Which is Better Magneboar or EelZone

[Gistica]

So, I have been wondering for a while whether Magneboar or EelZone would be better for the HGSS-ND format. I think that Magneboar has the plus of RDL and Reshiram EX but is slowed down by all the stage 2's, while EelZone gets Zekrom EX but doesn't have any counter to Fighting types. The good thing is both of these decks (like most of the decks in the format) can harness Mewtwo EX's power. What do you guys think?

 

[Vulpix Yolk]

In my opinion, Eelzone is much more viable. Magneboar is plagued with one of the most classic issues in TCG history, it requires two stage 2 lines to function. It is also worth noting that your Emboar being brought up into your active can be a large issue, especially if it is OHKOd. Eelzone is faster, more consistent, and can recycle its energy slightly more effectively than Magneboar. Magnezone Eels also gets to use cards like Zekrom, Raichu Prime (if you are adventurous) and Zekrom EX, which are all very solid backup attackers.

 

[Mist]

I agree with Vulpix yolk. Eelzone is consistent and can easily accelerate its energy.
I'd say since it can beat EXs in one shot it is better than Mewtwo as well as Magneboar.

 

[Card Slinger J]

Probably a better question is whether or not EelZone is more viable than Zebstrika/Eelektrik. Considering that Zeb/Eel seems to have difficulty against EX's unless they just manipulate their Opponent's bench to get around it by taking prizes with Lightning Crash If they got 3 Eels benched for a triple Dynamotor to keep reusing Lightning Crash.

Zeb/Eel does setup faster at Stage 1 speed and can Item Lock, that's really good. It can also disrupt using Amoonguss's Sporprise or Claw Snag with Weavile to get rid of a Switch since most decks usually run 1-2 due to constricted deck space and as we all know Devolution Spray with Junk Arm makes this deck bonkers. I feel EelZone has the edge for two simple reasons:

It saves you a Draw Supporter to fill your hand up and can take down an EX for 4 energies netting you a 2 prize lead over your Opponent. Sure EelZone does take time to setup but when it does especially If you got Zekrom EX or Mewtwo EX for backup you shouldn't have much of a problem against alot of decks. Of course I wouldn't be surprised to see Zeb/Eel run Mewtwo EX as well.

 

[RogueChomp]

I'd love to say once Magneboar is set up, it has multiple options if you play RDL and reshiram, but in the long run, Eelzone pwns in speed and power. Both decks may deck a lot too, but it is all part of getting set up. Unless your against durant. ha. ha. *cough*. In retreat cost matters: Emboar is worse to have up than eels. 4 retreat cost is a drag. Eelzone is able to use Zekrom EX more consistantly than Magneboar can use Reshiram EX (Eels and DCE) (If Magneboar even runs it).
On a side note- Yay 100th post!

 

[TURDCANNON]

Eelzone, no question.

Please expand on why ~Glaceon

Because yellow and red clash too much for my liking and it hurts my eyes.

 

[Jirachi]

Eelzone takes a lot less time to set up. I think that it is better because even lost burning many energies, you can switch to Zekrom EX or Raikou EX (when it is released), while on the other hand Magneboar has RDL and reshiram, but only RDL's attacks are better than Zekrom's but takes longer to setup. Eelzone can also recycle energy without the help of fisherman or energy retrieval, making it faster to play.

 

[Nigel]

Eelzone is better than Magneboar by a long shot. Here are some reasons why:

• Magneboar has better consistency: Even though you can attach as many energies as you want to your Pokemon when you are playing Magneboar, in Eelzone you can get them onto your Pokemon much easier. For example, you can use Sage's Training to discard any energies you want, and attach them to your Pokemon again with Dynamotor. Also, if your Pokemon get knocked out, you can get the energies right back onto your Pokemon safely with no side effect. In Magneboar, you don't really have any good energy manipulation, which could make the deck really suffer if Emboar gets Catchere'd up with its massive four retreat.

• Emboar has a terrible retreat cost: As I somewhat explained in the last part of this list, Emboar's retreat cost could leave you really suffering. The 4 retreat on such a terrible attacker just yells out, "Catcher Bait" for your opponent. If you're playing Magneboar, Reshiboar EX, or any other deck that runs Emboar and you get your pig Catcher'd up, you better start setting another one up again immediately since it's not worth retreating because of your overwhelming retreat cost. Eelzone, on the other hand, has no problem if they get one of their Eelektriks Catcher'd up. They can easily retreat it and Dynamotor the energies that you discarded back to your Pokemon again.

• Eelzone has only one type of energy: The large problem with Magneboar is that it runs two types of energy. Mostly fire, but some Electric, too, so you can attack with RDL and Magnezone. This can lead to quite a bit of consistency issues as talked about above.

• Emboar is Stage 2, vs. Eelektrik which is stage 1: Magnezone is Stage 2. So is Emboar. Setting up two Stage 2 Pokemon can be a real pain, and can be especially painful when you get your Emboar catchered up. This is a large reason why Eelzone is much better than Magneboar. In Eelzone, you play plenty of backup attackers such as Zekrom and Thundurus which you can attack with when you are setting up, and Magneboar lacks those attackers. Sure you play Reshiram and RDL, but both of those don't function well as early game sweepers.

....etcetera, etcetera. The list could go on and on. Hope I helped.