Some protective clothing for motorcyclists includes armored areas
which help protect the rider from impacts in the event of a crash. 
This armor comes in three basic types:  hard, soft, and single-use.

Many manufacturers and resellers claim that their armor is the best,
but these claims are self-serving.  In particular, some manufacturers of
soft armor claim that their armor provides more protection than the
hard variety, but this claim defies intuition.  Anecdotal information
from individual riders is interesting but not really conclusive.  What
independent test data on motorcycle armor is available?  Which type
(or types) of motorcycle armor provides the most protection?  What do
the racers wear?

One example of hard and soft armor is: 
http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/armor1.htm

A manufacturer claiming to have soft armor superior to the typical hard armor:
http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/home.html

Thanks!

--mkb

I'd go for Knox armour every time, I have seen cases where lives have
been saved due to a back protector.
www.planetknox.co.uk (or .com?)
I just wouldn't wear anything else, we even use it when snowboarding!!

Kate