I switched from cantlevers to v-brakes on my snow bike commuter a few years ago due to hand issues. They are freakin' awesome! They brake harder with less squeezing. I'm still running the same brake pads, so it is definitely the v-brakes.

There is some characterization of V-brakes as having little or no modulation compared to other brakes, but that is not my experience on this bike. My wife's much lighter comfort bike also has v-brakes and the few times I've ridden it I have unexpectedly locked up the brakes occasionally.

Last fall I converted my winter bike to drop bars which necessitated new brake levers. They modulate and feel the same as the original straight-bar brake levers. However, I addded cross brakes (interrupters) on the upper bar since I commute in traffic. I couldn't find long-pull interrupters priced for the cheap conversion budget, so I bought very cheap short-pulls. They slow the bike down enough and will stop it eventually, but not like the long-pull main brake levers. I mostly ride on the hoods, so I am happy.