New to O+G and want to know whether I should go spears or hand weapons on them. I can't see any advantage over spears +1 str on the charge...

You are right spears is the best choice.

There are currently threads discussing this int he tactics section.

Spears!!!! Not only do you get +1 st from beng mounted and using them, you also get your choppas rule on top of that!! turns it into a nice cheap lance, or when you're fighting anything heavilly armoured: A can opener. :)

It kinda depends on what the role of the boar boyz is in your army.
But 90% of the time spears are way more usefull and definately worth the points.

A str 5 (or 6 if you are using big uns) charge is just very nice to have around.