I've just got a radio shack tripod based one and a proline boom arm. Goes a good 9'. If it's windy you really don't want to go higher than that. And having the boom arm to bend to favor the incline of the land is a plus. Plus the clutch to drape cords over or use as a tie down point. But very wobbly in wind, plus top heavy, and I rarely exceed more than 2/3 extension on all segments +/- depending on wind. I'd recommend a good light stand. Designed for heavier gear and way cheaper than mic stands. Wider base, and other things. A good clamp too. Maybe even a wooden dowel to fill in the top tube to avoid over clamping. If you're cheap a stereo bar ($10) and a couple hose clamps ($0.50) to rig up to the stand. If you need something cheaper or lighter, I'm sure there's a way to rig something up with PVC. Although at that height you'd need a good diameter pipe, and other issues.