Paul Gilberts string skips sound sort of like sweeps, so I was wondering which technique do you prefer?

The sound of sweeping is actually reminiscent of legato, and a lot of string skipping happens to be legato as well.

I'll abstain from voting: every technique should be employed according to need.

EDIT: I'll have to admit that string skipping - as alt picking in general - is far more difficult to master, so props to mister Gilbert for that one!

yeah exactly as Acousolysis says, it sounds like sweeping because of the hammers on and pull off that PG always does on his string skips. It makes it sound legato. I dont prefer either, both are useful tools for different situations, they are both sick techniques.

Both cool techniques but I'd employ sweeping far, far more so for that reason only it gets my vote.