For years I used a simple clamp on top of a sturdy lightstand and put an eight foot long 3/4" galvanized pole from Home Depot. (this is the clamp)
I regularly used it for my Norman (or Alien Bee) head with barn doors and a few gels. I counter weighted it with a C-Clamp that heal a canvas bag full of sand in Ziploc bags.
Last year I bought a $75 Dyna Tran light stand with boom arm. It's very sturdy and has held up quite well. I would recommend it for general studio use.