For the price, this is an amazing wheel for a beginner. I got mine because I don't have access to my school's pottery wheels during the summer, and so far it has worked pretty well. It comes with a whole bunch of trimming tools, a couple wood and metal ribs, a wire clay cutter, an apron and a round sponge. The tools aren't bad, but the quality of the handles is somewhat rougher, although it doesn't much affect the effectiveness of tools. The sponge is plastic and feels lower quality.
The wheel itself is pretty good, although after using it for a while there is a slight knocking noise. I don't know what it is from, but it doesn't seem to affect the performance of the wheel. It does not have pins for attaching plastic bats to the head, but I just attached my wooden bats from hobby lobby using a piece of clay that I keep on the wheelhead. The splash guard is sturdy and keeps the mess most contained.
The wheel is short, so if it is too low you can just raise it up with a box under it. I just use a lower chair.
The wheel speed is controlled with a plastic footpedal, but it does feel fairly sturdy. The wheel direction has two modes of clockwise and counterclockwise. I use the counterclockwise direction because I am right handed
Overall, for about $120 usd, this wheel is amazing for a beginner. It comes with basic tools to get started with pottery, and I would recommend.
Additional notes:
apron ripped at the strings to tie when I wasn't careful, so be careful
Make sure to have all the pottery necessities such as a water bucket, drying board, etc
Have a space big enough for all your pottery tools and supplies. I put my wheel in my basement under the stairs
Happy throwing!
Heather 
