I didn't notice much difference with the springs either - I just took those off and threw them away lol.
To the OP - if it is a proper ring (sometimes called a pigeon ring) then yes get yourself a flight punch. This helps the flights stay on the shafts in the event the dart hits another while throwing - saves picking flights up off the floor, and they also help prevent the tangs from breaking if you robin hood the dart.
If it is a spring, then you put the flight on like you normally would and then move the spring up to the bottom of the flight. I think these were the precursor of the pigeon rings and they are supposed to preform a similar function - although I never saw much difference so didn't bother using them.