Well, today was the test shave day and I have to say now that I'm using my other strop there was a vast improvement, the razor just glided like a champ. I still have work to do on my technique, adding pressure is a hard cartridge habbit to break. But I am definitely convinced the other strop was causing my dullness problems. Here was the procedure I went through today...

Filled scuttle and microwaved 1 minute
Added insert and let heat up
Whipped up a sweet uberlather of C&E Nomad and mug soap
Added the lather and brush to the heated scuttle bowl
HWRX2, Hot towel, Lather face
Stropped on new strop for 50 laps give or take
Refreshed lather and 1 WTG pass
Rinsed, relathered, 10 laps on strop
2nd pass ATG, CWR

Wasn't quite as good as my fusion, I blame my technique, but the razor was definitely more comfortable and shaved whiskers with no pulling.

I'm going to clean the other strop and see if I can try using it again...

Thanks to everyone for all your help... I'll have to try the EVVO idea to limit the drag if cleaning it doesnt help.