Is a hard shell kayak better than an inflatable?

Answer 1

If you are kayaking in the olympic games, or doing some serious white water, you will probably need a hard shell kayak, because inflatable kayaks have been designed mostly for recreational kayakers, not professionals.
Otherwise, Inflatable kayaks have some pretty major advantages over hard shell kayaks, as long as you buy a good quality one, not a cheap one:

• They are easy to carry because they pack up into a bag and are reasonably light weight
  
• They are easy to transport because they can go inside a car, they don't need a big truck or roof racks
• They are generally cheaper than hard shell kayaks
• They don't take up as much storage space when not in use
• They are unbelievably comfortable, because you are effectively sitting on a giant inflatable cushion
• If you buy a good quality brand, such as Advanced Elements, they are just as durable as a hard shell

I have been using the Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak for years and it is great - it goes straight as an arrow and it's very fast. I love it!