Alolan Raichu or normal Raichu? (Lightning Rod)?

Question

Using the SoS method, I got myself a Pichu with 4 perfect IVs and the hidden ability; Lightning Rod. After it learned all the moves as a Pichu, I raised its happiness and it evolved. I'm not sure if I should evolve it in Alola, since Alolan Raichu is half psychic type (and Psychic is a good move to learn...) but doesn't have the Lightning Rod hidden ability, and Surge Surfer doesn't seem like the best ability to me, since Raichu is pretty fast anyway. Alolan Raichu DOES have a Z-Move, though I'm not planning on using Stoked Sparksurfer yet. Normal Raichu gets to keep the Lightning Rod ability throughout it's evolution line, doesn't have a Z-Move or the Psychic type. Is keeping Lightning Rod worth it, or should I wait for Pokébank to open for Sun and Moon?

Answer 1

I agree that Lighting Rod is a great ability to have. It works well in double battles and even in singles, defending your team from electric type moves. I would suggest you get Alolan Raichu. If you really need Lightning Rod, you could get another Pokemon with one. But Raichu is still good even if it's not Alolan, it can also learn some good coverage move like Brick Break or Grass Knot. Alolan Raichu can also learn those. If you are willing to give up Lightning Rod, choose Alolan Raichu, and get another guy with Lightning Rod. If you are not willing to give up, Raichu is still good, and you could get another Psychic type on your team. So basically I would recommend Alolan Raichu.

Comments

Lighting Rod A-Marowak is really good right now.

Answer 2

You see, Alolan a Raichu would be a better choice than Kantonian Raichu, since Alolan Raichu has a better move pool due to its 2-type advantage.
Raichu may have the upper hand when it comes to abilities, Lightning Rod and Static, But Alolan Raichu has a Speed advantage. With Electric Terrian in play, Alolan Raichu’s Surf Surge ability doubles its speed to 220.

Regular Raichu would have trouble with Ground type Pokémon, but Alolan Raichu has the Psychic powers to counter that.

Comments

Surge Surfer boosts Actual Speed, not Base Speed. At level 100 with 252+ Spe in Electric Terrain with Surge Surfer gives Raichu the same speed as a Pokémon with 269 Base Speed and 252+ Spe. :P

Alolan Raichu still doesn't deal with Ground Types much better just because it has Psychic Moves. The best way for any Raichu to deal with most Ground Types effectively is to get a Pikachu with Surf and evolve it into either form. Although, I do agree that Alolan Raichu is better in battles. :P

Also, your answer didn't add much else new than the other answers... :P

Answer 3

No, I don't think anyone would thunderbolt an electric type knowing that it's not very effective or it possibly has lighting rod

Comments

It's supposed to switch into electric attacks.