Do you think they are better then the brass.
Yes
They are less likely to sheer but more likely to rust.
I have one that I can not get apart,lot of rust,the gear look black.
I prefer the Steel gears. Just make sure you grease them up good.
I prefer brass if fishing 50# line or less. Steel or Stainless Steel if fishing greater than 50#...and my 4/0s now have 80# braid...so you can guess what I'm using
Brass gears tend to be smoother.
Thank you all for the info.