Old armor vs new armor

[Dogma]

What opinions do we have on older armor vs the latest?

I picked up a replacement jacket last weekend (Tour Master Intake Air 4 to replace my old Intake), and it comes with single-piece molded elastomer padding. It IS more comfortable, and I'm sure the savings from the simpler construction were passed on to the shareholders. They carry the same CE markings, but the coverage seems quite different, especially for the elbow. The rubber pad feels like it leaves the back of my elbow unprotected, while the hard shell part seems to cover more and definitely feels more securely positioned. For the shoulder, it's hard to tell a difference, but the hard shell makes it feel like there's something more substantial there. The hard shell definitely was the last line of abrasion resistance last fall, but the rubber pad may have spread loads differently to make the Nylon jacket shell last longer. I'm sure it would resist puncture injuries better too.

Now, the impression of more protection isn't the same thing as actually more protection. What information is available on pro/cons? Google isn't revealing much. Is this old vs new, or better vs cheaper? There are certainly many options available to upgrade.

https://goo.gl/photos/NFJ1zNiYidmoXpgx5

[Buffalo Bill]

Buy smart, not fashonable

Well, the zipper has come apart on my 2008 cowhide leather jacket with armor, and I decided to repair it myself.
I crashed in this jacket, so it's well tested and I have ultimate confidence in it.
I have another newer leather jacket with perforations, the same level of armor plus aluminum plates on the outer shoulders. I consider that upgraded armor.
I bought a Knox back pad insert that fits all my jackets, so I put that in any jacket I'll be using that day.
Here's a link for a good source: https://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/knox/