To say a Trap Bar Deadlift is more of a Squat is false.
Trap Bar "More of a Squat"
While the Trap Bar does work the lower and upper back, it is more of a Quad Dominate Squat like movement. That due to the angle position. With the Trap Bar Deadlift a more vertical position is maintained, which decreases the loading on the spine, shifting it to the Quads.
As per Paul Swinton's research, "
Performing the deadlift with the hexagonal barbell significantly increased the peak moment at the knee and significantly decreased the peak moment at the lumbar spine and hip compared to the deadlifts performed with the straight barbell."
High Trap Bar Handles
Trap Bar training from from the High Handle position is comparative to Quarter Squats, a 'Quad Dominate" movement. Quarter Squats provide a greater carryover to the Deadlift than the Squat, due to the fact the starting position of the Deadlift is performed from essentially a Quarter Squat Position. Performing High Handle Trap Bar Deadlift/Squats increases your leg strength and drive off the floor; they are basically Quarter Squats.
Chris Thibaudeau, Strength Coach
As per Thibaudeau, with the Trap Bar "...the Body is put in the same mechanical position as the squat, ..."
Thibaudeau goes on to state,
"The high handle allows you to
use more weight which means
more stimulation on the upper back and traps..."
Hex Bar Jump Squat vs Hang Power Clean Power Output
Olympic movements produce some the highest Power Output (Research Dr John Garhammer). Ironically, Hex Bar Jump Squats rival the Power Output of Olympic Movements.
Hex Bar Jump Squat Power
The"...
maximum power output of 5,783.40 watts in the hex bar jump."
Optimal Loading Range for the Development of Peak Power Output in the Hexagonal Barbell Jump Squat
Hang Power Clean Power
"...a peak power output of 4,281.15 Watts in the Hang Power Clean .
Influence of Different Relative Intensities on Power Output During the Hang Power Clean: Identification of the Optimal Load.
Summary
1) Quad Dominate: Trap Bar Deadlifts are a Quad Dominate Squat movement. They are a good Auxiliary Deadlift exercise.
2) Power Movement: Trap Jump Squat are also a great Power Training Exercise; producing Power Outputs that rival Olympic Movements.
"... HBJS (Hex Barbell Jump Squats) with a training load between 10 and 20% of box squat 1RM optimizes peak power output."
Optimal Loading Range for the Development of Peak Power Output in the Hexagonal Barbell Jump Squat
Kenny Croxdale