Strictly organic/semi-metallic for me. I'll generally change three sets of front and two sets of rear pads a year, so mileage is around abouts 3,000 for fronts and 5,000 for rears. Pads are hella cheap and getting cheaper-- I picked up 4 pairs of pads for $20 on Amazon. I've noticed no significant difference in lifespan from pads of different manufacturers... except with some Giant semi-metallic pads I picked up out of necessity. Put them in the rear caliper, and they were toast in about 2,500 miles. Current pads are just past 1,600 miles, and wear is consistent with what I've seen in the past. Fronts are about halfway done.