I wouldn't say most use paper towels or news paper. For hatchlings yes, no doubt. I can attest to several large breeders and a lot of hobbyists I know that use Aspen.
I prefer Aspen purely out of preference. Aspen has it's downfall as do they all, but I like it. Some of my balls like it and others hate it, though I say this mainly joking, a few of my balls push everything out of the way and lay on the bare tub.