Yes you are correct. They tend to yield the same amount.. BUT, the way they yield is the big difference...

When you top, FIM, or LST, you're forcing the plant to increase the amount of branches and bud points.
This causes the plant to produce more buds in quantity, but not size or quality!!

Let me explain..

All of the energy/nutrition that would have gone to 1 branch/cola, is now separated between 2-3 colas, because you forced it to do so.
Now, it takes 2-3 branches to produce the same amount that 1 branch could've produced before!
So the buds will be 2-3x smaller, not as dense, and not as potent!


It all depends on the appearance you want, and what you want to harvest..


For example..
If you want a taller plant, with 50 large, dense, potent buds, leave it untopped.
If you want a shorter/wider plant, with 150 small, airy, less potent buds, top it.

:thumbsup: