Acrylic is very strong compared to hard gel (I use file-off only so far). However, gels are getting stronger, and you can always make it a little thicker for those clients who crack off bits of their nails. It really depends on the client and what they do. It's exhausting always having to explain to my clients that, "yes, you have to take care of your nails or you're going to break them, or the gel polish will chip much sooner than 3 weeks"... "yes, you need to use cuticle oil", "yes you need to wear gloves when you garden", "yes, biting your cuticles is gross and causing you to have ragged cuticles", "yes, you need to clean under your nails everyday, especially after you eat with your fingers!"
Ok, went off track, for a second...
I like both gel and acrylic. One day I may just do gel but I still have acrylic clientele so I'll offer both. I love that gel doesn't require so much filing, but it's not the best option for some of my clients who are super tough on their nails and expect to be able to refinish furniture without having any nails break, chip or discolor... seriously? c'mon! :grr: