 David, just thought I'd point out that the thread's from 2005. No problem with you posting but just incase you're expecting a response from people who posted before, you might not get one.
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In defense of Trail they do review makes/models that are hard to find in most retailers. They do provide a list of what to look for in a boot as the first page for you to review for yourself. They normally say things like "buy if you have a narrow foot". As for the Scarpa SL and manta - I teach Winter skills and find the SL is useless - I wear them for summer and would never consider a 3/4 season/B1 boot suitable for mountain walking in winter. Much of my teaching invovles developing boot as a tool skills to aoid the use of crampons. You cannot kick/slash steps with the rounded edge soles o SLs and they would torque out of steps slashed. maybe they are OK on the flat but how many walks do you do in winter that don't involve even short sections of ascent or descent. The SLs require the use of crampons on most slopes when it is neve. The Manta has improved as a winter boot - it's previous models again were too flexible and had too much rolling action to be a good winter boot - It shouldn't have won the test until this year. Rolling action is great for walking on the flat but the curved sole means it is harder to kick flat pigeon holes and the boot glances off the slope when slashing side steps up the slope. A flat sole is better for these techniques. Now that the manta has a flatter sole and is a stiffer B2 boot it is better for kicking/slashing steps and is more secure whilst walking in them. The loss of rolling action is hardly noticeable when walking on snow. It now encompasses the most useful features of B3 mountain boots but at a better price. Only problem is that They don't do half sizes thus xcluding half the market. For a safe boot in winter always wear at least a B2 boot, otherwise you'll be cramponing a lot more than you should, with increased risk of snagging the snow, the other crampon, your gaiters then taking a spill. Or just working your calves and heels more.
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 I think the old real heavy pre SL Manta, the one before the ankle flex system is the best for kicking and slashing steps and is a much stiffer boot than the current ones, Although i do like my current rubber rand clad Manta's, it's a pitty i brought a pair of GSB Crampons to go with them! End of the day Manta's if they fit you are a very good boot and are made from Blue Suede so give an Elvis type quality!
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I didn't think mods were into Elvis - I thought that was the Rockers thing?
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 I'd rather skip along in my B0 rated boots and G10s than be clumping about kicking and cutting steps. I only wear my B2 boots if I'm going to be climbing. Telling people they must wear B2 boots at the very least for winter walking is bonkers.
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 But Sean, I think your experience means this is okay. The chance of knackering ankles is far greater in soft boots, the chances of cold feet infinitely greatened, crampons popping off if adjusted incorrectly... For a beginner and someone who wants to learn solid, important techniques, stiff boots are necessary. I wear B3s all winter and as a result rarely have to don crampons until I'm climbing and never worry about cold feet.
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Of course, Mr F. Learning the techniques is important and I'm always telling folk to get themselves some professional instruction, but that's vastly different than telling people they must wear stiff boots in order to be safe. If you're happy in B3s all day then that's fine, but for general winter walking a fully stiffened climbing boot makes no sense at all to me.
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 trainers & microspikes (if it's really icy) 
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Do be careful, Tim lad. Some of those slopes in Tesco carpark can be lethal 
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Mods aren't into Elvis! everybody knows Take That! are the true Mod band. Burnt me Parker when they spilt up! But they have reformed! so the Mod revival is back on!
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 Burnt me Parker when they spilt up! But they have reformed! so the Mod revival is back on!
You set fire to Lady Penelope's butler? REAL mods wear parkas.... 
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