Scizor
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Iron Defense
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Light Metal
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 20 Def / 114 SpD / 128 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Deviating from its usual offensive role, Scizor becomes a team player with this supportive set. Thanks to Scizor's access to a plethora of support options and its great defensive typing, which resists the troublesome phazing move Dragon Tail, along with reliable recovery, Scizor can function as a superb ally for Baton Pass teams. Baton Pass is what makes this set possible, allowing Scizor to pass boosts and Substitutes to its teammates and escape from troublesome Pokemon such as Heatran. Substitute is mandatory with Baton Pass chains, allowing the Pokemon behind the Substitute to set up without worry of a critical hit from the opposition. Iron Defense is Scizor's key boosting move, as at +6 Scizor's Substitute can even withstand Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat. Roost is the final move that heals Scizor while setting up a Substitute; because of Roost, Scizor can even come in multiple times on powerful attacks, continually set up, and recover. This makes Scizor one of the more resilient Baton Pass users while simultaneously giving it an edge over its competitor, Mawile.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs allow Scizor to outspeed base 130 Speed Pokemon without a Choice Scarf when at +2, allowing Scizor to Baton Pass to an appropriate teammate before the likes of Taunt Aerodactyl can move. The Defense EVs ensure that Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat won't break Scizor's Substitute at +6. The remaining EVs are invested in Special Defense and HP due to Scizor's access to Iron Defense, which makes Defense EVs obsolete. Moreover, the Special Defense investment allows Scizor to tank two Draco Meteors from Choice Specs Latios after Stealth Rock. A Calm nature, along with 0 Attack IVs, is best, as Scizor will take minimum damage from confusion and Foul Play and it will not be utilizing any attacks.</p>
<p>In terms of other possible setup moves, both Agility and Swords Dance are acceptable options over Roost. Agility Scizor can act as a backup to Ninjask and pass Speed boosts. Swords Dance Scizor can be utilized to pass boosts to Pokemon such as Breloom, Gyarados, and Salamence. If utilizing Swords Dance, Bullet Punch also becomes an acceptable option in order to pick off frail offensive threats such as Dugtrio and Gengar. If Bullet Punch is used, then the nature should be changed to Careful, the ability should be switched to Technician, and the Attack IVs should be changed to 31 in order to have as much power as possible.</p>
<p>Due to the set's supportive characteristics, it is best utilized with appropriate Baton Pass teammates. Espeon, being the center piece of Baton Pass teams, pairs well with Scizor in deflecting Roar, Whirlwind, and Taunt; the first two nullify Scizor's boosts, while the latter will render Scizor useless. Mr. Mime is also an excellent teammate; with its ability Soundproof, it can block the effects of Perish Song from Pokemon such as Celebi and Politoed. Speaking of Celebi, it is also a good partner to Scizor by being able to pass Calm Mind boosts and tank Electric- and Water-type attacks. Ninjask is also a useful partner that can pass important Speed boosts. Vaporeon pairs well with Scizor, as it is able to tank Fire-type attacks and can even Roar away opposing Roar and Whirlwind users. Finally, Mew's phenomenal movepool makes it an excellent partner as it can Taunt phazers and pass boosts of its own.</p>