APC's are HORRIBLE for instant response! Most plastic (composite) props are bad, they are simply much heavier than a comparible wood prop. I've got planes that span 10x6 to 18x8, and run both wood and composite props at different times. engine spoolup is MUCH quicker on wood props, but your idle is also going to be faster. Overall, I tend to prefer APC's though.
I agree, except that APC's are better than other plastic props because the mass is located closer to the center. Still wood props respond better. Most people don't experment with props enough. IMO APC's are no worse or better than other brands, its just that their pitch seems to be flatter than others so a 10-6 APC is like a 10-5 Zinger or MA prop. Most of us percieve a flatter pitch as better performance as the plane accelerates and climbs better, but if you are measuring top flat out speed you would see a drop in performance.