Well I have been lifting weights for the past 30 years or so. I have gone through different stages of lifting weights and many different programs.

currently the one thing that i am not 100% sure of is what is better doing max reps or trying to max out on weight.

For example. I like to bench. This is my favorite exercise and I think one that provides the fastest results for me.

I used to do something like this:
warm up - 10x light weight
MAX - lift the max I could lift 1 or 2 times
Slightly less than max - 3-5 x Max - 10 lbs
Less - 6-8 reps of Max - 20 lbs
much less 10-15 reps of lighter weight

Another thing I have done in the past was to focus on the lighter weight:
15 reps light weight x 3-5 sets.

I have gotten good results with both of these methods.

How about you? what is your lifting program?