ProtectiveVests???

Hey guys, I have been hearing a lot about protective gear lately.. I have always just worn a simple leather jacket. Does anyone recommend protective vests and things like that?? Let me know what you guys think on the subject, I have found a few that I like but I want to hear feedback about them before I buy anything. Thanks. Looking forward to hearing your opinions.  

Your best bet is to buy a proper motorcycle-specific riding apparel instead of a "protective vest" or the like under a regular leather jacket.  

My favorite piece of "protective gear" is a $10 safety vest from the flea market. Zip-up, part mesh, blaze orange with six 2" wide reflective stripes, rated for work crews alongside high-speed traffic (class 3).

Won't help in a crash, but definitely ensures cagers have to work at not seeing me.  

I am all for the protective jacket.  I have one for summer (mesh) and one for winter.  I have ridden from Florida to Virginia in the middle of summer with the mesh jacket, and was comfy the whole time, and the winter jacket has been awesome even in the 20's.  If you have ever put a bike down, you know how easy it is to jack up your forearms and shoulders...these jackets with their armor really minimize that damage.  I also always wear the proper protective boots.  Ride safe my friend....makes the experience so much more enjoyable.