How many of you out there ride with protective wear? I realize that you can never be too safe, and it probably depends on what type of riding you do. I'm just looking to get some opinions from you senior riders about your experiences with them. It seems like the market is full of different ones for just about every body part imaginable, I'm a beginner so I know I need some, but which ones? I don't want to look like the michelin man strapped on a board, but I don't want to be the idiot who breaks a wrist and misses a season because I was too cheap or ignorant to buy the stuff. Lemme know what you guys think.

Protective gear is all optional.  I almost always wear a helmet and goggles.  (I have a Giro Nine helmet and I love it!)  They are nearly essential.  Not many people use butt and wrist guards; although I can tell you that they are much more common for:

1) East coast / Icey mountains (the harder the snow the harder the fall)
2) Beginners (more falls = more chance of injury)
3) Those who have had prior injuries or who are more likely to become injured

Also, if you are riding rails you might want to consider shin guards.  I bashed the hell out of mine on a rail-slide 50/50 that went bad a couple years back and was lucky to get away with just a bad scar.  Could have broken my leg!

i definetly agree with the shinguards. I did the same thing as frosty and it hurt like none other. I also recommend small volleyball knee pads for east coast riding.