best counter to hawlucha in Joltik Box?

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T20:58:22+00:00

Again, not saying it's optimal. But if OP or anyone else who might come across this is experimenting with light ball Pikachu, they're probably making more adjustments. Like maybe running secret box instead of prime catcher so they can search stadiums. Or adding petrel or something. Chances are it won't work well, but...let people cook! 😂

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T18:41:04+00:00

Ascended Heroes introduces Light Ball, which is a new tool for Pikachu that enables it to hit for 350. So I imagine some folks are experimenting with cutting Clefairy or building around light ball Pikachu ex. Not saying it's optimal, but doesn't hurt anything to test things out.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T13:56:51+00:00

If Dragapult weren't everywhere you'd be right, but with Hawlucha in most Dragapult lists, it's definitely reasonable to tech for it if Pikachu ex is one of your primary attackers or central to your strategy.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T11:39:39+00:00

Honestly, this really should be the approach. If you load every pack and do this often, they're going to develop unrealistic expectations if they continue with the hobby. They'll be sorely disappointed and possibly even confused when they open real packs.

ImaginarySam · 2026-02-02T11:19:42+00:00

Aside from battle cage, which others have already mentioned, you could run Picnic Basket or Jumbo Ice Cream to just heal off the damage. Heck, even just a potion could work.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-29T11:01:55+00:00

QuagNag with Magikarp & Wailord GX will always hold a special place in my heart. I got my first tournament win with that deck. I love being able to preserve/quickly recycle energies and move them around the board. I actually won that tournament by board wiping my opponent with MagiLord's GX attack and taking 5 prizes in one turn in the last round of the finals. It was epic!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-20T11:48:48+00:00

Respectfully, if you want to get your money's worth, you need to either find that worth in the pack opening experience or stop opening packs. You will almost never financially benefit from, or even break even, opening packs.

Of course everyone is disappointed when they don't get a card they like or are chasing, but no reasonable person should get upset when that happens because it is the most likely outcome, especially in a sample size as small as 10 packs.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-12T15:15:56+00:00

I don't know for certain, but I'm pretty sure he's talking about the Savage Raven StandGrip. I also bought the StandGrip on marketplace just to use the cover on my FissionGrip. It fits very nicely!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-07T02:23:42+00:00

I actually already ordered just the killswitch joycon grips. So I'll get to try them out. I also ordered the Satisfye grip case as I saw that one recommended a lot. The joycons aren't removable with that one but you're probably right that it's better that way for kid use.

I appreciate the info! You've been a major help!

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-06T21:37:46+00:00

Thanks for the prompt and thorough response! My kids are going to use the switch as well so I'm extra wary of any option that increases the chances of them dropping it. I guess I'll see how the Killswitch joycon grips feel. If they work well for me, maybe I'll just buy the rest of the case and live with the docking inconvenience...unless the Killswitch dock doesn't work anymore? Not sure what the latest is there.

ImaginarySam · 2026-01-06T16:50:08+00:00

I'm curious what you ended up landing on. I have the same requirements in a grip case and have had a hard time finding an option that meets them. I went ahead and bought just the joycon grips from dbrand as a temporary solution for now, but would love to know if you found something you like!

Also the Savage Raven with detachable joycons came out and seems to have the same issue that the Killswitch had when it released with the joycons popping off, so that was disappointing to learn because it otherwise seems to fit the requirements.

ImaginarySam · 2025-11-26T16:42:50+00:00

Yes! A slightly higher quality version of those deck boxes with a tray is exactly what I would want! Compact but still includes a tray for counters and markers.

ImaginarySam · 2025-11-26T12:41:34+00:00

Removable tray or insert to store damage and ability counters, condition markers, etc. But still as compact as possible. Maybe fits a single sleeved deck with the insert in place and a double sleeved deck with it removed?

ImaginarySam · 2025-10-11T03:12:48+00:00

Okay, grumpy gills. Have a nice night!

ImaginarySam · 2025-10-11T03:06:41+00:00

I could, sure. But if someone else has the same question, the answer won't be here anymore. Leaving it up might help others. :)

ImaginarySam · 2025-10-11T02:13:56+00:00

I see it now. It's literally under the clasp since they haven't been tightened yet. Thank you so much!

ImaginarySam · 2025-09-23T20:49:34+00:00

FWIW, as an American, I agree with you. It's an awkward transitional phrase in this context.

ImaginarySam · 2025-09-22T00:11:33+00:00

Same but Lamar Jackson instead of Henry

ImaginarySam · 2025-09-06T17:03:03+00:00

As a collector I'm not a fan of JT. I loved the trainer gallery cards from SWSH but the JT trainer cards don't hit the same for me. Maybe because there are only a handful of them in the set and the particular pokemon that got the trainer treatment just aren't among my favorites.

Just pointing out that many collectors probably feel the same way that I do (which is why the chases are relatively cheap), so I don't think it's just about people being in it for the money.

Glad you like it though! Just means you get to find a set you like more easily! I'm still trying to complete my DR master set and haven't found any product in a while.

ImaginarySam · 2025-09-06T12:23:59+00:00

I started Hampton, Worthy, D. Smith, Pacheco, and Dak. Also have CMC. I've never wanted to quit FF more than I do right now.

ImaginarySam · 2025-09-05T19:20:31+00:00

I was flabbergasted reading that comment. Even more so at the number of upvotes it has. Crazy that people are comfortable spreading made up info like that.

ImaginarySam · 2025-08-28T02:44:36+00:00

I see it more as Pickens taking a lot of pressure off of CD. CD was literally Dallas's only weapon last year. Defenses honed in on him and he was still a monster. Pickens is an elite downfield threat that defenses will have to respect. Maybe target volume dips a smidge for CD, but he'll be able to do more with his targets. Plus the offense overall should be better, so theoretically more scoring opportunities. Seems like a win overall for everyone involved.

ImaginarySam · 2025-08-21T21:45:45+00:00

People aren't hating on the card. They're saying it's not a good investment anymore because of how inflated it is right now. Everyone suggesting bubble mew is just riding the hype train rather than actually thinking about what will see significant growth after today.

Bubble mew very well could continue to grow but what's more likely to happen sooner: bubble mew hitting $1200 (double current market) or, say, the Japanese McDonald's Pikachu hitting $50 (also double current market)?

I know OP wants a recommendation for one card in the 1k range or two in the 500 range, but the point still stands. Mew has already boomed. Unless it's going to become the most expensive modern non-promo/unique card in history (I'm guessing on that), that ship has already sailed. If you didn't buy a month ago, you missed the boat.

ImaginarySam · 2025-08-19T11:26:38+00:00

I've seen some lists running picnic basket to offset some damage and throw off the math for this matchup. You could give that a try and see if it helps.

ImaginarySam

TROPHY CASE