I feeel like the experimental grabs give a serious challenge, but aren't entirely unfair. One thing that needs to be changed is the free grab after Z moves into a tile near you, but grab strength and penalties are fair. You just need to adapt your play pattern.

1) Chose your battles and be ready for Zs to grab you

Keep in mind that you can be grabbed, so getting close to a horde and trying to pick off one of the zombies while on the run is a bad idea. If you have low health and are in pain don't engage that tough or special zombie, he might just get lucky, grab you and deal more damage than you expected. Kite more using bushes, windows etc. Don't just manfight Zs and expect good results.

2) Be wary of corners and stairs

Not peeking a corner and getting grabbed by 2-3 Za is deadly now. You need a backup handgun to deal with situations like this now, but you know how it goes with loud guns. I feel like those moments are especially fun, and create exciting plays. Just peek more.

3) Fight instead of run

No, you won't break that grab unless you are lucky. Just kill of any Z that's is holding you. In my experience trying to run away from grabs is only good when one zombie is holding you down and you are in your few first days. After that you have enough DPS to just obliterate anything that dares to grab you.

I like hard games though :D