OK, I guess I'll jump in here. As everyone knows I don't take it easy out on the trails unless the temps get above 90 degrees. I have hit the ground hard more times than I care to remember, clipped ruts/rocks with my boots, and have always come away uninjured since wearing proper gear. Anyways, not trying to be an ass here but, I think way too many people get worked up over buying the gear based on what it cost over what it actually does. Yes, more costly gear
tends to be better but at the same time that doesn't mean more affordable gear can't provide equal, or near equal, protection.
When I got back in to riding I did a lot of research in to gear before I purchased anything. I ended up buying some premium gear along with some very affordable gear. Everything has protected me more than adequately considering my lack of injuries vs hard get offs. My point being you don't necessarily have to spend big bucks to get good protection. Just do your research, talk with people who use the gear your interested in, search classifieds and clearance items, and make your choice!
My gear mix when I started back in '09:
Rockhard helmet - $149 (bought on clearance - rebranded Oneal 7 series) good helmet, still have it, just doesn't flow enough air for me.
AXO Boxer Enduro boots - $125 - came highly recommended by the guys over at Adventureriders.com, no broken buckles/straps, saved me countless times when catching rocks at high speeds, finally retired them 3 weeks ago. Still have life left in them but I got a really great deal on some new boots!
Shift Enforcer knee/shin guards - $15 - They have the scars to show they have saved me numerous times.
AXO Air Cage Pro pressure suit - $229 - My one piece of premium gear I went with. I have since replaced it due to wearing out the material that covers the padding from clipping trees/bushes/cactii, and crashing.
Scott 83 series goggles - $20 - cheap and effective. Replaced them about two months ago due to the strap loosing it's stretchiness and the foam was starting to deteriorate.
Oneal Sniper gloves - $25 - great feel but didn't protect the back of my hand like I prefer. Of course, most gloves fail here as well!
Current gear:
Klim F4 helmet - $149 on clearance (normally $400) nothing cools you as good as this helmet!
AXO Dart Pro boots - $120 on clearance (normally $339) Loving them so far! I report back in about 4 years!
Shift Enforcer knee/shin guards - $15 - yep, still using the exact same ones I bought in '09!
AXO Air Cage Pro pressure suit - $100 (brand new off of the TT classifieds!) yep, replaced my old one with the same piece!
Scott Recoil goggles - $19 - Scott's replacement for the old 83 series. Feel and work as good as the 83's.
AXO Air Force gloves - $35 - I picked these gloves as they provide protection for the back of my hands. Have held up well, great grip, and ventilate well.