Squats

Most days I work out with my teenage son so I usually have a spotter, but he doesn't really work his legs that much and abandons me on leg days. So I end up doing hack squats instead of regular squats since I don't have a spotter. Other than the obvious lack of core stabilization that I don't get doing hack squats, am I better off continuing to do them with a lot of weight or should I do regular squats with less weight that I know I can comfortably control unspotted? source

Box Squats are actually supposed to be more difficult, but I find them easier as well. It might be mental as you have a safety place in case you fail at the squat. Therefore you can push yourself a bit more and not worry about not making the lift, you simply sit down and try the lift again. source

I really like to pre-exaust the quads with lots of leg extensions, leg presses and hack squats. By the time I get to squats, I don't have to go over 225. This saves me from the dreaded back pump and I think I'm probably keeping things pretty safe too. source

If your goal is to develop strong legs and a strong back - squats and deadlifts will definitely get you there. If your goal is to get bigger arms - you will need to train your upper body. Your arms might get slightly bigger from the squats and deads, but I don't think you will see the kind of growth that you're looking for. source

Maybe or maybe not on the more weight--grip is one factor, but balance is another. The bar raises the center of gravity, making the balance part harder. So it depends on which is more of a limiting factor for each person. source