[Pros]
<ul>
<li>Great base 120 special attack stat can cause serious damage.</li>
<li>Unique movepool for a Water-type grants it good coverage.</li>
<li>71/88/89 defenses are quite bulky, and work very well with its Water-typing</li>
<li>Mega Launcher makes Water Pulse just as powerful as Surf with the ability to confuse opponents</li>
</ul>
[Cons]
<ul>
<li>Base 59 speed makes it easy to outspeed before a boost, allowing foes to get off prior damage</li>
<li>Faces some competition from Mega Blastoise and Water-types with Shell Smash</li>
<li>Despite typing and bulk, it cannot afford to come in on attacks due to its horrid speed</li>
</ul>
[Set Recommendations]
<p>Clawitzer @ Life Orb/Assault Vest</br>
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 12 Spe</br>
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Water Pulse</br>
- Ice Beam</br>
- Aura Sphere</br>
- Dark Pulse / Hidden Power Grass / Sludge Wave</p>
<p>Clawitzer can serve as a great mid to late game cleaner, its boosted moves easily being able to pick off a weakened team. Water Pulse is Clawitzer's main STAB move, as with Mega Launcher it reaches 90 base power, as much as Surf, and has the potential to confuse opponents who take the hit. Ice Beam is imperative for hitting Grass and Dragon-types who resist Clawitzer's STAB, and provides very good coverage. Aura Sphere gains the equivalent of a STAB boost thanks to Mega Launcher, and can be used to slam bulky Steel-types, most notably Ferrothorn. Dark Pulse too receives a Mega Launcher boost, and can be used to dent opposing Aegislash who may try to sponge your moves. Hidden Power Grass gives Clawitzer the ability to hit Water-types who can easily shrug off its STAB. Sludge Wave is an interesting alternative for checking the likes of Belly Drum Azumarill, as it could surprise one on the turn of setting up, while also hitting Grass-types slightly harder than Ice Beam as well as other Fairies.</p>
<p>A bulky offensive set is Clawitzer's best bet at causing damage, as its speed prevents it from being a complete sweeper. The EVs and nature given provide Clawitzer with maximum attacking power, with just enough speed to outpace Pokemon with a neutral base 60 and no investment. The rest is placed into HP to give Claawitzer the bulk it needs to take hits, which it may need to due to its poor speed. Life Orb gives Clawitzer the freedom to switch moves once it is in, a very useful function late game. However, Assault Vest can works very well with Clawitzer's natural bulk, and can aid in its longevity. In this case entry hazards are greatly appreciated, as they make up for the lack of Life Orb somewhat. Ferrothorn is a very good partner is this respect, as it can also sponge both of Clawitzer's weaknesses. Choice Specs can be used to boost Clawitzer's power further, which is especially useful late game, and it's speed will cause it to switch out at times to avoid taking damage. However, the freedom to switch moves gives Clawitzer the versatility to hit as much as it can while switched in. Galvantula is another fantastic partner, as it not only resists Clawitzer's weaknesses, but Sticky Web support can also allow Clawitzer to outspeed many uninvested foes at -1.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Clawitzer's major downfall is that abysmal speed, so anything that can outspeed it can easily take it out with a super effective move, especially if weakened. Blissey is Clawitzer's biggest check, as even Mega Launcher Aura Sphere won't KO. The pink blob can proceed to status Clawitzer and stall it out or force a switch. Should Clawitzer carry neither Hidden Power Grass nor Sludge Wave, Azumarill can easily come in on any of its moves and wall it, being able to set up a Belly Drum on the switch. Dry Skin Heliolisk can absorb a predicted Water Pulse, and can force Clawitzer out due to Volt Switch or Thuderbolt. Mega Venusaur is especially troublesome for Clawitzer, as with Thick Fat Ice Beam deals only neutral damage, and its Grass and Poison-typing leaves Clawitzer unable to hit it for much damage.</p>
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