Espeon
Might as well continue the trend...
QC: [PK Gaming] [Delta 2777] [Iconic]
GP: [Zystral] [Calm Pokemaster]
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Stored Power
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With access to both Baton Pass and Magic Bounce, Espeon can be a force to be reckoned with, especially on Baton Pass teams. Baton Pass is crucial for Espeon to escape unfavorable matchups, especially against Pursuit users. Espeon makes a great pivot in Baton Pass chains, as it is immune to any status move and can only be phazed by Dragon Tail and Circle Throw, both moves being relatively uncommon in the OU metagame. Having said that, Baton Pass Espeon is best suited on dedicated Baton Pass teams, though it can work well on its own with the right support. For example, if priority users and Choice Scarf users such as Scizor or Haxorus are eliminated, Espeon is free to set up and wreak havoc. Espeon is currently the only Magic Bounce user with access to Baton Pass, as while Xatu does have access to Baton Pass, it is illegal with Magic Bounce. Stored Power is recommended over Psychic as after two Calm Mind boosts, Stored Power has a superior 100 Base Power. In the last moveslot, Hidden Power Fighting is used to hit Steel-types and Tyranitar hard.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Psychic can be used for its consistency, chance to drop Special Defense, and higher initial Base Power, but as this set is meant to be used in a Baton Pass chain, Stored Power will most likely be more powerful. Likewise, Psyshock can be used to get through Blissey and Chansey, but Stored Power does that as well, given time and a few stat boosts. Hidden Power Fire nails Scizor, and with the given EV spread, Choice Band Bullet Punch never OHKOes, even with Stealth Rock. Reflect is another good option over Calm Mind to provide some protection from physical attacks, and allows Espeon's Baton Pass recipient to set up more easily, thanks to Reflect halving the damage from physical attacks. Substitute provides some protection from revenge killers, and can be used over Calm Mind, as other teammates such as Venomoth can easily pass Special Attack and Special Defense boosts. Wish is an option to heal teammates, but Espeon's poor HP makes it a rather ineffective choice. The current EV spread can be replaced by an offensive spread with 252 SpA / 252 Spe, but only if Espeon is running Hidden Power for coverage.</p>
<p>Fighting-types are good teammates to get rid of Steel- and Dark-types if Hidden Power Fighting won't do the job; Mienshao is a good choice as it is fast, resists Pursuit, and has access to Baton Pass to assist with a chain. Teammates which can utilize Baton Pass such as Ninjask, Smeargle, Gorebyss, Vaporeon, and Venomoth, are appreciated to continue the chain, or pass some boosts to Espeon for an easier time setting up. Unfortunately, anything faster than Espeon or with priority can take it out quickly, or at least do some heavy damage before Espeon can switch out. Pokemon with Prankster can't do anything but attack, as Espeon reflects Taunt and Thunder Wave coming from Thundurus and other Prankster users.</p>