Newb buying gear, confused by the options

[TorontoBoy]

I buy gear new and used, always in person. I too, have a short financial leash.

For gloves, you need to try them on to see if they fit your hands. Gloves can be expensive but are worth the extra cost for better protection and comfort. I recommend buying gloves from a retail store in your area, where you can try them on. Gauntlets are better, covering your wrist so that air/bees don't go up your sleeve. If you are not racing you may not need the hard outer shell. The palms of gloves are problematic as you don't want them too thick so you can't feel the bike but thick enough to withstand a crash. Kangaroo leather is excellent, stronger and thinner than cow. I bought a set of Held Steves (brand name is Held, German) and their fit is excellent. While they are spendy they are very comfortable and have kangaroo palms. I will spend more on gloves than pants or boots.

For pants, try A*. I have a pair of their mesh pants and find them excellent. Any leather, textile or mesh pants are better than jean material. Leather is very abrasion resistant but hot, heavy and expensive. Textile and mesh work different from leather. The textile/mesh will hold the inner armour in place, so that when you crash the armour takes the hit and provides abrasion resistance. The textile/mesh can wear through but you will still be protected. Textile/mesh can be considered one time crash only, though you may get lucky. Personally I have no issues with either textile or mesh material. For the most part, if the garment fits you well, both will provide good protection. Textile is better for cooler weather and in the rain. Mesh is cooler when it's hot outside. The best gear is the gear that you will wear all the time.

For boots I wore steel toe construction boots for a couple of years, until I could afford a pair of motorcycle specific boots. I found that my construction boots were more comfortable and have not worn the motorcycle boots very much.