I am a level 16 and i still only come across steel armor for the most part, however today i got an ebony shield, which was the first ebony i have seen in the game.

I havent done much dungeon diving yet, i just played through my most anticipated questlines and now i plan on finding some treasure.

Are you supposed to get better items as you level up? or are the good items just hidden behind tough enemies so you basically have to be a high level to get through them?

I have some powerful stuff from quests ive done but i could use some better enchanted jewelry and boot for sure i cant wait to see what i find withink the next week.

Depends, usually from dungeons you don't get much better armour than fur, hide or sometimes iron if your level 10 or so. But you can buy steel and sometimes find it if you're lucky. Or make it in Whiterun at the blacksmith, just buy the materials (they're pretty cheap) inside and use the forge outside. I made my leather armour that way and have been using it up until I got the Thieve's Guild stuff.

Yeah the Thieves guild stuff is really nice I have glass armor right now its alright.

I dont plan on joining the theives guild right now maybe after the companions and dark brotherhood so i wont be getting that armor anytime soon. Also i havent come across and glass yet.

Right now i have teh Archmages robes, one of the masks you get from the powerful enemy guys with good armor and enchantments, some enchanted gauntlets and elven boots.

I also have enchanted neckalace and ring, but i picked them up my enchanting skills are not good at all yet so i cant make anything good.

best ive found was glass armor...best ive made was ebony armor upgraded and enchanted. I love the look of the armor, combined with the ebony bow and arrow. im deadly not silent...like a fart in the wind.

At level 16 you should allready get Dwarven Armor from the Dealers.

ah well i never buy things ever, i only sell and spend my money on skills and just take armor from dead enemies and such. i have a bunch of elven and steel and orcish blades, ill check for some dwarven armor tomorrow.

Well on my warrior i've had dwarven armor since level 8ish, i love the way it looks. Still doesn't help out all that much on master

Level 30 and all I find is Elven and the occasional Dwemer. I've already made Ebony (upgraded) and Dragon Bone (upgraded).

I'm a sneaky archer - I just wear a black, non-enchanted robe.