I have always been told it is better to learn the step gybe, but most of the really good alpha gybers I know do the strap to strap gybe (I think).
The techniques are quite different, aside from the footwork, and I have been confused in the past by strap to strap people giving me advice when some things don't work for step gybes (ie having the mast toward the inside of the turn when you flip the rig)
questions
1. Why is the step gybe supposed to be better?
2. if you can do a 25 kn alpha, which method do you use?
3. for those who can do both types equally well, when do you use which?