Thank you @Bumpkin @Helmut Visor for the replies, much appreciated. In response to the shell jacket tearing up, I've read plenty about normal jackets being the same, even expensive rukka jackets in slow speed accidents. No personal experience though.
I would say that they maybe a little stiffer, though that's probably due to the fact that my Rokkertechs are now at least four years old, have had a lot of wear and have been washed numerous times. In terms of fit I went with the Taylor straight fit. The Pioneer slim fit, that I would have otherwise chosen, wouldn't go over my boots. I would say that the Taylors are not too far from my Rokkertechs. Armour location is good in comparison to the Rokkers, though mine are of the older type, non adjustable and shaped armour (I did try 3DO Ghost armour but it just slid in the pockets). The armour in the John Doe jeans locates across quite a wide area and affixes with Velcro, seems to work very well. The knee armour is thin like the 3DO Ghost, a little stiffer maybe but shaped. Once warmed by body heat it was comfortable. I've noticed that on the John Doe website that they do waist sizes for every inch, rather than every other. I've called the shop and changed my order from a 32" to a 33". 34" was a bit slack, 32" a tad snug. Thanks for prompting me to have a further look. SportBikeShop didn't seem to carry John Doe in the showroom, looking on their website you need to arrange for them to be there the next day. Same as most of the kit I tried yesterday. And I had dropped into The Biker Company in Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago and discussed the jeans at some length but didn't have my Daytona Arrow Pro Air boots with me to see if they would go over them. Thought it best I went back there, supported and spent my cash with a local retailer.
