Power Clean vs Squat Clean Question

[kfancy]

Mr. Rippetoe,

I had a question about power cleans vs. squat cleans. Please bear with me.

I am returning to Starting Strength after having been on other programs for a while. I find that I have the missed the straightforward progression and relative simplicity of only having to deal with five different lifts. I have been searching through the section on the power clean in your book to answer my question, but I have been unable to find it.

If it matters:
Age: 19
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165 lbs
Squat: 285 lbs
Deadlift: 315 lbs
Bench Press: 215 lbs
Press: ??? lbs (have not maxed my press in a while)
Squat Clean: 185 lbs
Power Clean: ??? lbs

So here is my question. I haven't focused on the power clean since doing your program, instead favoring the squat clean. Even at low weights, I always drop into a full front squat to receive the bar. I think I have somehow unlearned how to power clean. Before I embark on your program again, should I relearn how to power clean with light weights? I understand that it would not be Starting Strength without the power clean..

Please help!

Kristian

[Mark Rippetoe]

Are you a competitive weightlifter?

[kfancy]

No, I am not. I am nowhere near strong enough, hahaha.

[Mark Rippetoe]

At least you recognize that more than technique is involved. For our purposes the power clean is preferred because the weight must be pulled higher. So it would be better to learn to do it that way.

[kfancy]

That makes sense. Thank you, Mr. Rippetoe. I will relearn to power clean.

[Audun Runde]

... For our purposes the power clean is preferred because the weight must be pulled higher...

Mark: Thank you for this sentence -- it so conscisely summarized the argument for using the power clean and also made the logic behind the argument very clear. The key, at least for me, is in the 'for our purposes' part ...