Spartan 085

Getting the best armour in the game all depends on your play-style. If you prefer speed and stealth classes like wizards and thieves over maximum protection and tanks like the warrior class, light armour is more of a fit for you as it allows you better speed and stealth but for a cost, it quickly breaks down and doesn't provide as much protection. On the other side, for those that like taking a sword to the opposition and be up close and personal, heavy armour is the better option. It provides better protection but at the disadvantage of making the wearer slower and easier to detect.

There is twelve(12) types of armour and weapons in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for you to choose from. At different levels, you gain the ability to wear them or to begin using them as weapons. Also remember that Magic armour and weapons are available two levels higher than their non-magical equivalents. They are as follows:

Light Armour Heavy Armour Level

Fur Iron 1
Leather Steel 3
Chain Dwarven 6
Mithril Orcish 10
Elven Ebony 15
Glass/Amber* Daedric 20

So obviously, from the chart you can tell that Glass and Daedric armor and weapons are the best gear you can use. If you have the Shivering Isles add-on as well, you can use Amber armour and weapons also.

Also, to recharge your magical armour and weapons, you do need soul gems in order to complete the process. Otherwise, you have to go to a vendor and fork out money to have them recharge it. The way to get the Soul Trap spell is to learn it from one of the Mages in the Leyawiin Mages Guild house. It is an Apprentice skill level spell so you'll need to be at least level 25 before you are able to use the spell. After that, just cast Soul Trap on any creature before you kill them and they will be put in the smallest Soul gem you contain in your inventory. Then you can use that gem to recharge your armour or weapons.