SD3 dump it, or expand it?

I have no real problems with SD3 but I notice that many of the supplied sounds are short on velocity layers. This makes it a bit weird when recording and forces me to do more manual velocity adjustments than I want to. In fact, doing manual adjustments often don't make any difference because there's nothing to trigger at the level I'm looking for.

There are many alternative drum programs on the market but I don't wish to spend money on something and find out it's no better than SD3.

So I'm trying to decide if I should buy sample libraries for SD3 to improve it or just get another product for drums.

I am interested in this too. I have little knowledge of the subject so I will be reading. I really would appreciate it if you guys would write a little bit more about this... say, velocity layers for dummies. I have Toontracks EZDrummer lite, I have quite a few drum loops and SD3.
I took a look today at the Americana expansion for EZDrummer and have been wondering about upgrading from lite to EZD, then of course I'd have to buy the Americana drums... but there are a lot of other EZD expansion packs that look interesting too.
I think we all want the best sounds we can get that will fit our budget. At the same time I, for one, don't want to waste money on something better that really isn't better... but the GAS can really get a hold on me in a hurry... there is always something that looks really good, something I NEED... at least for a little while. I have learned to wait and think it over. So, I want to know more about the different drum solutions. After watching the SD3 videos I thought it looked like it would do anything and do it well... videos always seem to have that effect don't they.

Thanks for letting me read over your shoulder.

Julien

I think SD3 works OK for synthetic type music (not using the acoustic kits). As you said, the velocity layers aren't there. EZ Drummer is good with some expansion packs and is a lot more user friendly than Superior. Not that Superior is difficult or anything. Just, if you just want to get some tracks down in a stereo pair, without much tweaking EZ may be better. One other option is Addictive Drums.
It's been a while but, There was a demo that was fully functional for hat, snare and kick. Use that for free for the basic groove and SD3 for fills and cymbals etc.

Well, if you ARE willing to spend money for a better product then there are quite a few other options.

Superior Drummer, BFD, Steven Slate Drums, Ocean Way Drums, Addictive Drums, The Abbey Road Drum libraries from NI

Studio Drummer was just released by NI also.  Not sure how good it is though.

Thanks for sharing your time on this.

I am using the Roland A-Pro 500 and the Alesis SR-16 to trigger the drums. I have tried various velocity curves on both surfaces to see what works best. Strangely, the old SR-16 seems to be much better as a trigger. Perhaps because it's a straight midi connection as opposed to USB, I really don't know. Cake says it should make no difference.

I've been window surfing all weekend looking at everything and it's confusing. Everything sounds the same online. The new drum package from NI is on for $150 but comes with only 3 kits. EZ Drummer is only $99.

I'm being a whimp about it because I don't want to buy something obsolete. I need one really good acoustic kit, some Linn Drum sounds and I would fill that out with some "world" drum samples. Not a huge amount, but something with flexability and quality samples. It looks like I may have to build some amps this month, buy Komplete and call it a day.

At least that's the advice I got at the music store yesterday.

BFD advocate here - I wouldn't swap BFD for anything right now.

It does all I want from a drum vsti and loads more besides.