Damn! This old thread was on my list of threads that I never go to 4 the most part. Shit! Sorry.
But yeah, on this particular plant/strain, she loved to be LST'D from the get go. So I went ahead and thought I would try something new with her. "Braided" her right up. She didn't like it at 1st, and she lost a few leaves. But once she took to it, she exploaded with new growth! She also became more bushy, filling in nicely along her bottom half. I had 6 300 watt CFL'S running along on the ground for the bottoms. And at that time had the 600 watt HPS & 800 watt LED beating down on her tops.
Everything was going great with her, she had even started show pistols (bud formation) along her tops. They where all nice and even if I may add 2.
I had sit the damn fan ontop of a counter top (thinking it was secure)! Then bash!!
The damn fan had scooted its way off the counter!! She split right down her main stalk, all the way down to the base of the container she was in.. I tried like hell to patch her up with electric tape, but just was to much of a break. I've split others before LST'N them, and had to tape those up and they did just fine.
But not this 1..
I was seriously thinking about trying another.
Here's my thought on the Braided beast.
As long as the stalk isn't too think, Pinch both at the start of the braid. AFTER the flip.
As long as your tops have changed over to bud production, you will not have to do anything else braid-wise...
Lay them down and drop your lights closer. or if you happen to be doing it outside, just leave her. lol
This should increase the light penetration that all these haters seem to be bashing you about.. I do beleive you are correct with the massive braided bud. Outdoors standing up, it may cause caterpillar, mold, or other pest problems. Indoors you can control it a little more.
obviously this is all IMO
You know your shit. I'm just learning mine. lol
Again take care bro....