Efficient Class Organization with Sub Classes and Variables in Java -

i creating data system hold variety of items game , not sure organizational style more efficient. example have item class, making subclass of weapon , subclass of melee extends weapon more or less efficient creating several variables in item class holds whether weapon or armor or other , holds if melee or ranged or helmet..etc. or combination of these efficient , organized point flexible manipulate?

the question broad, speaking best make subclasses opposed storing excessive variables in base item.

start bases , work way down.

public class item {     private string name;     ... }  public class weapon extends item {     ... }  public class melee extends weapon {     ... }  public class ranged extends weapon {    ... } 

this way can define things like

public class dagger extends melee {     ... } 

and won't have worry defining fields common items, name.

it won't design problem, since game may want @ lightweight java game library if haven't already.