Ash's current team: Strengths and Weaknesses

[J J M]

Gryphon Turboclaw's post in the Candice thread inspired me to do this.

As per the title, this thread is about the strong and weak points of Ash's current team with each Poke's individual strengths and weaknesses (Pikachu may be included). Which area they are generally strong in and in which area they seriously lack.

Note, this isn't just about types, but more a general overview.

 

[Cybersai]

Grotle is now very slow after evolving, so Ash should train it like a tank (such as Snorlax, Donphan and Torkoal), rather than a speedy Pokemon like when it was Turtwig.

Gliscor still has some trouble flying or staying airborne.

The others really don't have any apparent weaknesses (not counting type), and Chimchar is going to get a lot stronger since Monferno is confirmed.

 

[J J M]

Gliscor still has some trouble flying or staying airborne.

Gliscor didn't have that much of a problem with it in Byron's match or even later.

 

[yodude310]

now that ash has a STARAPTOR, his flying pokemon just got a power boost, grotle is slow but its working on its defensive techniques, chimchar is a strong little guy, buizel has no flaws at all, and gliscor just needs more battle experience

 

[Thingamajig]

Well now that Staraptor knows a Fighting move, and Gliscor knows a fire-type move it's likely Ash's gym team could consist of Staraptor, Gliscor and Chimchar/Monferno. Although that's not taking into account that Staraptor is weak to Ice and Gliscor get pwned by Ice-type attacks.

Then there's Buizel, who'll probably be in there because of the Ice Jet gimmick.

So, my guesses for Snowpoint Gym team

No chance:
Grotle

Possibly:
Gliscor
Pikachu

More than likely:
Buizel
Staraptor

Most certainly:
Chimchar/Monferno

 

[Yoshi1001]

The part about weaknesses gave me a great idea-someone should write a fic about Ash challenging the battle tower.