Quote from Thunderdog:
I know what you mean. However, going below a 90-degree angle is courting knee trouble down the road if you're pushing heavy weights. I try to go as close to 90 degrees as I can figure. Also, years ago someone suggested that the seat be placed on as steep an angle as possible, so that you are almost sitting up, as compared to reclining. I find that this helps to focus on the quads much better. As an aside, our leg press has an adjustable protective mechanism so that the kind of injury you referred to does not happen.
Well, that's actually old school thinking. Nowadays its considered better to go ATG (ass to the grass/ground) because it puts less pressure on the knees. Plus it'll work out more of your legs and lower back. In powerlifting competitions its always ATG (I don't mean literally to the ground, but past 90 degress for sure)
I'm getting to the point of HIT training with squats.