There are three good types of armor in Runescape, there is mage armor obviously designed for the mages, there is ranged armor for the Rangers in the game, and there is melee armor that is designed for all other players. This article will tell about the melee armor found in the members paid edition of Runescape.
Medium Helmets – In the members edition of the game these will come in bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, rune, and dragon. They do well toward all types of combat and does light protection to the wearer. They will not hinder magic or ranged abilities.
Full Helmets – These will come in the bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, rune, and dragon varieties. Gives more protection than a medium helmet but also gives a negative effect to those wanting to do magic and ranged abilities.
Chainmail – Chainmail in the paid edition of the game will come in the different forms of bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, rune, and dragon. Chainmail is a ringmail form of armor and is very good in design for slashing and crush attacks you will come in contact with, however it doesn't do much for the stabbing attack. Its good for rangers as it is a flexible form of armor, however for mages it will get in the way of spellcasting.
Plate Armor – Members will be able to find bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, and rune forms. It is a heavier form of armor over chain mail and this heaviness will get in the way of the ability to do ranged and mage attacks. Its weak against crush attack enemies but very good against slashing or stabbing attacks.
Barrows Armor – A members only set that can be in the varieties of Dharok, Guthan, Torag, and Verac. It is found in the Barrows minigame and if you are pairing the armor and the weapon you'll get a set effect bonus too. It has a good Prayer bonus.
Granite Armor – A very tough armor available only in the members Runescape, requires a 50 defense and a 50 strength. It is even better than a rune armor set as it’s a solid rock piece. It has a good bit of defense against a ranged attack.
Third Age Armor – Rare and tough, this is found in the members paid edition. Good for melee fighters, it includes a shield in the armor set. Very well done for protection and armor values.
Bandos's Armor – The god of battle set of armor for members only. It is excellent in defense and the highest armor value. It will also make you look very intimidating to your foes.
Square Shields – In the paid edition of the game you can find these in bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, rune, and dragon forms. It is a good heavy shield with stat buffs only slightly less than a kiteshield, but it's more susceptible to a crush attack.
Kiteshields – Found in the paid edition of the game in the varieties of bronze, iron, steel, black, white, mithril, adamant, and rune forms. They have better defense than square shields and is not as handy when doing magic and ranged attacks. It is weaker against stabbing attacks.
Crystal Shield – Only found in the members edition of the game, you'll have to have 50 agility and the completion of the Roving Elves quest. It has a good defense against a ranged attack on you but not on magic attacks. With each defense it gives against damage, it will grow weak and turn into the crystal seed that it was grown from.
TokTz-Ket-Xil – This members only shield has a good defense almost similar to a rune kiteshield. It gives better buffs though, in the form of a +5 to strength and a great ranged defense.
Anti-dragon Shield – This shield is found in both the free and members editions of the game and it doesn't do much for you in an armor bonus, but it does protect against dragonfire. If you add a draconic visage it will become the Dragonfire shield.
Dragonfire Shield – A members only shield that provides excellent defense from dragonfire. It can absorb dragonfire for you to use against enemies later.
With all these great member's only pieces of armor and shields you can see why many go ahead and pay for full access to this very addictive game of Runescape.