Paddy ,
I haven't tried casting the reel without the grip aid in place as I find it more comfortable with it.
I have it set up on both my Century SS and my WR300. I might give it a go next Sunday if I can get a cast in with Lee's TT-R but as its a comp I will stick with my WR untill I finish registering all the weights.
Distances were not measured but were up on what I have achieved the previous week with my normall 6500CT.
On Sunday I also cast the reel , once again no measured distances but would be in the 220 to 230 region.
I am changing my cast a little as I am working on getting the left arm up a lot more as I turn. Only problem is I must turn a little slower to ensure that the lead sets up outside of the tip.
Regards