Alphakoka said
How heavy are they again?
Chain Mail, contrary to popular belief, is often heavier than plate armor. In addition, the articulation of the plates offers superior mobility as opposed to the chain (which bunches up at places like knees and elbows when moving). Granted, a plate-and-chain ensemble is one of the more protective forms of armor... but it greatly restricts movement as opposed to a simple breastplate with simple gauntlets and boots.
MelonHead said
Until you see me hit something with a mace this study is inconclusive
ACTUALLY... Maces are approved weapons in the SCA. Many people use them for just that reason, that they are heavy and you can't just shrug off a mace-hit. That said, even swung full force, the HDPE armor we wore did reduce the impact quite a bit.