Originally Posted by
Dontrike
Airbenders have a surprising lack of things they can do. Sure they can fly, but they need something to help accommodate that ability, which is easily targeted to bring them down while fire benders are able to fly, although only those that are powerful or during set times can accomplish it, not too mention the lightning they can create, plus all of the utility that comes with it, like heating things up for various reasons. Earthbenders can definitely jump far distances and are usually tougher because of the use of the element, can bend metal, with enough practice and generally have more destructive power. Water is definitely amazing, what with being able to freeze opponents, control people, if given the talent, but they need an access to water, which is probably their biggest weakness if they don't have the talent to get water from other sources.
Water is probably the strongest, but fire usually has the best overall strength.