Manectric EX Statistical Comparison Across Similar Cards

In Pokemon TCG ·

Manectric EX card art from Phantom Forces

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Manectric EX Statistical Comparison Across Similar Cards

Lightning isn’t just about raw speed in the Pokémon world—it’s also about calculating risk, tempo, and the occasional electrical storm on the battlefield. Manectric EX, from the Phantom Forces era (XY4), stands out among its peers as a robust Basic EX with surprising staying power. In this analysis, we’ll compare its core statistics against what players typically look for in similar cards: high HP, flexible energy costs, meaningful damage output, and strategic weaknesses that keep the pressure on opponents. We’ll also borrow some market context from current pricing to give collectors a sense of its value trajectory in the broader ecosystem ⚡🔥.

Snapshot: the stat line that explains the feel

  • Name: Manectric EX
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Type: Lightning
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 170
  • Attacks:
    • Overrun — Cost: Colorless; Damage: 20. “This attack does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)”
    • Assault Laser — Cost: Lightning + Colorless; Damage: 60+; Condition: If your opponent's Active Pokémon has a Pokémon Tool attached, this attack does 60 more damage.
  • Weakness: Fighting ×2
  • Resistance: Metal -20
  • Retreat Cost: 1
  • Set: Phantom Forces (XY4)
  • Illustrator: Ryo Ueda
  • Format legality: Standard – Not legal; Expanded – Legal

From a collector’s viewpoint, the 170 HP is a sturdy baseline for a Basic EX in its era, allowing it to weather early-game pressure while you set up your bench or rip into the opponent’s line with calculated bursts. The Attack burden is balanced: Overrun funnels some damage to the opponent’s Beached Pokémon—an often underutilized strategic lane—while Assault Laser rewards players who can manipulate the board with Tools on the opponent’s Active Pokémon. The inclusion of a tool-attached condition for a damage spike makes Manectric EX synergistic with Item-heavy, searchy Lightning decks that aim to pressure the Active spot before converting to a knockout. ⚡🎯

How Manectric EX stacks up against similar Lightning EXs

  • HP and sturdiness: At 170 HP, Manectric EX sits comfortably among high-HP Basic EX cards of its vintage window. It’s not the absolute peak for HP across all EXs, but it’s enough to absorb a few blows while your setup unfolds, contributing to a reliable mid-game presence.
  • Attack utility: Overrun offers consistent chip damage and punishes bench-based plays, while Assault Laser provides a conditional but potentially big spike. In decks that pursue tempo and stall-break, this two-attack mix mirrors a common design language of the era—high-risk, high-reward, and a need for careful energy management.
  • Energy costs: The dual-cost for Assault Laser—Lightning and Colorless—fits well with often-spread Lightning energy curves. Its synergy with Tools makes it flexible, especially in formats where Active Pokémon Tool attachments are common strategic pivots.
  • Weakness/Resistance dynamics: A Fighting weakness x2 can expose Manectric EX to a rough match-up with top-tier fighting-types, while Metal resistance softens some metal-centric threats in the field. This balance is typical of mid-range EXs, encouraging players to diversify their energy and bench plans to mitigate risk.
  • Market signals: The price snapshot paints a pragmatic picture. CardMarket data shows an average price around €4.51 with a low of €0.99 and a recent trend around 4.61. The TCGPlayer holofoil data places the market in a broader range, with a holo foil low near $10 and a median around $19.51, peaking at $32.26 for well-maintained copies. Collectors often equate these numbers with the card’s demand in both playable and nostalgic contexts. This is a card that tends to hold steady in Expanded play and appreciates modestly in collector circles when near mint. 💎

Market context and value trends

The Phantom Forces era is cherished by many players who enjoyed the XY era’s bold silhouette and fast-paced battles. Manectric EX’s rarity and Expanded-only status can influence price volatility—especially as sealed product from that period becomes scarcer and as collectors chase holo versions. The pricing snapshot shows that a well-preserved copy can sit in a comfortable mid-range for collectors, while loose or non-holo samples skew lower. The combination of a high HP, a versatile two-attack suite, and a conditionally enhanced damage attack makes it attractive to players who value deck-building flexibility as well as to collectors hunting for strong EXs with appealing art and a solid play history. ⚡🎴

Art, lore, and the illustrator’s touch

Ryo Ueda’s artwork on Manectric EX embodies the dynamic, electric vibe of the Phantom Forces set. The canvas captures Manectric’s speed and agility, with crisp lines and a sense of motion that mirrors the poker-faced precision of the in-game moves. In the broader narrative of the XY era, Manectric EX is a reminder of how EX cards bridged the gap between raw power and strategic play. The art isn’t just decoration—it’s a window into the character’s presence on the battlefield, a detail that resonates with collectors who chase both function and aesthetic appeal. 🎨

Strategic takeaway for players

  • Use Overrun to pressure your opponent’s bench, especially when you anticipate bench-heavy replies or want to punish ability-based setups.
  • Align Assault Laser with Tool-target dynamics on the opponent’s Active Pokémon to maximize damage output when the tool multiplier is available.
  • Manage energy across both attacks: ensure you have the right balance to flip between bench pressure and a decisive knockout.
  • In Expanded formats, synergy with assorted Trainers and Tools can elevate Manectric EX’s reach beyond a straightforward two-attack tempo plan.

For collectors and players who appreciate a sturdy, flexible Lightning option, Manectric EX remains a compelling choice from Phantom Forces. Its robust HP, dual-attack design, and the aesthetic appeal of Ryo Ueda’s art combine for a card that’s as much a showpiece as a workhorse on a well-constructed Lightning deck. If you’re building a modern collection or a vintage-focused battle deck, this Ultra Rare deserves space in your binder—and it pairs nicely with the kind of ergonomic, well-made accessories we love to showcase when maps and lists collide. ⚡💎

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Manectric EX

Set: Phantom Forces | Card ID: xy4-113

Card Overview

  • Category: Pokemon
  • HP: 170
  • Type: Lightning
  • Stage: Basic
  • Dex ID: 310
  • Rarity: Ultra Rare
  • Regulation Mark:
  • Retreat Cost: 1
  • Legal (Standard): No
  • Legal (Expanded): Yes

Description

Attacks

NameCostDamage
Overrun Colorless 20
Assault Laser Lightning, Colorless 60+

Pricing (Cardmarket)

  • Average: €4.51
  • Low: €0.99
  • Trend: €4.61
  • 7-Day Avg: €3.9
  • 30-Day Avg: €3.56

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