the grip on the newer ones is fine. I've got one and I love it. Ive done some stuff to mine. I chopped the limb tips real short and took off the leather grip wrap cuz I dont like leather grips.
I shoot it just about every day and I definitely cant say anything bad about it. Its not a speed demon but I get PLENTY of kinetic energy from my 31" powerstroke so ive never had to worry about speed!
Thats another thing: it draws smooth for as far as you can draw it, even if your a lanky 76-incher like me!
The thing I like most about it is that I can beat it around and I know it wont fail. I think thats why I can never own a bow over $400. I would feel bad about shooting it in the rain, gettin it muddy, not stringing it with a stringer, pushing through brush with it...all the things I do with my montana!
If you like the idea of a of a rugged, ugly, no BS bow that will always get the job done you wont be dissatisfied with a montana.