Which is the better shock absorber/damper for the front suspension in a car?

Question

Is a damper with single action better than a dual action unit?I have a Fiat Petra with dual action dampers in front.It is hell on slightly uneven roads, but better on pot holed or very smooth roads.
Is it the dual action preventing the suspension from working or is it something else. Most other cars seem to have front damper units that work only one way.That is they damp only the extending action

Answer 1

dual action is the best for off road but single is best 4 reg driving and ride

Answer 2

Shock absorber with dual action unit