There are three good types of armor in Runescape, there is ranged armor for the Rangers in the game, there is mage armor obviously designed for the mages, and there is melee armor that is designed for everyone else. This tells about the melee armor found in the basic free edition of Runescape.
Medium Helmets – These in the free game will come in the bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune varieties. These offer some protection from combat. They will not hinder the player from using any form of attack, so it’s a good choice for those wanting to be able to do ranged and magic attacks as well as melee combat forms.
Full Helmets – In the free game, these helmets come in bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune forms. They protect better than the medium helmets. Magic is still a factor as it gives negative effects to those characters using magic and ranged attacks.
Chainmail – This ringmail in the free game will be seen in the bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune varieties. It is good against slashing weapons and does well absorbing the damage of crush attacks. It doesn't protect as much for stabbing weapons. It’s a good flexible choice for rangers, but mages will see that it hinders their spell casting ability.
Plate Armor – A heavier set than chain mail, plate sets will not be the armor of choice for rangers and mages because it hinders arrows and spells. It will be seen in the bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune varieties. It does very well for slashing and stabbing enemies but not as well against crush damage.
Square Shields – These big shields are good and only slightly less buffed than the kiteshield. They will be seen in the bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune forms in the free game edition. They are also a little more susceptible for the crush attack enemy you come in contact with.
Kiteshields – Kiteshields are good for crush enemies coming your way and have better defense even though it is the heaviest in the game. That weight may hinder magic and ranged attacks. They are a little more susceptible for the stabbing attack enemy you may come across in game. You can find these in the game as bronze, iron, steel, black, mithril, adamant, and rune.
Anti-dragon Shield – These don't do much for the armor value for your player but it will protect against dragonfire. Adding draconic visage to it and it will become a great dragonfire shield. It only comes in one variety.
Now that you know what will be available in the free edition of the role playing game Runescape, you can better know which armor is more suited for your playing style and character.