Eggbeaters beat the tar out of SPD pedals. AND I've ridden and raced SPDs plenty so I know what I'm talking about.
After a frustrating ride with SPDs I bought a set of Candy's that were on sale. Loved them so much at the FIRST ride that I went back the next weekend and bought enough to fit each of my bikes. (Eagbeaters on two and Candys on two).
Eggbeeaters don't rely on spring tension (like SPDs) to retain the cleat. The cleat design takes care of that. As a result float is nice and smooth, clipping out is easy, and they clear goop very easily.