- Onix and Carbink can be used interchangeably, depending on what Pokemon are more threatening to you.
- Carbink is bulkier than Onix, allowing it more survivability to set Sand later and use its typing to offset the weakness to Chatot.
- Magic Coat allows Carbink to anti-lead Smeargle consistently, but it's notable that this is not as effective mid to late game Safety Goggles Rotom-Frost.
- Carbink is worse against slow attackers such as Poliwrath and Flame Orb Adamant Ursaring, as well as Tangela, which can Knock Off Smooth Rock.
- Carbink cannot taunt slow Pokemon and slow setup sweepers such as Musharna, allowing an effective anti-lead that forcibly exchanges a KO with an abuser.
- Carbink is weak to Vigoroth, particularly substitute variants, and Onix is usually not.
- Oricorio synergizes better and better checks a number of threats, but Kadabra can be used for a better match against weather and Trick Room.
- If Kadabra is used then it must have Signal Beam in order to threaten Tangela.
- Psyshock is unnecessary, as Stoutland and Dugtrio are already hitting hard on the physical side.
- Shadow Ball is more threatening to Bronzor, which can be an issue with Levitate, but Hidden Power Ground is better for Probopass and Mawile.
- Counter allows Kadabra to abuse Focus Sash to outright KO a physical attacker that gets too greedy, notably Leafeon or Pawniard.
