So when you practice or cut, do it easily. You don't need an ear- splitting pop every time. You don't need the loud pop because the audience has just heard it. I do this and nobody has ever accused me of cheating. Don't hold the whip too tightly.
Timing is everything.
Trying to make the whip pop quietly teaches you far more about control, timing and feel than a huge blast does. Anywhere that there is clearance above and below. Watch the loop travel past your shoulder and down the length of the whip to where it flutters at the end. That's the cut point. Have someone stand off to the side of the target to see if you are popping short or beyond the target.