I have the same mount in an Ultra R/C Quest II I flew as a Sportsman season before last.
I ran it without nose ring.
I never ran the plane with anything else so I have nothing to compare to.
I do know my plane was MUCH quieter in the air than other sport planes running a 1.10 hard mounted.
I believe it also helped the longevity of the plane and equipment.
Good luck!
JLK