I have used just about every brand of prop there is including the Topflite and Graupner props.
Master Airscrews are great for the early flights when I'm breaking an engine in.
After that, I bring a fist full of sizes and brands to the field with me. I try different diameters and pitches and brands. When you find the one that gives the best performance, you will know it. Frequently that brand has been APC. Sometimes it has been Graupner.

About your original question. The simatar shaped propellers became very popular again in the 1990's. Thats true of models and of real airplanes. I have personally witnessed a twin turbo prop Dornier exceed 400 knots across the ground. It uses a multi blade simitar configuration that claims greater effeciency and is quieter. ATR's also use a similar propeller.

The folks at APC took this data from full scale manufactures and decided to produce model props with the simitar shape. The results were good. There are actually mathematical equations which date back to the Wright brothers that prove that this shape is the best shape for a propeller. I don't know why there was such a long period when the simitar shape was ignored. Perhaps it was difficult to manufacture.

The only down side that I am aware about the APC props is their appearance. I build scale. There aren't many scale singles that use a simitar shaped prop. But they look about the same when the engine is running.

Although I like APC props, I don't always choose to use them. Your needs often dictate which brand to use. Do you need the best climb ? The best acceleration ? The best top speed ? The least thrust at idle ? Your propeller choice may vary depending upon which side of the envelope you are attempting to extend.