Fast alternate picking - it hides less.
Cases in point: Al Di Meola and Dragonforce.
Jeff
Someone who uses both tastefully is what's most impressive. Even if it involves not sweeping at all.
Have to say that someone who sweeps for the majority of their playing doesn't earn my appreciation, though.
Yeah, right on. I'm not against someone who can shred like crazy, but it's all about the context, and the majority of the players that do so just don't have a feel that I can get into. Your mileage will vary. It just so happens nonstop sweeping doesn't get me off, I feel the ability to convey musical emotion through such means is limited.