Can anyone recommend a good middle of the road bowl turning set . . . not too $$ . . . what "bowl" tools should it include?

The only tools you need for bowls is a bowl gouge. I'd suggest a 3/8" bowl gouge to get started. There are other tools that people use such as scrapers, but for the most part, a bowl gouge is all you really need.

There are many good bowl gouges available and I already have a few of them, but if I were starting from scratch, i'd check out http://www.thompsonlathetools.com/ and buy a gouge from them. I don't think he sells them with handles, but I prefer to make my own handles anyway, and he has good instructions on his site for making handles too.

Wade

Sheldon, You can pick up a cheaper set of high speed turning tools from Sears , Canadian Tire or maybe EBay. You can use these to learn on and see what you like. Lee Valley sell excellent tools. A Thompson Gouge was mentioned and is an excellent gouge made of a higher grade steel but are expensive. Oneway also make gouges of the same steel.
Hope this helps.
Norm