Research Published in 2012 showed Greater muscle activation from Free-weight squats compaired to smith machine squats by 26% in the Biceps,34% in the calf muscle and 49% in the vastus medialis, which is the tear shaped quad muscle, while using a 8 RM Load.SO..,the Short answer is NO! Free-Weight barbell squats Activate the Quads MUCH MORE than Smith Machine squats