I have yet to find a mount that is better than the Chief. The Peerless PRG-UNV mount really is a second best, and is a fair bit less.
I haven't seen anyone make anything else that comes in around where you are talking about. They are super cheap, or they are priced for what they are worth. You can shop eBay and pick up some good deals.
I mean, 12" to 18" of drop - that's an adjustable column. Why not go to Home Depot and get a column the exact length you need for your setup? That way it is perfect, and it is rigid and it will last forever. From Home Depot - about $15 or so for a proper 1.5" pipe.
A 1.5" plumbing flange connected to your ceiling for the ceiling connection point. Not a ton of cash and available at Home Depot as well.
That just leaves the mount.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHIEF-RPAMAUW-Elite-Projector-Mount-WHITE-New-in-Box-/191815813284?hash=item2ca91d08a4:g:JIMAAOSwWTRW07SZ
That one is brand new, on auction, starting under $100. It's the best on the market.
This one is a good solid product, but not as good as the Elite mount, but it may go for $50 or less...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chief-RPAU-Universal-Inverted-Projector-Ceiling-Mount-Black-Steel-50lbs-Max-/231855806735?hash=item35fbaed90f:g:ieIAAOSwPc9Wzdfs
And, it has the best universal mounting arms you will ever come across.
You could get this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chief-RPMA735-RPA-Custom-Elite-Projector-Mount-89532d10-/391393140821?hash=item5b20d96055:g:LaAAAOSwf-VWYJow
and pair it with this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cheif-Universal-Projector-Mount-/141912618909?hash=item210aa6b79d:g:jbkAAOSwezVWuTCS
So, for around $100 you end up with a complete RPMAU Elite Mount, in black.
Over the years I have picked up a number of Chief Elite projector mounts from eBay and I typically end up paying about 80 bucks or so for it. So, you can get the absolute best, and you don't have to shell out $200+ to get there.
Yes, the ceiling plate and the drop pole are extras, but you get exactly what you need instead of a one-size-doesn't-fit-all solution. And what you get will be rock solid.
