The Sheer Force + Life Orb Conundrum

[Toastie]

This has had me confused and I was wondering if someone could clear this up.
Serebii says that if a Pokemon with Sheer Force uses a recoil move while holding a life orb it doesn't receive damage from the life orb. However, other places are saying that if a Pokemon with Sheer Force uses a move that Sheer Force powers up while holding a life orb it doesn't receive damage from the life orb. I'm not sure which to trust. I'm more inclined to believe the second one as more people believe it.

 

[Linkachu]

I've been wondering this, too, but don't have my own Life Orb yet to test. Bulbapedia says the latter, but there have been so many contradictions with info this gen that I really can't believe anything but actual player reports...

 

[Satoren]

Right, tried this out on my Japanese Black Game.

Gave my Druddigon a Life Orb and used the following attacks:

-Slash
-Crunch
-Dragon Claw
-Chip Away

Of the four moves, Druddigon did not receive Life Orb recoil when using Crunch, which without sheer force, lowers the defense of the opponent by chance. I think this pretty much confirms that Sheer Force does indeed nullify Life Orb damage, but only if used with a move that normally has an effect. (Don't know why it didn't work with Slash though, since that also has a critical hit ratio effect)

 

[Toastie]

Right, tried this out on my Japanese Black Game.

Gave my Druddigon a Life Orb and used the following attacks:

-Slash
-Crunch
-Dragon Claw
-Chip Away

Of the four moves, Druddigon did not receive Life Orb recoil when using Crunch, which without sheer force, lowers the defense of the opponent by chance. I think this pretty much confirms that Sheer Force does indeed nullify Life Orb damage, but only if used with a move that normally has an effect. (Don't know why it didn't work with Slash though, since that also has a critical hit ratio effect)

Sheer Force doesn't work on moves with high critical hit ratios (unless they also have secondary effects.)