The top five reasons to own an electronic drum kit:
(as taken from the Sweetwater site)
Perhaps we're biased but sometimes we think drummers haven't fully caught on to the tremendous power and convenience an electronic set offers. Keyboard players and even guitarists have embraced the technology that's allowed them to take their music in new directions. It's time for drummers to recognize that they have the same potential. Here's our Top Five list for those of you who haven't considered all the advantages of owning an electronic kit.
Sonic Versatility:
Nothing beats the ability to dial in just the right drum kit sounds to suit the music! If you're a working drummer, chances are you get calls for gigs that cover a number of different styles of music. Tonight's pop singer might turn into tomorrow night's jazz trio, with a 1970s cover band rehearsal in between. Instead of having to carry and maintain a collection of acoustic kits you can stick with the setup you like while delivering the appropriate sounds for the gig. Plus, you can use your electronic kit's MIDI output to trigger a whole world of sounds beyond what's in the module!
Live Gig Convenience:
From small clubs to concert stages, an electronic kit can solve many problems associated with live playing. In environments where you're frequently pressured to play quietly, you can do so easily - thanks to the near-silent performance of the pads - while still getting the sounds you want from your module. And on the large stage, you're able to play without requiring mics, which means no feedback, no bleed from other instruments, and no jumble of stands around your kit. Plus, using your module's built-in effects and multiple audio outputs, you have more control over the sound you send out to the house PA.
Recording Flexibility:
An electronic kit gives you the power keyboard players (both novice and experienced) have had since the early days of MIDI sequencing - the ability to play your track and then edit individual notes or instruments to your liking. That allows you to capture the groove you want but still be able to nudge a late hit into place or balance the velocities of a tom fill. When you're happy with the track, your module will play it back exactly the way you want it, with your personality and style intact.
Freedom to Practice:
If your neighbors were reading this, THEY'd buy your kit! Let's face it: all drummers have encountered complaints and resistance when they try to practice. An electronic kit gives you practice-pad quiet volume while you can hear yourself through headphones. But there's more to it than that. Most modules feature built-in metronomes and many have time checkers (which establish a tempo, then turn themselves off and "listen" to analyze how consistent your playing is). Plus, many modules come preloaded with practice songs so you can play along to actual music, while others include auxiliary inputs so you can plug in a CD or MP3 player to practice to your favorite artists.
Portability:
No matter whether you're on the road or practicing in your apartment, you can't beat the compactness and portability of an electronic kit. These kits weigh less and require less space in the van than acoustic drums. And at home, when you've finished practicing, your kit folds down to take up minimum space in a closet.
***taken from sweetwater site***