are converts any good for improving early on? they kinda feel weird playing sometimes

yes

prac read and control

I love converts

Uhm, for me, i was an ez convert player starting on, for me, convert is good enough for start if you enjoy it, but for technical side, its more about control though for most of the converts, but there are some ctb like converts,
Anyways, as long as you enjoy game, you would improve

You can play converts, specifics or both. It doesn't really matter what route you go you can improve in a multitude of ways. I personally don't play converts so if anyone tells you that you MUST play them to gain skill in the game that is definitely not true.