What kind of brake pads are good for v style brakes. I've heard some good things about Koolstops, but what kind, mtb pads, tectonics, Eagle claw 2. Any info on these pads or others that you suggest would be appreciated. Looking for good braking power wet and dry.

Kool Stop has always been a good company for me, not too expensive, and good pads.

Jagwire are good.
https://www.jagwire.com.tw/js91xc.htm

I really like the Switchback Tri Zones I have on my commuter

kool stop tectronic

Is there an advantage to the cartrage style brakes as aposed to the pads that have the mounting hardware on them.

Often the replacement cartridges are cheaper than buying a new one piece set-up. Note that I'm talking about the GOOD brake pads not the cheap-o OEM replacements

I think my soft red Koolstops were Eagle Claw 2. Same deal.

Also Scott\Mathauser are good, now produced by Koolstop I think someone posted.

Back when I was still running Vee's, I had a lot of success with a dual compound pad from Wilderness Trail Bikes.

Only advantage I can see is you can change the blocks without greatly upsetting the alignment of the cartidge/block on the rim. However some adjustment will still be necessary to align the damn things.
I have had the Blocks break up on me, and even had the block become detached from the cartridge.

For this reason, I only ever use the complete non replacable Blocks now, and generrally use Koolstop.

(The block was pulled out by Catching on a Snick in the rim, and a pair of blocks broke up on a long dry ride that had plenty of scree on it)

Raiyn, where did you get your jagwires. Do any of the major mail order places, pricepoint etc, sell them or did you get them at your lbs.

I bought them at the shop, but you can get them HERE.