Think I’ve tried most pedals of the exotic variety.
Canefield Crampons probably rank as the worst ever IMHO. Bearing life was super short, raised axle made itself felt where its higher than the rest of the pedal – but they did look uber cool!
Podium point one’s are a very nice pedal, but again limited bearing life and a total pain to change the bearings, even with Podium’s own tool. Having owned 2 pairs and changed a few bearings, including friends I sold my 2 sets.
Easton flatboys appear to be the longest lasting pedal going, are very heavy, but very nice to use, slightly concave design (which upon reflection seems to be a good detail to ensure any pedal you pick has). My LBS have an old set of flatboys as loan pedals and I think this is a good endorsement of how hardy they are and without need for much TLC.
Penthouse pedals are good/robust in all ways, but again like the Eastons very heavy.
I recently tried Loaded pedals (6 bearings per axle) – crap bearing life.
Nukeproof make good pedals, yet to try the Superstar, but appear to be rip offs/copies of Nukeproof pedals. Would recommend Nukeproof as having pretty good bearings and nice size/shape of pedals.
Currently I am using DMR valuts, having originally started with DMR pedals around 10yrs ago, am dead impressed with them. Main feature is they are big, so if you have big feet or want a pedal you can find again after a jump, they seem a good choice. Decent weight, Bearings so far seem ok (mine are only 2months old). Nice choice of colours. Would say in bad winter conditions the massive platform of this pedal will work wonders for keeping shoes gripped on.
Shoewise – I’ve used Shimano’s flat pedal shoe for years, recently changed to five 10’s and must concede the five 10s are far better at gripping, but do have a firmer sole with slightly less feel.