I picked up a Bodger 1/2 inch bowl gouge about a year ago and have had real good luck with it. Only paid $20/30 for it. I guess the real thing is that the longer I've had it ,the better I am at sharpening it and the better it works:dontknow: It fits the budget and got the job done
I got the Harbor freight good set for about $39 on sale, they are HSS and work fine as a starter set. They always go on sale or you can get a 20% off coupon lately, if you are willing to wait a couple of weeks.