[Gregstrom]

I think it's more complicated than that. To the best of my knowledge, flexible armours (the various sorts of mail) weren't terribly good at stopping maces - even with padding (which was present as standard) a solid hit was likely to break bones. Rigid plate would be good protection, though. Full plate was not supposed even to dent, as dents would normally restrict the user's mobility.

Edit: Ninja'd! Dammit.