Better max Q or R on Udyr?

Both skill paths are possible. You can even Put early points into R and then switch to Q.

As you've already mentioned the Q is better for single target damage while R is alot faster when clearing camps. Most people max R nowadays because Q got nerfed mid season 3 and made the clearing even slower. If you're unexperienced with udyr I'd recommend maxing R over Q because it makes jungling a lot easier and it also makes you one of the fastest if not THE fastest jungler in the game. I would only max Q if you are planning to snowball extremely hard and if you can afford it. The damage of R is also significant during ganks and while it might not be as good as Q the cleartime boost really is worth maxing R.

Udyr on lane: I recommend to max Q, as, you mentionned it, deals more single target damage. Just farm in bear stance and when your opponent tries to go near you stun + q proc. R isn't really handy on lane because it will push hard, thus making you vulnerable to ganks and tower hits. You're nearly forced to max tiger in lane or you'll have a too hard time.

Udyr jungle: Max R, or at least lvl 3 (when udyr is lvl 5), the clearing times are indeed awesome, and the spell damage is great even without stuff. The q does incredible damage, yes, but only if you took some ad (triforce / brk / zephyr) and makes you an 1v1 beast. Problem: that's not your job. Your job as Udyr in teamfights is to run on the enemies and stun everybody, and then, deal damage. Another advantage about maxing R is when ganking: the phoenix damage is instant while q is a DoT, making it hard for your laner to take the kill (q + red + minions...). But as I said, it is also good to get R lvl 3 and then go on tiger, it all depends on the context: your team, the opponents', your playstyle, their playstyle etc... Keep in mind: q = duel + splitpush, r = ganks and teamfights.

The reason you don't see jungle Udyr being played much is because there are trade offs depending on what route you go - assuming you're facing decent opponents.

The ultimate problem is that Udyr can get kited. He needs to physically run towards the enemy. Other popular junglers like Nocturne, Kha, Vi, Elise, and Lee all have quick gap closers. If I build Wriggles/Feral Flare then by the time I reach the enemy to stun them, I'd have lost 1/2 of my HP. I might get CC'd by the enemy support and even get lose 2/3 of my HP. That's not good.

If I build Ancient Golem then I might only lose 1/3 of my HP and I'll have CC reduction from the tenacity. Then I'll be able to stun the enemy and tank for my team. That is a safer role which does not rely on the mistakes of the enemy team to get me the win.

• If you end up building Wriggles you might as well max Q because you're going man-mode!! Hopefully you get early kills and snowball to the point where you can 1v1 anyone.

• If you end up building Ancient Golem you might as well max R because you won't be blowing up the enemy carries anyway. The faster clear speed and lane pushing power is useful. You might consider building a Wits End in the mid game which gives you a mix of offensive and defensive stats.

I find that maxing Q is better for ganking. That is the only reason I max it first. Buying the feral flare will increase your jungle clearing speed because the Q gives you nice attack speed (and passive I believe). However, most people max R first.

Depends your playstyle.

I like Q because it still has a good clear speed but it is great for dueling and counter jungling.

R is more for faster camp clears and being in the jungle longer.

My play style isn't good with R at all so I max Q but my friend goes R because he likes farming more than dueling and ganking early.