Continental Gatorskin Vs Hardshell
 

What is the difference between these 2 tires?

There is no clear cut difference in the website. Both seem to be oriented towards puncture protection.

The Gatorskins are as supple as a garden hose, and the Hardshells are like a garden hose that has frozen solid.

The hardshell looks like it adds a mesh under the protective layer (or "PolyX shell").

https://blobs.continental-tires.com/...cutaway-01.png

as comaprd the the regular gatorskin that only has the PolyX:

https://blobs.continental-tires.com/...cutaway-01.png

I've only used the regular gatorskin folding tires and like them so far.

You posted my smarmy thought!

I have ridden them both as winter training tires. I could never tell a meaningful difference.