@Dansmoker,
Hey Mate,
I try to defoliate mostly during veg, because the plants can handle it better.
So I have my setup mostly done before they're going into flower.
I'm not a big fan of hardcore defoliation, I try to give the bud sites as much space as possible. Any other leaves which do not cover the buds, will stay.
Hope this helps a bit.
Cheerz and good luck.
O.