Hendrix for sure, even though their sytles and influences are too different to compare. Clapton probably had better technical skills, but if you factor in the innovation and raw tallent of hendrix, he takes the cake. plus i like his style of music better. i agree that his best work was in cream.

maybe a better question would be to compare the 3 lead guitarist for the yardbirds: eric clapton, jimmy page, and jeff beck. at least they all played for the same band, and had similiar musical roots.