I have the old-style S&W Service Grips on an old Model 10, largely because they look right on a "retro" gun like that (the design dates to 1899), and the Pachmayrs on it looked "putrid." I wouldn't choose them for .357, but Elmer Keith used the grip shape (in ivory) on Model 29s shooting hunting loads, so they do work...
My choice for my 686 is the Ahrends Tactical no-groove grip in cocobolo. Works great, looks great. The shape of the grip helps spread recoil so it's not a sharp hit like the standard grips, and it's quick and steady.
I, personally, fail to see the difference in "putrid" factor between the perfectly serviceable Hogues and the perfectly serviceable Pachmayrs. Neither one of them looks good. Each of them works fine.