitute/Taunt

Protect > Taunt or Knock Off ensures that you dont get crushed by a Prankster WoW from Sableye or hax from a Opening Lava Plume from Heatran. Also, though I get that U-Turn is an exceptionally good Pivot move, Gliscor is meant to soak up hits and force uncomfortable switches. Therefore, forgo U-Turn < Toxic as putting a clock on any Non-Poison or Steel Type is quite debilitating.

Galvantula: This is the guy you should be leading with 9 times out of 10 barring a possible Fake-Out Infernape user. Sticky Web is useful though not impossible for an opponent to get around with Avian/Levitate Defog users in Mandibuzz, Zapdos and Lati@s. Since you would be leading with Galvantula, you need Focus Sash > Choice Scarf to ensure a Sticky Web. Also, drop Volt Switch < Energy Ball for pesky ground types like Hippowdon and Gastrodon who would otherwise laugh at you. It's a nice coverage move this Gen thanks to the bump up in BP. Also, change his Nature from Modest < Timid.

Scizor: If your laying down Sticky Web, you need to change his Nature from Jolly < Adamant. You need more raw power, not speed.

As for the last three members of your team, I have to admit that they are a bit underwhelming. Part of the problem is that regardless of the goal of your team; since your using Sticky Web I'm guessing your aiming for Hyper Offense, their are other mons who fill the roles better.

For Example, if your using Scizor, Galvantula and Gliscor; I see Water, Ice and Fire Weaknesses. To defend against that I would use the following:

Starmie @ Life Orb
EV: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Ability Analytic
Timid Nature
- Surf
- Thunderbolt
- Icebeam
- Rapid Spin

Here Starmie does the job of Donphan AND fill the typing of Cloyster while not being weak to Fighting types as both are weak to. Remember if Donphan is spinning Stealth Rock he still gonna take damage, therefore breaking his Sturdy. If your opponent predict properly with any of Donphan's weakness your screwed. Thus why Starmie is a better spinner for the purposes of your team and forces switches thanks to his typing and speed. Analytic adds to the pressure giving a 30% boost to his Attacks, even making switching a difficult propostion for the opponent.

Since your team is Hyper Offense, you need Stealth Rocks, but you need two turns to set-up both of these hazards. If your hell bent on using both then you have the option of using a Bulky Mold Breaker Excadrill with Stealth Rock, a Bisharp with Stealth Rock, Sucker Punch, Knock Off and Coverage or dropping Galvantula for:

Smeargle @ Focus Sash
EV: 252 Spe / 252 HP / 4 Def
Ability: Own Tempo
Jolly Nature
- Magic Coat
- Stealth Rock
- Stick Web
- Spore

Meet the ultimate taunt bai... I mean lead. Yes, if you don't predict right your gonna get Taunt fukked, but the ability to set up with one pokémon is amazing. Give Smeargle a whirl if your interested.

The last two slots should go to a Revenge Killer and a Mega. Since your HO, Adamant Charizard X with EQ, Flare Blitz, DD and Roost should suffice for the Mega or Mega Pinsir with Quick Attack, Return, Swords Dance and EQ.

Since Genesect is now banned, the Revenge Killer could be someone like a scarfed dragon like Garchomp, Kyurem-B or Salamence or you could always run Talonflame if you decide to run M-Pinsir. Just be wary that if you run both, that you will be Stealth Rock hindered, more so with Talonflame, but losing 25% of your health with Pinsir and heaven forbid, 50% if your Mega is alot of damage to take just for coming into battle.

Let me know if any of these ideas float your boat.

Hope everything works out.

Cheers.

 

[HMinnow]

So you would say a mega is a requirement now? It feels to me like a Mega is just a different pokemon to use and not necessary for a team. Sure you have a mega slot, but are you really required to use it?

Otherwise I really like Starmie and think thats a fantastic idea, but I also think your missing a lot of the basis to my team. You see hyper offensive but I want to push a more defensive playstyle. I will put your suggestions into consideration but there are a few choices I wanted to defend.

Pivot Gliscor is different then Stall Gliscor. That is why you run a different set. I get the whole top set/usage set thing, but Gliscor's only usage move that shows on the calculator is earthquake. Meaning you encounter a variety of sets. The point of my set is to have options. Having a team that does the same thing every game is not enjoyable and thats exactly the team your pointing me in the direction of. The more options there are the more unpredictable you are. People see Gliscor they expect the protect toxic set. So when you Taunt their Smeargle, they get surprised and you get advantage. Also, my EV's outspeed and OHKO Heatran and I wouldn't lead with Gliscor if they have Sableye. I would lead with Galvantula, who would Thunder on the Predictable Taunt. Galvantula would not care about WoW or Foul Play and Thunder is Guaranteed 3HKO

Choice Scarf Galvantula allows me to do two things. Focus Sash assumes I'm just gonna toss Sticky web and die. Choice Scarf allows me to outspeed pretty much anything that is would make sense for Galvantula to outspeed and OHKO them OR Sticky Web on a non-threat or a switch or even as a suicide lead. I think Focus Sash Galvantula is giving up all its potential to ONLY use sticky web. Whats the point of changing from Volt Switch to Energy Ball if I'm just gonna die. Now I agree that Energy Ball is probably a better choice to Volt Switch and in fact I felt my team lacking some real Grass coverage and am likely to switch but I feel your just spouting me the standard suicide lead who exists only for a hazard. Its why I don't use Smeargle. I know exactly how Smeargle works and I don't use it because it sets up and dies and thats its job. It might be able to come in later and put something slow to sleep but that's it. He can't re-hazard if it goes away, which Galvantula can do if you play it smart. On top of that its not taunt bait and can absolutely wreck all 3 pokemon with Magic Bounce. On top of that, Scarf and Focus Sash do the same for Galvantula if your just going to die as it lets you outspeed the opponent to lay your Hazard instead of them hitting you and putting you to 1hp. I can't think in any way how Focus Sash is better. Especially because my current team doesn't have anyone who wants the Scarf.

I agree with Scizor. Adamant makes a lot more sense if I get Sticky Web up. However then you look at the fact that I might not have web up because I decided it was more intelligent to kill something instead of kill myself. Both are viable but I just feel safer with Jolly.

Like I said thank you for the Starmie suggestion, lets me switch out Donphan and Cloyster for some more interesting teammates. Both feel so automatic and/or uninteresting that I'm glad. I do need to find a good defensive replacement now, preferable one that can lay stealth rocks if needed.

Thank you for the rate, its just I feel like its pushing my team in a different direction then I want to see it go.

 

[Seven Lions]

Just a nitpick, you say how you Thunder opposing Zard Y's as they mega-evolve, but that isn't really a sure thing as it only hits 65% of the time factoring in Compoundeyes which is worse than Focus Miss since Thunder's accuracy in sun is 50%. If you miss, you get smashed by Fire move of it's choice and you just lost one of your key hazards.

 

[HMinnow]

Hm, forgot about that actually. I've done that 3 times now and haven't missed once. Also, in theory, I get 2 shots at it if I wanted to use thunder a second time.

 

[Rebound]

No offense and I get what your saying but without a mega your team us a bit under whelming know what I mean?

 

[Seven Lions]

Hm, forgot about that actually. I've done that 3 times now and haven't missed once. Also, in theory, I get 2 shots at it if I wanted to use thunder a second time.

You don't get a second shot if you miss because Fire Blast OHKOs you easy since you have scarf.

 

[Rafael J. Feliciano]

So you would say a mega is a requirement now? It feels to me like a Mega is just a different pokemon to use and not necessary for a team. Sure you have a mega slot, but are you really required to use it?
Otherwise I really like Starmie and think thats a fantastic idea, but I also think your missing a lot of the basis to my team. You see hyper offensive but I want to push a more defensive playstyle. I will put your suggestions into consideration but there are a few choices I wanted to defend.
Pivot Gliscor is different then Stall Gliscor. That is why you run a different set. I get the whole top set/usage set thing, but Gliscor's only usage move that shows on the calculator is earthquake. Meaning you encounter a variety of sets. The point of my set is to have options. Having a team that does the same thing every game is not enjoyable and thats exactly the team your pointing me in the direction of. The more options there are the more unpredictable you are. People see Gliscor they expect the protect toxic set. So when you Taunt their Smeargle, they get surprised and you get advantage. Also, my EV's outspeed and OHKO Heatran and I wouldn't lead with Gliscor if they have Sableye. I would lead with Galvantula, who would Thunder on the Predictable Taunt. Galvantula would not care about WoW or Foul Play and Thunder is Guaranteed 3HKO
Choice Scarf Galvantula allows me to do two things. Focus Sash assumes I'm just gonna toss Sticky web and die. Choice Scarf allows me to outspeed pretty much anything that is would make sense for Galvantula to outspeed and OHKO them OR Sticky Web on a non-threat or a switch or even as a suicide lead. I think Focus Sash Galvantula is giving up all its potential to ONLY use sticky web. Whats the point of changing from Volt Switch to Energy Ball if I'm just gonna die. Now I agree that Energy Ball is probably a better choice to Volt Switch and in fact I felt my team lacking some real Grass coverage and am likely to switch but I feel your just spouting me the standard suicide lead who exists only for a hazard. Its why I don't use Smeargle. I know exactly how Smeargle works and I don't use it because it sets up and dies and thats its job. It might be able to come in later and put something slow to sleep but that's it. He can't re-hazard if it goes away, which Galvantula can do if you play it smart. On top of that its not taunt bait and can absolutely wreck all 3 pokemon with Magic Bounce. On top of that, Scarf and Focus Sash do the same for Galvantula if your just going to die as it lets you outspeed the opponent to lay your Hazard instead of them hitting you and putting you to 1hp. I can't think in any way how Focus Sash is better. Especially because my current team doesn't have anyone who wants the Scarf.
I agree with Scizor. Adamant makes a lot more sense if I get Sticky Web up. However then you look at the fact that I might not have web up because I decided it was more intelligent to kill something instead of kill myself. Both are viable but I just feel safer with Jolly.
Like I said thank you for the Starmie suggestion, lets me switch out Donphan and Cloyster for some more interesting teammates. Both feel so automatic and/or uninteresting that I'm glad. I do need to find a good defensive replacement now, preferable one that can lay stealth rocks if needed.
Thank you for the rate, its just I feel like its pushing my team in a different direction then I want to see it go.

Unfortunately, yes Mega do feel like a bit of a requirement because they are so darn OP.

You say you want to play defensive but you running a fragile Galvantula who wants to lay hazards but has Choice Scarf, Cloyster who is weak to Fighting Type Moves, Donphan who you want to do two things, but might have the time to do one if your lucky and a Revenge Killer Scizor who running Jolly but doesn't outspeed any significant threats. Even if you put Choice Scarf on Scizor the only real threats you will be dealing with are Lati@s, Alakazam and Starmie. Your team as presently constituted, ironically enough, doesn't favor to well against any of those threats... especially Latios if its carrying HP Fire to deal with Galvantula and Scizor, and Latios, despite being one of my favorite Gen 5 nukes, is seen as a mid tier OU pokémon this Gen.

If you really want to run defensive and you want a Mega that fits that mold then go in the following direction:

Scizor @ Scizornite
EV: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 SpD
Ability: Technician
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite

This set is bulky enough to make him your Wall with excellent recovery in Roost and Stab moves in Bug Bite and Bullet Punch. If you can manage +2, then its almost gg for the opponent as long as all Fire Types/Fire Coverage mons have been dealt with.

If you want to maintain a Pivot Gliscor you still need to run Protect > Knock Off. I get that you want to be invaluable but you don't want the aformentioned Pranster WoW or hax from a Lava Plume. Also the best way to misdirect an opponent prediction or "lure" and opponent is to have moves that are common with other sets. Even if you lead with Galvantula and you don't care about WoW to him, a 3HKO Thunder won't mean much especially when your failing to calculate that Sableye run Recover. On top of that your Galvantula is Choiced and can easily switch in something like Landorus-T and set up Stealth Rocks on the turn you switch out. Another words, your willfully giving up momentum to justify not maintaining a secondary level of recovery whether its Roost or buying more recovery time with Protect. Specially Defensive Heatran will not stay in and invariably switch out unless its a Stall Breaker version and it has Air Ballon so you would need to U-Turn first to get it on EQ level first.

In the end, I'm not trying to break down your team into nothingness and make it cookie cutter. But to that same effect, there's a reason why some of these sets, moves and other things your hearing from us are being said. Cause alot of this stuff has been tried and tested. We wouldn't want you to break the originality of your team but also, realize that this is an RMT and critical thought is going to be said. If you want "yes this is a great team" spout at you well... I'm afraid your in the wrong place.

Hope this has been helpful and instructive.

P.S. For your next RMT, make sure to clearly state the goal(s) of your team. Team roles, end game clause, etc... Stuff that will make it easier for us to rate without shooting from the hip as to what game state your trying to reach.

 

[HMinnow]

Unfortunately, yes Mega do feel like a bit of a requirement because they are so darn OP.

You say you want to play defensive but you running a fragile Galvantula who wants to lay hazards but has Choice Scarf, Cloyster who is weak to Fighting Type Moves, Donphan who you want to do two things, but might have the time to do one if your lucky and a Revenge Killer Scizor who running Jolly but doesn't outspeed any significant threats. Even if you put Choice Scarf on Scizor the only real threats you will be dealing with are Lati@s, Alakazam and Starmie. Your team as presently constituted, ironically enough, doesn't favor to well against any of those threats... especially Latios if its carrying HP Fire to deal with Galvantula and Scizor, and Latios, despite being one of my favorite Gen 5 nukes, is seen as a mid tier OU pokémon this Gen.

If you really want to run defensive and you want a Mega that fits that mold then go in the following direction:

Scizor @ Scizornite
EV: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 SpD
Ability: Technician
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite

This set is bulky enough to make him your Wall with excellent recovery in Roost and Stab moves in Bug Bite and Bullet Punch. If you can manage +2, then its almost gg for the opponent as long as all Fire Types/Fire Coverage mons have been dealt with.

If you want to maintain a Pivot Gliscor you still need to run Protect > Knock Off. I get that you want to be invaluable but you don't want the aformentioned Pranster WoW or hax from a Lava Plume. Also the best way to misdirect an opponent prediction or "lure" and opponent is to have moves that are common with other sets. Even if you lead with Galvantula and you don't care about WoW to him, a 3HKO Thunder won't mean much especially when your failing to calculate that Sableye run Recover. On top of that your Galvantula is Choiced and can easily switch in something like Landorus-T and set up Stealth Rocks on the turn you switch out. Another words, your willfully giving up momentum to justify not maintaining a secondary level of recovery whether its Roost or buying more recovery time with Protect. Specially Defensive Heatran will not stay in and invariably switch out unless its a Stall Breaker version and it has Air Ballon so you would need to U-Turn first to get it on EQ level first.

In the end, I'm not trying to break down your team into nothingness and make it cookie cutter. But to that same effect, there's a reason why some of these sets, moves and other things your hearing from us are being said. Cause alot of this stuff has been tried and tested. We wouldn't want you to break the originality of your team but also, realize that this is an RMT and critical thought is going to be said. If you want "yes this is a great team" spout at you well... I'm afraid your in the wrong place.

Hope this has been helpful and instructive.

P.S. For your next RMT, make sure to clearly state the goal(s) of your team. Team roles, end game clause, etc... Stuff that will make it easier for us to rate without shooting from the hip as to what game state your trying to reach.

This is very helpful. I've been considering Mega Scizor and this gives me a good place to start. I thought most Mega Scizor ran 3 attacks and SD? Just wondering whats more solid to run. Again the real problem I have with Protect over Knock off is being walled by Gengar, who otherwise I don't really have a threat for. I might switch out U-Turn for it though. I just really like having access to Knock Off on Gliscor, who forces a lot of switches, which works really well with Knock Off allowing me to cripple a lot of targets.

One question I have is if most threats covered by Galvantula naturally outspeed him? If not then I agree that Focus Sash is probably a better choice. My biggest frustration about Sash is my issue about Smeargle. Its like walking into a match down a pokemon. On that note though, I don't think its just hyper aggressive teams that benefit from Sticky Web. Sticky web can allow defensive threats to outspeed pokemon they would normally be outsped by. It absolutely destroys hyper offensive teams that as it really hurts their ability to threaten your team with their speed. To me it seems like an all around hazard as good as Stealth Rocks. And a quick edit to ask would specs be a good option for Galvantula?

I really want to know if you could give me an answer to Mega-Venusaur, who my team has a consisten problem against as I fell none of these proposed changes deal with that issue. Its a very strong Mega and I really have no idea how to deal with it.

As for the overall theme of my team, I did make this to take critical thought, I just wasn't expecting pretty much a full change to my team. And my theme isn't exactly defensive. If I wanted defensive, Gliscor would be Stall. I wanted a more balanced team. One that can go on the offensive or defensive as need be, while still running a few good threats, like Scizor. I also like not just dropping into the mold. Its why the first post bothered me so much. Falling into the mold is completely the opposite of what I wanted. I've seen that exact hyper offensive team so many times before that its looks beyond just cookie-cutter into also being boring to play. A team that has the ability to be play in a variety of styles is what I like the idea of, so I thought a balanced, highly mobile team would give the best variety.

 

[Rafael J. Feliciano]

This is very helpful. I've been considering Mega Scizor and this gives me a good place to start. I thought most Mega Scizor ran 3 attacks and SD? Just wondering whats more solid to run. Again the real problem I have with Protect over Knock off is being walled by Gengar, who otherwise I don't really have a threat for. I might switch out U-Turn for it though. I just really like having access to Knock Off on Gliscor, who forces a lot of switches, which works really well with Knock Off allowing me to cripple a lot of targets.

One question I have is if most threats covered by Galvantula naturally outspeed him? If not then I agree that Focus Sash is probably a better choice. My biggest frustration about Sash is my issue about Smeargle. Its like walking into a match down a pokemon. On that note though, I don't think its just hyper aggressive teams that benefit from Sticky Web. Sticky web can allow defensive threats to outspeed pokemon they would normally be outsped by. It absolutely destroys hyper offensive teams that as it really hurts their ability to threaten your team with their speed. To me it seems like an all around hazard as good as Stealth Rocks. And a quick edit to ask would specs be a good option for Galvantula?

I really want to know if you could give me an answer to Mega-Venusaur, who my team has a consisten problem against as I fell none of these proposed changes deal with that issue. Its a very strong Mega and I really have no idea how to deal with it.

As for the overall theme of my team, I did make this to take critical thought, I just wasn't expecting pretty much a full change to my team. And my theme isn't exactly defensive. If I wanted defensive, Gliscor would be Stall. I wanted a more balanced team. One that can go on the offensive or defensive as need be, while still running a few good threats, like Scizor. I also like not just dropping into the mold. Its why the first post bothered me so much. Falling into the mold is completely the opposite of what I wanted. I've seen that exact hyper offensive team so many times before that its looks beyond just cookie-cutter into also being boring to play. A team that has the ability to be play in a variety of styles is what I like the idea of, so I thought a balanced, highly mobile team would give the best variety.

I think we can split the difference and drop U-Turn < Protect on Gliscor.

I can live with Choice Specs on Galvantula as his base 108 speed is very good and out runs alot of pokés. However, you still need to change his Nature from Modest < Timid to ensure your cranking out every inch of speed you can out of the 8-legged bugger. The only one I would be wary of is Deoxys-S packing Fire Punch.

As presently agreed upon we are agreeing on Specs Galvantula, Semi Stall Gliscor, LO Starmie and Mega Scizor.

As much as I hate to admit it. Your best bet against Mega Venusaur might be CB Talonflame. Priority Brave Bird with 50% power boost is just too much to ignore. Mold or not.

The last slot needs to go to a Stealth Rocker and since you want to be balanced... why not go Specially Defensive Lefties TTar? Runs rocks, can run Roar for shuffling, Pursuit Trap, and in general, Stone Edge and Crunch do serious damage even if not invested. Meanwhile Sandstorm with Fully invested HP and SpD Ttar can sponge almost ANY special attack.

Tell me what you think?

 

[HMinnow]

I think we can split the difference and drop U-Turn < Protect on Gliscor.

I can live with Choice Specs on Galvantula as his base 108 speed is very good and out runs alot of pokés. However, you still need to change his Nature from Modest < Timid to ensure your cranking out every inch of speed you can out of the 8-legged bugger. The only one I would be wary of is Deoxys-S packing Fire Punch.

As presently agreed upon we are agreeing on Specs Galvantula, Semi Stall Gliscor, LO Starmie and Mega Scizor.

As much as I hate to admit it. Your best bet against Mega Venusaur might be CB Talonflame. Priority Brave Bird with 50% power boost is just too much to ignore. Mold or not.

The last slot needs to go to a Stealth Rocker and since you want to be balanced... why not go Specially Defensive Lefties TTar? Runs rocks, can run Roar for shuffling, Pursuit Trap, and in general, Stone Edge and Crunch do serious damage even if not invested. Meanwhile Sandstorm with Fully invested HP and SpD Ttar can sponge almost ANY special attack.

Tell me what you think?

What would you suggest between Pursuit/Crunch/Roar. I feel I do need a phazer on my team so I'm inclined to say that keeping the Roar would be good. Pursuit and Crunch is a pretty hard choice. It seems like Pursuit would a better choice for Super-effective hits but Crunch stands its ground better neutrally as anything that doesn't run probably is neutral or resistant to Dark. Also, Careful or Adamant?

And I can agree with CB Talonflame. Sometimes having the right answer is a little more important. Most of my team based losses are because I just can't stop Mega Venusaur, who to me seems pretty prominent right now with his massive Defenses and huge number of neutral/resisted hits. It just outstalls nearly anything I can do. I can taunt it... then nothing. I just eat Giga Drain until his taunt ends which usually doesn't end well for me. CB Talonflame sounds like the perfect answer. Also, even with CB should I run Roost? I'm assuming last 2 slots Roost and U-Turn but not 100% sure.

Overall I like how this looks a lot more now. I didn't really want Donphan or Cloyster in the first place, at least with this team. Goodra just kind of came together from the need for a SpDef wall, though I will say its a very good pokemon in general and can't wait to find a team it really suits well. Now to playtest with all these modifications.

 

[Rafael J. Feliciano]

What would you suggest between Pursuit/Crunch/Roar. I feel I do need a phazer on my team so I'm inclined to say that keeping the Roar would be good. Pursuit and Crunch is a pretty hard choice. It seems like Pursuit would a better choice for Super-effective hits but Crunch stands its ground better neutrally as anything that doesn't run probably is neutral or resistant to Dark. Also, Careful or Adamant?

And I can agree with CB Talonflame. Sometimes having the right answer is a little more important. Most of my team based losses are because I just can't stop Mega Venusaur, who to me seems pretty prominent right now with his massive Defenses and huge number of neutral/resisted hits. It just outstalls nearly anything I can do. I can taunt it... then nothing. I just eat Giga Drain until his taunt ends which usually doesn't end well for me. CB Talonflame sounds like the perfect answer. Also, even with CB should I run Roost? I'm assuming last 2 slots Roost and U-Turn but not 100% sure.

Overall I like how this looks a lot more now. I didn't really want Donphan or Cloyster in the first place, at least with this team. Goodra just kind of came together from the need for a SpDef wall, though I will say its a very good pokemon in general and can't wait to find a team it really suits well. Now to playtest with all these modifications.

If you want to maximize on your bulk, Careful might be the way to go. Also, I personally prefer Crunch especially since this Gen saw Dark is no longer NVE against Steel Types so you can hit opposing Scizor, Heatran and especially Aegislash for nice damage. The computer I'm on right now isn't loading up the calculator but play with the numbers and see the damage output for Crunch against so common switch-ins to TTar to see if you can maximize bulk or, if not, run Adamant to gain a buff on your attacks.

Ironically, I've seen some CB Talonflame sets that also run Tailwind but in the end, after Brave Bird, Flare Blitz and U-Turn you could run Splash on Talonflame and it wouldn't matter. The bird is there to break walls and go WWII Japanese Fighter Pilot on dudes.

Well, after much joustling, yes I can agree that your team looks ready to climb ladders.

And yes, Goodra does have a place on a team, just not this one... maybe your next RMT will include her in your build :-)

Cheers.