Hey guys, I am shopping for a bunch of new stuff. So I figured I would pick your collective brains and see what you think of what I want so far.

Helmet - I already have one, a Shoei rf-1000

Jacket - http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1237&id=6411
Whats the difference between mesh and textile? Because there is a very similar jacket that is textile but it costs $65 more.

Shoes - http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1240&id=5807
I would get these in black.

armor - http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1241&id=5832
Now here's where I'm stumped. I'm not sure if these are what I think they are cracked up to be. I want to get them and probably will, unless someone has some experience with them and they suck.

um I think thats it for now. I want your opinions on any of this. Thanks!

Mesh will flow much more air, textile will protect you much better. I ride with mesh in the spring-fall, but I don't have a whole lot of faith in it at high speeds. Makes it seem kind of pointless, I guess, but it's better than nothing.

Mesh is better vented - ie, cooler, temperature wise. I'm not sure about this, but i think mesh is a tad bit less protective than straight up textile.

Those Icon low rise boots are nice for if you are riding to work or some place you'll be doing a lot of walking around. If you are looking for boots strictly for riding, I'd definitely get something that comes higher up your leg. If you can swing it, get the low rise and taller ones.

The knee shin armor is highly recommended if you don't have pants with armor built in. I don't have that particular style, but want to get it soon. The ones I have are great protection, but I don't like the way they strap on (I can already hear the jokes coming from that one).

If it helps to think about it this way - the difference between textile and mesh is like the difference between solid and perforated leather. Mesh is considered a must in extremely hot areas and, if you feel the draw to mesh gear, I encourage you to look at what material is used. I like that the Arc jacket has leather going across the shoulders and arms, it's just the textile material that's a question mark. While the jackets might look cool, I'd be more confident in a company willing to tell me exactly what they're using. Some examples:

Vanson Vent Max 3 - 1000 Denier Cordura (http://www.vansonleather.com/product_pages/jackets/vx3.htm)
Olympia Airglide - 500 Denier Cordura (http://www.olympiamotosports.com/airglide/airglide.htm)
Fieldsheer High Temp - 1000 Denier Hitena/Maxtena (http://www.fieldsheer.com/2008site/ff/productspage/HighTempMeshJacket.htm)

Denier is an indication of abrasion resistance. I wouldn't go lower than 500 and, until I see reason otherwise, I'd put more faith in Cordura than Hitena. Of course, leather is preferable to anything else, and a perforated jacket should be comfy up to 90 or so.

With the shoes - as DJ said, they'll be fine as a general purpose boot. If you're mainly wearing them for riding protection, though, you'd be much better with a full length boot. Aside from the extra protection, you also usually have better feel for the controls.

As far as the leg armor goes - you're better off with purpose-built riding pants/overpants. That armor will absorb an impact, but offers no abrasion resistance. Though it's easy to skip putting on the pants, I don't see that being much more likely than skipping on the kneepads. If you decide to go the kneepad route, at least get some kevlar-reinforced denim to wear on top.