Just remember, your gear is your last resort, obviously more the better and as Doug mentioned, quality does make a difference. . In order of importance, your mental abilities is the most important, your decision making skills in operating your bike, knowing How, Where and What to look while at the same time, adjusting your position so that you're in the least vulnerable position against all of the X factors that may come into play. Secondly, if your mental skills fail, then you must rely on your physical skills. This is how well you are able to execute your corrective action, whether it's braking or swerving. How good are you? Practice makes perfect and your muscle memory is very important. And of course if your mental and physical skills fails, then it's your gear. The whole objective in riding is to make sure you have the ability to rely on your mental skills so that you never have to rely on your physical skills.