I like shotgun chaps for schooling and general riding. I like my batwings for winter riding. And though I don't have chinks or armintas, they are good for being a bit cooler but still protecting your thigh, or rather the clothing, when roping and dragging.
The shotguns and batwings also protect your thigh while roping, they are just warmer.
I don't ride in cactus, thorny brush country. If I did, I'd probably go with batwings and taps.
I check out pawn shops around here when looking for used gear. I've picked up used tack from newspaper ads, ebay, and online classifieds, too. Check out ranch world ads, too, maybe.