Solarbeam

[Hikamaru]

All moves 120 and above have some debilitating effect equipped to them. Either a recharge, Charge time, Recoil, or Status drop. Some suffer from horrible accuracy and those that can correct the accuracy through combination attacks can also lost more accuracy with a well placed counter.

They are too powerful to exist without these drawbacks.

^ What he said.

120 power is actually very strong, so don't think SolarBeam is "weak" until you realize how threatening it is on a Sun-based team since the move gets an instant hit without charging when the weather is sunny. Also like what was said by Xander above, most moves in this power category or higher tend to have drawbacks like recharging, stat drops, recoil etc. but they pack a mean punch when used correctly.

 

[KorpiklaaniVodka]

I think SolarBeam is bad in competitive battling, even in sun, and would rather use Giga Drain. You'll be asking me "Why?". Well, what prevents me from switching to Politoed / Tyranitar (which are extremely common) while the opponent uses SolarBeam? I can change the weather and not only is the opponent forced to charge up the SolarBeam, but SolarBeam will only hit with 60 base power... which doesn't mean that much. Giga Drain deals consistent damage and actually replenishes HP, unlike SolarBeam. Oh yeah, Abomasnow works well too, but beware of Hidden Power Fire as many Pokemon that like to spam moves such as SolarBeam often carry HP Fire for steels.

And yes, sun teams do have Dugtrio to trap Tyranitar, but I'll tell you a little secret: Dugtrio can't even trap it if Stealth Rock is up. And it will never beat Politoed.

 

[.:batto:.]

You seem to have forgotten that SolarBeam doesn't need a charge-up turn in sunny weather, making it a useful STAB move on Chlorophyll users, as well as a coverage move on Fire Pokemon that learn the move.

I couldn't of said it better myself.
And Solarbeam is the only move that my Venusaur has that deals damage.
Synthesis. Sleep Powder. Sunny Day. Solarbeam
Please don't knock my favourite grass type move. It really offends me. :|

 

[Aeroblast]

You seem to have forgotten that SolarBeam doesn't need a charge-up turn in sunny weather, making it a useful STAB move on Chlorophyll users, as well as a coverage move on Fire Pokemon that learn the move.

That being said, SolarBeam sees use on Sun teams only.

I think it just goes to show how overpowered weather can be if played correctly. Without sun, Solarbeam would be nowhere as viable as it is. Same goes for Thunder in rain, Blizzard in snow, etc.

 

[Ace.]

I don't think Solar Beam is weak. In fact it's really deadly in the sun. It's kind of like hyper beam except you dont move in the first turn.