I am not familiar with all of the different types of wet/dry filters out there, but from what I have read most people are way happier when they build their own from a regular glass tank (look on craigslist or wait for a good sale). They can customize it as they want. I do have a wet/dry filter on my 125g and like it (unfortunately bought it used so all I can tell you is that it is a "Pro Clear Aquatic System").
If money becomes available I will probably build my own eventually. Basically mine uses overflow boxes on my tank that run to the filter. Then it drains into a drip tray that has a filter pad (mechanical filtration) and drips the water over my bioballs. Then the water goes through another filter sponge and is pumped back to the tank. My problem with this is getting to the filter pad to clean it is somewhat of a pain (not too bad though). It would be easier to just replace it every time, but that isn't necessary and really a waste of money.
Personally I think I would like the ability to use a filter sock instead because it would be easier to get at and clean (and you can just take it off and replace with a new/clean one when necessary). Most people have water overflow from the tank and then the water is mechanically filtered through a filter sock (as already mentioned). Then the water flows under a piece of glass/acrylic siliconed in place (leaving space for water to flow under it) and over another piece of glass/acrylic (these are commonly called baffles). The next area has whatever bio media you prefer (bioballs, scrubbies, etc.) and then two more baffles (as described before) before the area where water collects and is pumped back to the tank. These are very effective according to what people say and easy to maintain (easy to get into and clean). Just take a look at the "DIY filters" section if interested.
If you don't like the idea of DIY then hope others can give you some more input.
