Actually in Wood I prefer the old Herrett Finger Groove / Thumbrest Grips. I also used to use the Pachmayr Finger Groove Gripper quite a bit, but once i used the T/C Rynite Finger Groover Grip I replace my Pachmayr's with the T/C Rynite Grip.
I don't have any old style Contenders any longer, but rather the newer G2 version. My new Stainless-Steel G2 Contender came with the Factory Rubber Grip and Forend (obviously). Granted I have not shot this one a lot yet, but from the first time I picked it up I knew I would not be changing out these grips for anything else. I absolutely love the Feel, Texture, Shape and Angle of this new G2 Grip. I think it is the best I have used on a Contender so far.
Larry
PS: Pachmayr announced at the Shot Show they are now going to offer a Rubber Grip for the T/C Encore from what I have read.