SpecsMence or SpecsLatias

[Lee]

Lee, things like Tyranitar take advantage of both equally, as it can switch in after a DM and Pursuit both for tons of damage.

All I said is that Tyranitar doesn't switch into Salamence in the same way that he switches into Latias. Note that a full power CB Pursuit never OHKOs Salamence.

The point of Pursuit is pretty moot, the only advantage Salamence has in this regard is that the number 8 pokemon wrecks him, instead of #1(who can still force him out every time, without Magnezone support).

Why would I need Magnezone support when I can just Flamethrower/Fire Blast?

BTW, how exactly does Salamence fare against a pokemon who can abuse STAB U-Turn + Stealth Rock to wear it down, or SD and OHKO with Bullet Punch?

+1 SD LO BP maxes at 89% and don't give me that perpetual SR argument because the team I'm theorymonning around has a Spinner and I was usually able to keep SR away in my experience - I used Salamence as my Scizor check in that situation literally dozens of times. And if I'm switching in Salamence to U-Turn and 'only' losing 24% of my health then I'd say Salamence has done a decent job there too. I realise that Scizor can damage Salamence in a multitude of ways but don't imply that a 95/80 Pokemon with Intimidate, a Bug Resist and the ability to OHKO Scizor with impunity isn't a viable Scizor check.

 

[blasphemy1]

All I said is that Tyranitar doesn't switch into Salamence in the same way that he switches into Latias. Note that a full power CB Pursuit never OHKOs Salamence.



Why would I need Magnezone support when I can just Flamethrower/Fire Blast?



+1 SD LO BP maxes at 89% and don't give me that perpetual SR argument because the team I'm theorymonning around has a Spinner and I was usually able to keep SR away in my experience - I used Salamence as my Scizor check in that situation literally dozens of times. And if I'm switching in Salamence to U-Turn and 'only' losing 24% of my health then I'd say Salamence has done a decent job there too. I realise that Scizor can damage Salamence in a multitude of ways but don't imply that a 95/80 Pokemon with Intimidate, a Bug Resist and the ability to OHKO Scizor with impunity isn't a viable Scizor check.

So, you would risk using a Choice Specs fire move, which allows Gyarados, Dragonite, Tyranitar, Heatran, and opposing Salamence, in order to take down a Scizor? Latias can 2HKO Scizor and most Tyranitar with Surf, and requires less maintenance.

 

[Lee]

Nice strawman there...just gonna go with the obvious reply here:

'So you would risk using a Choice Specs Water move with allows Gyarados, Dragonite, opposing Salamence, Celebi and Suicune a free switch-in?'

 

[Flashstorm1]

Then again, wouldn't the same apply to ANY choice user? I don't think it's fair to pin it down on just Salamence or Latias, since both are equally as likely to be set-up on when using an attack. Since the Pokémon that can set-up on both is fairly the same in that case of being stuck on Fire Blast / Surf (i.e. Gyarados, Salamence, etc.), perhaps we can agree that, as with any Choice user, it is best to scout for attacks before using your main STAB move, and pack a check to Pokémon who can set up on you.

Of course, this should be fairly obvious to anyone as well.

 

[blasphemy1]

How can I argue an initial point which is based purely on theorymon? You are saying that you have a spinner, and Salamence won't be taking 25% each time it switches in. So, yes, in the absence of Stealth Rock, a choiced water move would be very unwise, as it allows dangerous threats to switch in for very little damage. In the case of Rapid Spin being used to get rid of Stealth Rock(we are assuming the lack of Taunt / ghost type here), then a Draco Meteor/Dragon Pulse would be a much wiser decision, even if you don't know their entire team. More often than not, a CB Pursuiting Scizor/Tyranitar is going to lead to a SD Lucario/Scizor sweep.

 

[pollei]

I'd always use Latias, since SpecsLatias is pretty much better.