I've been thinking about eviolite Swadloon as a sticky web setter. When physically defensive (max defense, impish) its defenses become the equivalent of 55/150/129. Which is cool, definitely nice and bulky. It's very different from Leavanny so I don't think comparison is necessary there. It does however deserve being compared to Shuckle as a sticky web setter because their stats are very similar.
Disadvantages over Shuckle:
- No lefties hurts overall survival.
- Is prone to knock off, which is now really common.
- Defensive typing, though allowing lots of switch in opportunities, has crippling weaknesses so Swadloon can rarely stay in long. This doesn't fit the role Swadloon wants to do.
- Has less special bulk than Shuckle when both have a physically defensive set.
- Shuckle has some extra move pool options, like stealth rock, Knock off, infestation, encore, contrary shell smash, and power split.
Advantages:
- Actually has more physical bulk on the physically defensive set, if I'm not mistaken!
- Higher base speed has some uses, though it's still low. It also has higher offenses, which are at least relatively useable with boosts.
- Reliable recovery in synthesis is pretty big. Despite no lefties, this makes Swadloon far less prone to being worn down.
- Lots of other really good movepool options like magic coat, struggle bug, light screen, grass whistle, and interestingly enough calm mind, agility, and iron defense + baton pass.
Potential sets could be bulky baton passing sets, or hazard bouncing+setting sets, that can also maybe set up sunny day (and benefit from it). Grass whistle, though very inaccurate, allows it to maybe set up boosts, while magic coat stops it from being taunt bait.
Just an odd thought, it might not work at all. Any thoughts?