can anyone recommend a good cheap boom pole? somewhere in the $100 - 150 price range?
caveat: I don't want to go the DIY route
is Gitzo a good brand?

Gitzo is a good starter, but if you can find a used KTek or something similar, it's worth the extra.
Keep in mind, you don't buy new boom poles like you'll buy new t-shirts. If cost is prohibitive, buy used or rent, until you can afford one of the better poles. For balance, noise transmission, and longevity of life...you can't beat a good pole, even if it costs you twice as much as a lesser quality one.
But...if you gotta have one now, and don't have the $$....Gitzo is a good starting point.

I started with Gitzo, and they're nice poles for the money. The K-Tek Avalon series is a huge step up though, and they aren't that much more money.

K-Tek Avalon -- is there a particular model that you might suggest for a 0 budget production? ;)

How about trying out a Rode Boompole (performanceaudio.com has them for about US$84) I've ordered one to try out. I have the K&M 23760 and a Gitzo G556,but from the pics of the Rode Boompole, looks like it's alot sturdier than both.

[redundant post]

i do like the gitzos. good pole for the price. I got a nice carbon fiber one that is light, strong and extends further than I need it to :P Comfortable pole too.

Here are some Avalon aluminum poles. I'd get at least a 9 footer.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=326966&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=326895&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=406098&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


I tried the Gitzo carbon fiber and wasn't crazy about it. Maybe I just wasn't used to it, but it seemed to flex an awful lot. It is long and nice and light though.