After checking out the basic ace-250 sports package link provided by Patriot1776, this sounds like too good a deal for a beginner to pass up.
I have only used the AT Pro and the Garrett Pro Pointer so I can't comment on any other metal detector or pin pointer, but, since I've hunted with MDers who have used other machines, I could eliminate some others based on price and accessory choices.
I have stuck with the AT Pro because I couldn't imagine meal detecting without the rolling audio the Pro-Zero mode affords and the choice of coils available to fit this machine.
The selection off a Garrett product, considering their wide range of metal detectors available, excellent track record for dependability and follow-up product support is a no-brainer.
And, just in case you're asking, "no" I'm not a agent for Garrett. I've just had a good experience with their products and don't mind endorsing them to someone wanting to spend money on a metal detecting product.
I think the ace-250 package, a Garrett Pro Pointer II and a decent digging tool is a pretty good choice for a first time metal detector hobbiest, and it affords a pretty good training base for selection of more complex machines as your skills and finances permit.
AT Pro/GPP-AT/Fiskars Diggers