I have a Spidi 2 piece I use now that is tough, I tried out my friend's roo leathers and the only large difference was the weight...they were light, and more flexible (or maybe it was just the fact that they were top $$ & quality).
As for boots, I have the Sidi vertebrae...I have used all leather ones and plastic heeled before these and these are by far superior. The all leather ones my heel smacked hard once on a lowside and I felt it hard. The plastic solid piece ones would cut into my leg after a while. The verts are flexible...nice. Go out and try stuff on and see what you like......
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..............and steve, you are a dork man....