Manectric
Hey C&C, making my first contribution a pretty simple and much needed revamp, Manectric. The analysis is seriously ancient so it'll be a complete rewrite from scratch.
Status: 2/2 GP Checks, ready for upload?
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[Overview]
<p>Overshadowed by the likes of Jolteon and Raikou, Manectric finds its place in the UU metagame as one of the more fearsome Electric-types with great Special Attack and Speed. While its movepool is nothing spectacular, Manectric is one of the only Electric-type Pokemon with access to powerful Fire-type attacks, and when paired with Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Grass, Manectric gains near flawless coverage, resisted only by the rare Shelgon and Dragonair (who lack the bulk to absorb powerful special attacks). It also has access to Switcheroo, making it unique as far as Electric-type Choice users go. On the downside, poor defenses and lack of resistances means Manectric rarely finds time to switch in safely, in addition to being relatively easy to KO with priority and neutral hits from faster Pokemon. Despite these downfalls, if you play Manectric's offensive attributes to its maximum potential you should quickly find a dangerous and underrated special attacker.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flamethrower / Overheat
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Charge Beam / Substitute
item: Life Orb
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Manectric's fantastic Speed, exceptional type coverage, and above-average Special Attack make it a natural candidate for a Life Orb attacker. Thunderbolt is the primary option and main draw of this set, being one of the most potent STAB attacks in the game. Flamethrower and Hidden Power Grass complement Thunderbolt well by hitting Pokemon who can safely take a hit from it; the former hits Registeel, Steelix, and Grass-types such as Venusaur and Torterra, while the latter hits Lanturn and Ground-types including Rhyperior, Claydol, and Donphan. Charge Beam rounds off the set by providing Manectric with a means of raising its Special Attack for greater offensive potential.</p>
<p>Overheat is a viable alternative to Flamethrower despite lowering Special Attack, as its incredible Base Power can secure some important KOs which would otherwise be impossible with Flamethrower. For example, a combination of Thunderbolt and Overheat has a high chance of OHKOing specially defensive Venusaur after Stealth Rock damage, while Registeel takes a minimum of 78% (factoring in Leftovers recovery) when switching into Charge Beam followed by a +1 Overheat. In general, Overheat is useful for hit-and-run approaches rather than sweeping. Substitute can replace Charge Beam in the final slot to minimize prediction and protect Manectric from status and revenge killers. It will also make your opponent think twice before switching in Dugtrio in an attempt to trap and OHKO Manectric with Earthquake.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Expert Belt is an alternative item option, as it allows Manectric to bluff a Choice item and increases survivability. This is especially handy when running Substitute, as Life Orb's recoil in conjunction with Substitute will whittle down Manectric's health in no time. While these are good perks, Life Orb is still the superior option in most cases due to its greater power and consistency. Hidden Power Ice can be used over Hidden Power Grass to hit Altaria, Torterra, Nidoqueen, and Nidoking harder while still maintaining coverage on Ground-types; however, this allows Rhyperior, Lanturn, and Quagsire to completely stop Manectric in its tracks.</p>
<p>Chansey, Clefable, and Registeel are among the most common counters to Manectric thanks to their high Special Defense and ability to cripple with status or recover health. Pokemon such as Rhyperior, Hitmonlee, and Torterra make ideal teammates for Manectric due to their Thunder Wave immunity while also appreciating the free switch-in to wreck havoc. Dugtrio is another option to handle them, being able to trap and 2HKO all three with Earthquake, which allows Manectric to sweep more easily. Specially defensive Venusaur and Torterra counter this set effectively, stalling out Life Orb's recoil with Synthesis (although they must be wary of Overheat). Likewise, specially defensive Arcanine can take Thunderbolt well, recover with Morning Sun, and hit back with ExtremeSpeed. Uxie, with a Ground immunity and amazing defenses to sponge priority attacks, is a valuable teammate who can also set up Stealth Rock and use Yawn + U-turn to allow Manectric to switch in safely. Weezing, Altaria, and Mesprit are similar options for this role who can also switch into the aforementioned Grass-types.</p>
<p>This set definitely appreciates Spikes support. It's a highly valuable weapon to wear down all of Manectric's usual counters, turning some important 3HKOs into 2HKOs. Qwilfish can set up Spikes in the lead position for offensive momentum, while defensively Omastar can take advantage of Chansey and Registeel switch-ins for set-up opportunities. Of course, this comes with the need to carry a Rapid Spin blocker; Mismagius's Ground-type immunity and tendency to lure Manectric's counters makes it one of the best options. With Manectric taking Life Orb's recoil and being vulnerable to entry hazards, Rapid Spin support from Pokemon such as Donphan or Hitmontop is certainly handy to help it survive longer.</p>
(Choice Specs goes here)
[Team Options]
<p>Due to Manectric's crippling weakness to Ground and vulnerability to priority and Choice Scarf users, bulky teammates who can switch into such attacks safely make good teammates. Uxie is one of the best candidates for this role thanks to its phenomenal defenses. It can also support the team with Stealth Rock and give free switches to teammates with the Yawn + U-turn combination. In a similar fashion, Mesprit and Claydol can also set up Stealth Rock, while Altaria's and Weezing's resistances and access to recovery can adequately fit the role as well. Generally, the most effective method to alleviate these problems is to carry a solid defensive core with several resistances for constantly switching into and pivoting around these attacks.</p>
<p>Manectric has quite a few solid counters, so having teammates to take advantage of their switch-ins is also important. Rhyperior, Hitmonlee, and Torterra absolutely love seeing Chansey, Clefable, and Registeel, as they do not fear Thunder Wave and are merely a free switch-in to set up a Rock Polish or Substitute and rip holes in the opponent's team. Venusaur has little trouble taking on Lanturn and the bulky Ground- and Grass-types who threaten Manectric, and can utilize Sleep Powder for general support. Dugtrio can trap and remove most of the aforementioned Pokemon, allowing Manecitrc an easier time to sweep.</p>
<p>As with most offensively-inclined Pokemon, Manectric greatly appreciates Spikes support as most of its primary counters are vulnerable to them. Qwilfish is effective in the lead position to set up Spikes as soon as possible; Omastar can function similarly, with the added bonus of the ability to set up Stealth Rock and take advantage of Chansey and Registeel switch-ins. With the importance of Spikes comes the need of a Rapid Spin blocker. Mismagius and Rotom are recommended thanks to their valuable Ground-type immunity, the former being able to assist Manectric by luring out and killing some of its usual counters. Rapid Spin support can help Manectric's survivability issues, especially when it's holding a Life Orb; this also means less risk when double switching.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Modest can be used over Timid for the extra power at the loss of outspeeding base 95 Pokemon such as Houndoom and Leafeon, and tying with Mismagius and Scyther. Manectric can run a Choice Scarf set quite well, acting as a reliable revenge killer to many threats thanks to its great offensive stats. Discharge can replace Thunderbolt or take up the fourth slot to spread paralysis, although Manectric's high Speed and the need for as much power as possible generally makes it unnecessary unless your team significantly appreciates paralysis support. Manectric can fill the role of a fast Rain Dance supporter with Damp Rock, while also benefiting itself with a powerful 100% accurate Thunder and powered up Hidden Power Water. Manectric has access to some decent support moves including Roar, Light Screen, Thunder Wave, and Toxic, but it unfortunately lacks the defensive qualities to use them effectively.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Chansey and Clefable are the most solid counters to Manectric, being able to stall it out with ease thanks to their great Special Defense and instant recovery, although they must be wary of Switcheroo from Choice sets. Specially defensive Venusaur, Torterra, Registeel, and Steelix must be careful of Overheat (and sometimes Flamethrower), but they can otherwise safely take Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Grass and retaliate with status or strong STAB attacks. Ground-types who also invest heavily in Special Defense, such as Donphan and Nidoqueen, counter Manectric well thanks to their STAB Earthquake and Electric-type immunity, and they can even handle a super effective Hidden Power or two. Arcanine is yet another specially defensive Pokemon who can counter Manectric with Morning Sun to heal and ExtremeSpeed for priority; however, it is 2HKOed by Timid Choice Specs Thunderbolt after Stealth Rock damage. Finally, Lanturn's Volt Absorb, resistance to Fire, access to Thunder Wave, and natural bulk makes it an excellent Manectric switch-in.</p>
<p>Revenge killing with a Choice Scarf, priority moves, or naturally faster Pokemon is usually the easiest way to remove Manectric. Aqua Jet Azumarill, Mach Punch Hitmontop, and Sucker Punch Absol are examples of common priority attacks, all dealing severe damage. Swellow, Sceptile, Alakzam, and Ambipom can all outspeed and OHKO Manectric, as can Dugtrio who of course seals its fate with Arena Trap. Blaziken, Moltres and Hitmonlee are notable Choice Scarf users who can swiftly OHKO Manectric with strong STAB attacks.</p>
