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As a coach who makes fairly unconventional choices in terms of exercise selection and the equipment used to load exercises, the most common question is how do clients who train with unconventional implements fare when they try out the regular toys.
A barbell back squat is the norm to gauge squatting strength. Whereas I love using the ladder squat for clients. The two main reasons for preferring the ladder squat: 1. It's just easier to learn. The rack position is much more comfortable than the barbell squat.
But the question remains: How does it translate into a better barbell squat?
Here's one example. Sandhya uses the single leg squat as her primary squat. She uses the ladder to load a Cook squat (opposite hip held in flexion) or a stagger stance. She uses the heavy ladder and has loaded it through 70 kgs and 80 kgs.
She tried a barbell squat. And at bodyweight of 47 kgs, she managed a 75 kg squat for 5-6 reps. She needs to train the rack position better. That means the shoulders need to get used to rolling back. The thoracic spine needs to get better at remaining in extension or hyper extension. And the hip hinge kicks in to ensure that the barbell remains over her mid-foot i.e. maintaining the external load over center of mass. As she does these things, her back squat will get better. But the bigger takeaway is a back squat at 1.6 times BW means her legs are willing and able to handle enough load despite not training with the tool.
If you are training for a powerlifting meet, the barbell squat is indispensable. You can't train for a tennis match with a badminton racket. But if the barbell is not available or you don't feel comfortable, don't fret. There are many squat variants and tools you can use to get the same outcomes: stronger and more robust legs.