Smack Down similar to Waterfall: better or worse?
So, GP just posted a note saying that Smack Down was updated to similar properties as waterfall instead of rock throw. (https://pokemongo.gamepress.gg/pokemon-move/smack-down)
Does it make Smack Down better or worse?
Answers
At worst, neutral. At best, better.
Waterfall is still a powerful move, and actually, both Waterfall and Rock Throw have the same DPS at 13.33 according to GamePress. So in terms of DPS, it's a neutral change.
The difference is that with 16 base power, Tyranitar now has a better fast move on defense, making him (kinda) viable on defense. So in that sense, it's better.
I personally would've preferred Rock Throw properties just because I like quick fast moves rather than slow fast moves, but that's just a me thing. In any case, since the DPS is the same, I don't really care that much.
It's a Waterfall clone (same damage and energy numbers). So if you've played with Kyogre (which also has a preferred one-bar Charged move), you know what the Tyranitar play experience will be like: achingly slow and not dodge friendly. It will be powerful, just, well, boring.
In my book, that relegates Ttar to raids; I'll stick with Golem and Rock Throw/Rock Blast for gyms.
Tyranitar is still massively better than Golem. The slight nerf took it from being 18% better to being 16% better. A level 30 SD Tyranitar will still out-DPS a level 40 Golem.
That said, if you have powered up Golems, they're still good if you can't get a full team of 6 SD Ttars or if you need a rejoin team for raids. And they may have better TDO against Zapdos if it comes back due to the ground type.