My experience is pretty limited compared to most of the guys that replied already, but I have sailed on both and I prefer mesh, both were wet rides, I raced all last season on the mesh we race with a pretty broad group of people, I've seen people wearing volleyball style knee pads, I just put up with it for a couple weeks until the calluses build up on my knees. Being in the early phase of my sailing career I immediately jumped on the mesh wagon once i heard that it is less of a capsize aid than vinyl, after that my thought process was that it would something very significant to change my mind. On top of that my perception on our lake was that all of the fast guys had mesh. So, I'm on a mesh tramp now. On hot summer days the extra spray is great, on days where I'm pushing my limits I like knowing that I don't have another variable to worry about. Early and late in the year I just dress appropriately.
With all that said, I picked up a 16 this weekend for some parts that I need. I has a 3 piece Hobie brand heat sealed mesh tramp in good shape (8 out of 10 I would say) Black with blue hiking straps. Right now it is an extra to me so if you are interested let me know. I'll be posting it here soon but I'll give you a chance to reply. $240 shipped
Pretty much this
http://sailsportmarine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=120Good luck making a choice, you'll have fun either way.