drum samples vs. drum synth

What do you all like to use for your drums, samples or synths? I prefer to use good samples but only because I'm still new to drum synths. I have a few free synths (Drumatic 3, ODO Rhythms, and ERS Drums) but it really takes me a long time to get the sound I'm after. I also use the free VirtuaDrum which is based on samples and it's just a drag and drop sample and go. What do you all like to use?

I started with samples and thought that MIDI was over my head, but a short while back I got EZDrummer and added some packs from Groove Monkey. I could not be happier. For overall flexibility and quick idea support going the MIDI route with an eazy to use tool is really great in my experience. I generally have an idea in my head so the ability to drag loops into my reaper project and have them match the temp instantly is huge. Then if I need an extra hit or cymbal crash on just one the MIDI editor is super easy. Finally I spearate all the drums to separate tracks to tweak the sounds. You can't do any of that with samples.

I'm still searching for the ultimate solution. And very important for me: it has to be free of charge or really inexpensive. Since i'm a midiot - started with Cakewalk in the late eighties - i've used SoundFonts the last years e.g. BlueJayLargeAmbients (Sonic Implants, now SoniVox) More and more i like to use drum samples in conjunction with multilayered samples and software drum samplers. Currently i'm fiddleing around with a mix of SuperDrumFX, DK+ drumsampler, Bluenoise's MyDrumset and Reaper's tracks and FXchains. I have never used any prebuilt loops. It's really strange but i guess i'll never change my procedure: I write a new piece and record the drums from scratch (via Masterkeyboard and overdubbing). Conclusion: I prefer samples now and give them a final touch sending each component (toms, snare, bd, hi-hat, cymbals) etc. to different tracks and/or groups for mixing, bleeding sounds (e.g. snare carpet), ambience... Michael