Choice Specs/band Vs. Life Orb?

Question

Pros & Cons for Each?

Answer 1

Pro:

Choice Specs & Choice Band:

• 50% boost in Special or Physical move of choice.

Life Orb:

• 30% boost in attacking moves.
• Not choice locked.
• Can be used in conjunction with Sheer Force for monstrous power or Magic Guard for no recoil.

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Con:

Choice Specs & Choice Band:

• Locked into one move until you switch out or item is taken away (Trick).

Life Orb:

• 10% HP recoil each time an attack move is used.

Answer 2

Life Orb is generally better for Pokemon that are deadly when then can switch moves. Sheer Force and Magic Guard Pokemon face no recoil with the benefits of Life Orb. Examples include Latios, Terrakion, and Conkeldurr. The recoil from Life Orb can add up, especially with the prevalence of Stealth Rock in battles, as well as potential Sand teams.

Choice Specs and Band are generally for those Pokemon that can basically nuke everything. It has a large power boost in comparison to Life Orb, but being locked into one move often means you have to switch.

Basically, Life Orb's recoil and Choiced Items forcing of switches are cons, and Life Orb's ability to switch moves and Choiced items power boost are the pros.

Answer 3

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Choice Specs/Band

Pros

• Big power boost
• No recoil
• Cripple walls with Trick (If that counts here xD)

Cons

• Locked onto one move
• Lots of switching; hazard damage will be annoying, set-up bait

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Life Orb

Pros

• Ability to switch moves; allows use of Boosting moves and Substitute
• Boost physical and special moves for a mixed set
• Sheer Force and Magic Guard can abuse this greatly

Cons

• 10% HP recoil damage
• Smaller power boost

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In the end, it really depends on the situation. Life Orb can be better when you need the ability to switch moves or want to boost, while a Choice Band/Specs is better when you want to blast through walls with as much power as possible.