Specially defensive Mandibuzz.
Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Protect
- Knock Off
Alright, this is a somewhat strange Mandibuzz set, but I think it helps patch up the problems I see with this team.
Problem #1: Nidoking and Nidoqueen run roughshod over this team. There are no switch ins. Sludge Wave does 67-80% to Florges. Mandibuzz is obviously not the premier Nidoqueen or Nidoking check, let alone counter, but taking into account the other weaknesses I see this team as having I believe that it's the best overall option.
252+ spd Mandibuzz is not 2hko'd by Ice Beam and can fire back with the appropriate move. This helps check the Nidos a little bit better than the team currently does.
Since the team already has hazard control and this Mandibuzz is
not here to take on hazard setters, two slots are freed up from defog and taunt. this enables Mandi to run Protect as well as both Foul Play and Knock Off. Knock Off is spectacular for taking the item off of the Nidos (rendering Mandi basically untouchable by either one) and generally provides nice utility. Protect is nice for chip recovery although not necessary to 100% not be 2hko'd by either Nido's Ice Beam. Roost is there for obvious reasons and Foul Play rounds off the moveset for reasons I'll dive into later.
Problem #2: The team does not like switching into Alakazam. Florges takes up to 53% from Psyshock, which is ran on all Alakazam's. Mandibuzz 100% walls the 50% of Alakazam's that do not run Dazzling Gleam (taking a measly 36% max from Focus Blat) and still decently checks those that do (taking only 49% max from Dazzling Gleam.) It's also obviously forces the opposing player to make a tough prediction and choose which coverage move to go for to hit either the possibly incoming Florges or Mandi. Obviously Mandibuzz hits back incredibly hard with either Knock Off or Foul Play.
All of these calc's are for Life Orb Zam. Sash Zam does a measly 38% max with Dazzling Gleam and a laughable 31% max with Focus Blast.
Problem #3: Doublade. Forre is set up fodder for Doublade. Yes, Fletch and Krook both check Doublade. Inconsistently. Neither one likes switching in. If Krook switches in on an SD it can do 70% with an absolute max roll EQ and in return die to a +2 Sacred Sword. Fletch can wisp, but you better pray hazards aren't up or you'll die to a +2 Shadow Sneak. In contrast, even if hazards are up Mandibuzz easily switches in, with even 0 def Mandi taking only 34% max from unboosted Iron Head. If it switches in on the SD? Even better. Shadow Sneak does nothing and Mandi outspeeds and KO's with Foul Play.
Foul Play is also generally nice for set up physical sweepers in general, which this team doesn't necessarily like very much.
Based off of these three threats, which I think would be the biggest three threats to this team, I believe that this Mandibuzz set would do the best job of countering them and overall completing the team. Thanks for reading.
