I recently stopped doing front squats due to bicep tendonitis in my left arm and I peaked at 215 for 5 reps. So now since I am unable to do front squats due to this tendonitis I have picked up pistol squats. Currently I am able to do 30 lbs for 5 reps.
I have three questions
Are pistol squats as good for leg strength gains and muscular hypertrophy as front or back squats are as it requires far more balance so not as much weight can be used. Reason I ask is I don't feel any DOMs the next day after doing them.
Are weighted pistol squats safe for the knee? Sometimes I worry I might tear something in my knee as I go ass to grass.
Would doing pistol squats improve my front or back squat max if I were ever to do these exercises again? If so is there formula to find my front/back max from my pistol max?
Thanks.