Box Squat VS Conventional Back Squat

What is the comparison of a box squat, sitting with a 1-2 second pause then an explosion up, to a normal back squat which is straight down and up.
 
I think box squats are a lot harder than regular, but it's probably because I have not-so-hot form anyhow. I have a slightly wider than shoulder width stance and when I sit, I lean back, forward and then explode up.
 
Anyway, question being - which, in your opinion, is more challenging and strength building, a deep back squat, or a 2" below parallel paused box squat?

well box squats are good for exploding out of the hole but not as much of a work out compared to squats. i think squats are more challenging and u will get stronger no matter what but box squats make squats easier. thats just my opinion. + there arent boxsquat competitions.

age.......19
weight..148
bench....290
squat....455
deadlift.465

Box squats are pretty much an assistance exercise.  So that when your body gets used to regular squats, the box squat will give your muscles a "shock" and will make it less possible to plateau, and you will be able to make solid steady gains.  I have also heard that the box squat places less stress on the knee joint.

Most everyone that lifts in westside barbell pretty much always does a form of box squats. And almost never do regular back squats.
Box squats help in exploding out of the hole
With box squats you don't have to guess how far down to go the desired height you just go down till you touch the box.
Louie Simmons said you can box squat more frequently although I don't know the science behind this, Louie said it so it must be true. Haha. But there is nothing like a traditional squat imo.

 "I will do today what you won't, so I can do tomorrow what you can't."
"There is no elevator to success, you must take the stairs."

The box squat would eliminate potential use of the hamstrings (IMO) since the hamstrings are eccentric stabilizers during a squat and most of the time when you see guys doing box squats - on the eccentric contraction they let gravity do most of the work.

Personal Trainer/Nutrition Consultant

If you want a big deadlift get some 11'' box squats done!

 

deadlifts: 550 lbs
bench press:370 lbs
militery press : 265 lbs
squat : 425
bw: 209