The choice is immense and therefore very difficult. When I bought in 2015, I liked the VP-Vice and 001, the Xpedo Spry, and the DMR V12s (which I purchased, installed, and use with great joy).

How are you going to choose?

I recommend prioritizing the parameters - cost, reputation, style (traditional (MKS Sylvan, toe clips/straps)) vs. BMX/MTB platform (with pins)), how the pedals match your expected use, etc.. Everything is imperfect, so you can get a dud no matter what pedal you buy. As for BF recos, I bet that any recommended pedal can be matched by a BFer who wouldn't take that pedal if he got paid to take it.

I went for pinned flats because they seem to offer the largest contact area, and I do.not.like.hot.spots. I also bought a pair of Five Ten shoes so they would be gripped well by the pins. I wanted a little bit of bling, so I spent more than $50.

Remember, there are probably lots of pedals that will give you what you want. I hope you don't let the decision process keep you off the road. :-)