Just wondering if anyone has any experience with trying different distros.

This should be all you need to read, hopefully.

https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/ma...n-mac-3637265/

I have had excellent luck with openSUSE Tumblweed on Mac's. The EFI boot isn't an issue, and things have worked just fine. Have even loaded it on an old 2008-2009 iMac, and was then able to take the RAM to 6GB (Apple OS wouldn't recognize past 4), install a WiFi N card with SSD, and the system runs EXCELLENTLY now. GIMP opens in less than 2 seconds, using KDE with all the eye-candy and 4 virtual desktops with dual-monitors.

Your mileage may vary.

I would however, disagree with the following statement in the article about Fedora.

I've found Fedora to be stable and easy to use. Also, it's fast.

I was 'gifted' a 27" iMac with a bad HD. Replaced the HD, booted Linux_Lite (64bit) from DVD, then discovered over-heating issues.
Built a small fan shroud over the iMac "chimney" to suck out the heat. Simple thermo-resistor throttles the USB plug to the fan.

WOW ! with 4GB RAM this thing flies ! The video, you'd have to see it to believe it.
I describe Linux_Lite as the hot-rod version of Mint. Both are built on Ubuntu, which means a rich supply of info & help can be found.
Considering we are "Newbies", I suggest you first try Mint.

I was told, "Before you jump into a Corvette, first drive a Cadillac".

Our old MacBookPro ran fine until the Apple battery 'expired'???
Its been running Linux_Lite on the charger, for over two years, with no problems.