FIM has the capability of producing multiple tops with one cut. Traditional topping usually results in the 2 nodes just under the cut becoming tops.

A week or so after the FIM you may notice 5 or 6 branches competing to be the main top where with traditional it's usually just 2 tops.

That is the difference as far as my experience has shown, I would be interested to hear others experience with it.
irydyum Reviewed by irydyum on . The result of FIM'ing vs. topping Can someone tell me what different effect on the plants these two procedures have? I've seen exactly how each procedure is performed, but I want to know what the difference is in the ultimate effect to the plant! My understanding of topping is that when you top the plant, growth focuses on the sidebranches and you get two smaller colas instead of one large one. For FIM'ing, I assume growth focuses on the side branches as well (maybe to a lesser extent), but what happens to the cola(s)? Rating: 5