Note Variation Slider/Dynamic Filter

When listening to today's hot producers I notice the finely tuned kick drums that are used almost in perfect tune with the bass and keys. I'm almost certain that the note variation slider is being used quite a bit to adjust pitch as opposed to the 16 level tuning feature. My question to all you beat mongers: What is the range setting used to create such fine tuning? -120 to 120 is too wide a range and I often end up screwing up the tuning so bad in "after" mode that I end up re-recording the pattern.
Also, does the dynamic filter, which I've never touched, contribute to the punch that I hear in today's music? If not, please give examples of its use.

Thanks in advance