I feel like it's one step forward and three back with some of these idots. I found this little gem on the babtac website - in the members area (so luckily, no non-techs can see it.). The thread was started by a girl asking which system to do, and she got this answer....
I started with acrylics but for lodes of reasons never use them now. Silks look great but can be brittle I love Gel but you need to find a good one. I have tried a few and find you get what you pay for. I have used Ten nails for the last 21/2 years but a few ladies have probs with them, I found "You U.K" at Excel this year and find it quicker and much harder than any others i have tryed. By the way NO Extensions are good for your nails. Good Luck. Carol