Stripping is a longer process so in young dogs its easier to do little n often, I described it in a previous thread as waxing instread of shaving but its not as painful for dogs.
Clipping is fine...in show cockers they are stripped and only the throat is clipped.
The puppy coat will eventually become dull and wispy so is best removed by either method.
Incidently I have a furminator for my Leo, I did try it on my cocker but I didnt find it worked it did say to use on breeds that moult.
I know through experience that once you start clipping and then decide to hand strip it is difficult to stripout.