Are some V-brakes better than others?

Here's my situation: I'm using that V brake adapter from here with an HD rear wheel from Spooky Tooth, and thisdual pull brake handle with a set of promax V brakes that came on a Schwinn Searcher. It seems like I can't get the brakes adjusted right, they either drag the rim pretty hard or they don't give enough stopping power. Could it be that these brakes aren't that great? or could it be that this brake handle isn't made for V brakes?

It should be noted that I use the same brake handle and brakes on my other bike and it stops just fine.

If these brakes are crap, then could you recommend some good ones that won't cost hundreds of dollars?

Awesome, Kevlarr! And I was thinking "maybe if the brakes arms were longer it would do better". Thanks for the advice and I will definitely invest in a set of those soon.

It's funny, I look through General Discussion all the time, and I never saw that thread.

edit:

Actually, Niagara doesn't list them any more and a google search brought up only 3 results, all of which were reviews. Anyone else got anything?

Reb1, Thanks for that info. Never heard of it so I will have to check that out.

Also, the brakes that Kevlarr was talking about are the Tektro 857 AL... not 587. It took me forever to figure that out. LOL, don't worry about the mistake Kevlarr, I once sent a newbie off looking for an "NCS" carburetor.