Is Raichu or Kadabra better for a Sapphire playthrough?

Question

I know it's an odd comparison, but I'm doing a challenge run for Sapphire that restricts me to only being able to use these two Pokemon as my special attackers, and as I can't trade to get Alakazam, I'll be stuck with using Kadabra. I know that Raichu is inferior to other Electric types in Hoenn such as Magneton and Manectric, but as I'm unable to use those two, should I be using the weak and frail Kadabra, or the somewhat bulker, but much less powerful Raichu?

Comments

eh true but super effective damage is beneficial for playthroughs

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Why is weaker super effective damage better than stronger neutral damage?

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How is super effective damage more beneficial than higher base power and STAB in this situation?

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Psychic with STAB is effectively 135 Base Power, while a super effective Shock Wave is 120. The only situation where you'd wanna use Shock Wave is when the opponent is 4x weak to Electric.

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your are correct, my bad for the miscalculation

Answer 1

Kadabra is probably better although its frail and its mid-stage it has solid speed and great special attack with access to Calm Mind to back up its frail stats, its one of the best mid-stage Pokemon in the game ontop of that there are better Electric type options such as Manetric which is fount earlier than Raichu which can be fount as a Pickachu in the Safari Zone or Magneton with good typing, access to some good utility and is also a great special attacker. Hopefully, this helps :D

Answer 2

Kadabra is better. It is found way earlier than raichu, and can learn a better range of moves. Raichu having slightly more bulk doesn't outweigh kadabra's superiority in power.