O K. I got to test mine out a couple weeks ago, so here's my take.
I own three jackets: First Gear Mesh Tex, Joe Rocket Phoenix, and Bikers Dream Naked Leather Racer.
I was wearing the First Gear and a pair of Draggin' Jeans when I went down in gravel-over-asphalt (a-hole in an SUV) at about twenty mph. Tore the right rear pocket off the jeans and bruised my butt, Kevlar saved me from rash and probably imbedation of rocks. Landed on my right elbow. The armor worked superbly, no damage to my elbow at all-not even a bruise. The ballistic nylon just got scuffed a little.
If you're gonna play, wear protection.
