Qwilfish: B -> B+
Now this might seem like an odd nomination, since not much has changed for Qwilfish`defensive set. However, that is not the direction this nomination is going. Do you want Mega-Glalies spikes-stacking and explosion-blocking capabilities, but you cant fit it in your team? If that is the case, then this offensive Qwilfish might do the trick:
Qwilfish @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spikes
- Poison Jab
- Aqua Jet
- Explosion
This set focuses on much the same as spikes-Glalie does: Stack some spikes, deal some damage, and block Spin/Defog with explosion;
Spikes is a mandatory slot for this set, as it is the main purpose of Qwilfish. Poison Jab is there for solid STAB, and it is necessary for Qwilfish as it allows it to reliably beat Virizion 1v1, occasionally even on switch-in, depending on Virizion`s set:
-1 252 Atk Virizion Leaf Blade vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Qwilfish: 97-115 (35.7 - 42.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Qwilfish Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Virizion: 359-424 (111.1 - 131.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Virizion Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Qwilfish: 200-238 (73.8 - 87.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Poison Jab also hits Rotom-C on the switch, a pokemon that usually can switch into any of Qwilfish moves. Also, keep in mind that this set can have a great surprise factor if you havent used anything else than spikes.
Speaking of surprise KOs, Aqua Jet is a STAB priority move that OHKOes Dugtrio, as well as Fletchinder after stealth rocks. Qwilfish`decent speed also allows it outspeed the latter. It is in general useful to pick off weakened fire-types, such as Emboar and Delphox.
Explosion is the explosive finish to the set, as it is excellent for spinblocking. This Qwilfish set outspeeds Blastoise and defensive Flygon, so that they cannot remove the spikes. And keep in mind that Offensive Flygon might want to switch into Qwilfish if the surprise factor is intact, and that Explosion easily OHKOes it. It also OHKO-es many of the offensive pokemon that has their speed stat in the 70-80s, such as offensive Venusaur, Medicham, Absol, and others. This particular Qwilfish also outspeeds all of these pokemon, barring the scarfed ones.
Final words: This Qwilfish set is an inferior set to that of Glalie, but the typings are completely different, and Qwilfish also offers better longevity, with its lack of SR weakness, and its ability Intimidate to soften physical hits. It doesnt require a mega spot either, and if the player uses it carefully, the surprise factor is another advantage Qwilfish can take use of. All of these traits should be enough to justify using this set, as well as potentially giving it a rise to B+
Replays:
Qwilfish lures and eliminates Dugtrio, making Magneton`s life a lot easier:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ru-426999249
An old replay, but it still shows off how the surprise factor really can mess up the opponent:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ru-310099668
Spikes-stacking and wall-denting = A drastic turnabout:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-445897453