[fizzwheel]

If you're gonig to ride through winter then IMHO get textiles, If you can afford it get something with Goretex and look after them properly.

Leather does give more protection, but thats no use on a freezing cold wet day, riding when your cold and wet is no fun and you're just as likely to have an accident when your cold and wet because your cold and wet and tired and not paying attention properly.

But if you're gonig to down the leathers route then IMHO dont bother getting cheap leathers they are a false economy, spend out a little more and get something thats decent ( dont assume named brands are decent ) and make sure they fit properly.

If your new to riding and its your first set of gear, then get textiles, you can always get leathers later on if you want to.