For quad growth
For quad growth, hack squat rates well ahead on our research criteria: more of the work on the quads, more stretch.
Belt squat is easier on the joints.
Both are good choices that train the quads the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
The research score comes from these, scored by hand from the studies. Lifter scores appear once an exercise has 10 ratings. How scores work
Belt Squat. Loads the legs from the hips, so the quads work hard with no weight on the spine.
Hack Squat. Deep knee bend under stable, heavy load: the quads are clearly the limiter.
For quad growth, hack squat rates well ahead on our research criteria: more of the work on the quads, more stretch. Belt squat is easier on the joints. Both are good choices that train the quads the same way, so they swap freely. Rotating between them every few weeks is an easy way to vary your training.
About the same: both are easy to learn.
Belt squat needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise. Hack squat needs a machine, so for most people it’s a gym exercise.
Belt squat: it rates Excellent for joint and recovery cost in our research rubric, against Strong for hack squat.