All of the operational RCN Banshees were the F2H-3 with the APQ-41.
As far as ease of use goes, I actually ran across a study a long time ago, done on AI radars from the 1950s (the APQ-41 was the main 1950s example used) through the AWG-9 (F-14A system) of the late-1970s. IIRC the APQ-41 was well liked by the various users - reliability & maintenance being the only real problems. The APQ-41 was basically an improved and better integrated APQ-35 (used on the F3D-1 Skyknight and F3H-1(?) Demon) with an improved & larger antenna giving better range in search mode. The APQ-35/-41 and AWG-9 were actually considered weapon control systems incorporating more than one type of equipment. The APQ-35 had a forward AI radar, a forward FC radar, and a TWR (Tail Warning Radar). The APQ-41 added a RWR of some sort.
I do not remember all the modes described but I think there was a short-range gun ranging/FC mode, a mid-range search mode, a long-range search mode, and a 'homing' mode (for ship and airport beacons). I think there were a couple of improvements during its service life.
The F3D-1 Skyknight used the APQ-35 (no combat?), while the F3D-2 used the APQ-41 and was quite successful over Korea as a night fighter (6x confirmed kills).