i bought the octagonal restrictors, but i really didn't care for them. i went from using x-arcade sticks to the u360s. i have the longer shafts and the medium springs...i much prefer the feel of them without the restrictors. i had problems pulling off tap moves (barakas blade attack was impossible)..until i adjusted the 8way map to increase the dead zone in the middle..now it works great. i can pull off moves just fine, and i think it is easier to pull off the dragon punch moves in sf much easier now than with my x-arcade sticks.
the throw is slightly longer than my xarcade sticks were, but only slightly. with the restrictor, the throw was pretty short...too short for my taste.
i'd suggest making the dead zone larger in your map and try that first, you may be pleasantly surprised.