Have you looked at the SOOM by Sachtler? I have one but unfortunately would never sell it. :happy:
It reaches 94.9 inches. Just under 8'. Comes with a built in hi-hat and the center pole easily comes off as a mono-pod. Really slick.
I have a Gitzo that gets well above my head (6') that I got off ebay for about $350. Not looking to sell mine, but there are always some good vintage Gitzos that you should be able to pick up for a good price.
I'm wanting to get a Soom, but the Gitzo does the job so far & this year has been so bad that I don't have the funds to upgrade to a Sachtler.
Even though the Gitzo is pretty slow to set up, I love it and will probably never get rid of it. One of the great things, besides the height & studiness, is the fact of how low it can go, w/ the head the camera is about 1' above the ground. I love having sticks that can go from 1'-7'!